Follia — Restaurant in Lake Forest

A Mixed Experience at Follia in Lake Forest

Last night, my wife and I joined another couple for dinner at the new restaurant “Follia” in Lake Forest. I’ve never written a review before, but this experience compelled me to share.

Let me start with the positives: the food was excellent, and the service was truly outstanding. Every dish at our table was well-prepared and thoughtfully presented. The staff was attentive and professional throughout the evening.

However, our overall experience was overshadowed by the restaurant’s puzzling and inconsistently enforced dress code. Upon arrival, we requested to dine indoors due to the heat, only to be informed that I could not be seated inside because I was wearing shorts. For context, I was dressed in pressed khaki shorts, a tucked-in dress shirt, and black loafers—neat and appropriate by most standards. We were told “no shorts allowed,” so we reluctantly agreed to sit outside.

Despite the heat, we stayed, largely due to our guests and the appealing menu. Throughout the evening, we watched several other couples in similar attire receive the same treatment—turned away from indoor seating and directed outside. That is, until a group of women in shorts arrived and were promptly seated indoors.

Later, the owner visited our table. He first commented on the luxury watch my friend was wearing (because it matched his), and then proceeded to say, “Our patrons don’t like seeing men’s legs while dining.” I asked, “But outside is fine?”—to which he offered no meaningful reply. Others dining outside noticed and shook their heads in shared disbelief.

One final oddity: when my friend asked to use the restroom, he was told he had to leave the restaurant, go upstairs, and use a public bathroom—not something you’d expect from a restaurant with fine-dining aspirations.

In the end, while we all enjoyed the food and appreciated the service, the double standards and dismissive attitude left a sour taste. Unfortunately, it’s not a place...

We have been to Follia 3 times already. Each time, the food and service has been excellent. Aldo, one of the great servers, is absolutely fantastic and Nicole, the bar tender is simply the best. Unfortunately, the other night when we arrived, the hostess would not seat me because I was wearing shorts. There is a sign on the door now that indicates no shorts for men along with other apparel restrictions. Funny thing is the last time we were there I wore shorts any nobody said a thing. I asked for the manager and he told me that "Chef" does not want men to come in shorts. It wasn't like I was wearing cargo shorts and a tee shirt. I was wearing nice golf shorts and a collared shirt. The same attire that is allowed in North Shore country clubs during the summer months. It was still over 90 degrees outside at 5 PM. After a small confrontation with the manager, he said he would make an exception and sat us near the sliding doors to the outside tables (They opened the sliding doors shortly after and we were essentially sitting outside). Shortly after we were seated, "Chef" arrived and began schmoozing with all his friends who came in. About 20 minutes later a very tall patron arrived. He looked like a football or basketball player. He was wearing a nice pair of shorts and collared shirt. "Chef" greeted him like he was a regular customer and friend. Sure enough, he went and sat him and his companion inside the main dining area. Apparently, the "no shorts" rule only applies to certain people. While I understand that ownership wants to have a place where people are not dressed sloppily, I can't think of any fine dining place on the North Shore, Gold Coast, or Downtown that would not seat a patron the way I was dressed. Unfortunately, Follia will not be on my list of places that I would run back to despite a great staff and...

As a culinary major who has studied and tasted dishes at countless renowned restaurants, I can say with confidence that Follia stands apart. From the very first bite of pasta, the difference is undeniable—the texture is masterful, the flavors refined, and the quality beyond compare. The aged cheeses carry depth and character, every appetizer flows seamlessly into the entrée, and the desserts are as flawless as the courses that precede them. The seafood, in particular, is extraordinary: tender, perfectly fresh, and so delicately prepared that even its aroma is enticing. What truly elevates the experience, however, is the presence of owner Bruno. With genuine warmth and professionalism, he greets each guest personally, embodying the highest standard of hospitality. The restaurant’s elegant interior reveals meticulous attention to detail, reflecting both artistry and respect for the guest’s experience. The dress code further enhances the atmosphere. It is not restrictive, but rather an invitation to share in the sophistication of the space—a standard of elegance that Bruno himself upholds in the way he presents and carries himself. For me, dining at Follia is not simply a meal—it is the embodiment of...