The opening of Northshore Bistro offers a dining choice even better than the original Next Door. Three of us had a superb meal there last night. The chef may be the same but the food has more creative offerings. I would have liked to try the pork chop, but they were out of it already! My husband had the chicken vesuvio and, for a man who does not have a large appetite, he left only bones on the plate! The pasta with mushrooms, shrimp, and artichokes was simple but delicious - two of us shared that as well as the bistro salad which was plentiful. My husband even ate that too! We added leeks to the salad but for $3 extra, we saw very few leeks! We looked at all the plates at tables surrounding us - if it looks good, it usually is! And they did look grand. We had a birthday and the free treat was Tiramisu which was one of the best I've ever tasted - so, so light and creamy.
The redecorating of the restaurant space is lovely, with the front space being open with 3-4 additional tables. The problem with that is the resultant increased noise. This was a Wednesday night and the place was full by 6:30 and still at 8:30. If you want to avoid crowds and noice, best you try 5:30!! The two women overseeing the operation were delightful, eager to please, and eager for our impressions. In the middle of the main dining area space, they need to remove one table for 4 as it was literally impossible for wait staff carrying large trays of food to get through, so they passed food through to another server who managed to precede the tray carrier. It was ridiculous.
Last but not least - the wait staff. Space was a problem but they handled the situation with grace and a smile on their faces. They were working VERY hard and showed no annoyance with anything or anybody. Our waiter CHRISTIAN was one of the finest servers we have ever had anywhere - and we eat out a lot! Nothing was too difficult for him - he obviously loved people and his job. What a pleasure - he MADE the meal a special experience. When you reserve, request Christian - you won't be disappointed.
Wonderful opening, we wish them success.We'll be back again and hope to see a bit more room and sit in the corner where it is a...
Read moreWe just visited this place several days ago with a few other people. It's a cute place with moody but warm vibes with it's dark decor making it a nice place for either a night out with friends or a romantic dinner.
They immediately brought us water and were pretty good about filling them after we had told our server that they had avoided our table to refill water. It was comical how they avoided us for the first 20 minutes we were there.
I'm the only one at the table that ordered a drink, and that ended up being a diet soda, which they refilled sporadically. At the end of the meal, as we sat and chatted, they refilled my drink often as other tables emptied. So, I guess they were now finally able to pay attention to us more.
The server asked is we wanted to start with
I ordered their lasagna. It was very tasty. The homemade Italian marinara meat sauce was very good and you could taste all the ingredients put into the dish. I highly recommend it.
Other orders from our table were the Chicken Parmesan with Fettuccine, Eggplant Parmesan with Fettuccine, Chicken & Eggplant with Fettuccine, Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce, and the Pappardelle Giambotta.
The gnocchi was really salty. Everyone loved their variations of the meat parmesan with fettuccine.
We collectively ordered the Banana Chocolate cake for dessert and it was really good. They let us stay until closing and we had a nice time.
Overall, the place is nice, service is friendly, and the food is good. I would give five stars if they didn't start so slowly and constantly skip over our table for refills. It felt like we were flat out ignored. It was like your car heating up in the winter. Once it was warm, it was perfect, but the first 20...
Read moreNorth Shore Bistro in Northbrook delivers an exceptional dining experience that perfectly blends modern Italian cuisine with a welcoming and sophisticated ambiance. From the moment you walk in, the inviting atmosphere sets the tone for a truly memorable meal.
The menu is filled with culinary delights, and the Grilled Calamari is a standout starter. Perfectly tender with a smoky char, it’s a delicious beginning to your dining experience. For the main course, the Pasta Diablo is a must-try, offering a bold and flavorful combination of perfectly cooked pasta and a spicy, rich sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more. The portions are generous, ensuring every guest leaves satisfied.
The service is impeccable, with a warm and attentive staff who takes the time to explain the menu and make thoughtful recommendations. Even during peak hours, the team ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience.
The beverage selection adds to the charm, with expertly crafted cocktails and a well-curated wine list. For something refreshing, the Paloma cocktail is an excellent choice.
North Shore Bistro also sets itself apart with its vibrant atmosphere, staying open until 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, making it an ideal spot for both dinner and late-night gatherings. They also cater to private events and business functions, offering a tailored experience for any occasion.
North Shore Bistro is a true gem in Northbrook. From the delicious Grilled Calamari to the bold Pasta Diablo, everything is crafted to perfection. Combined with exceptional service and a lively ambiance, it’s a must-visit destination for locals and...
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