Last updated: 2025-05-06
Waukegan’s dining scene elevates culinary experiences with sophisticated restaurants that blend Lake County’s rich flavors and North Shore elegance. From intimate steakhouses to refined Italian cuisine, these establishments offer gourmet experiences that transform ordinary meals into memorable occasions.
Local restaurants like The Board Room and North Shore Steaks and Seafood showcase the region’s commitment to exceptional dining. These carefully curated venues provide discerning diners with sophisticated atmospheres and meticulously prepared dishes that reflect Waukegan’s evolving gastronomic landscape.
Discover Waukegan’s finest dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Waukegan
- Perry's Steakhouse and Grille (Vernon Hills)
- Dover Straits (Lake County)
- Chessie’s Restaurant (Barrington)
- The Board Room
- Libertyville's Tavern In The Town (Libertyville)
- North Shore Steaks and Seafood
- Primo Italian American Cuisine
- The English Room
Chessie’s Restaurant (Barrington)
What to Expect
Locally sourced contemporary American cuisine in suburban Chicago setting
Description
Chessie's offers an elegant dining experience in northwest suburban Chicago, featuring contemporary American cuisine in a refined, warmly lit dining room. The restaurant delivers sophisticated plates crafted from locally sourced ingredients, with an intimate atmosphere perfect for special occasions and discerning diners seeking a high-end culinary experience.
Where: Barrington | More Info: Chessie’s Restaurant
Dover Straits (Lake County)
What to Expect
Family-owned seafood restaurant with personalized owner greeting
Description
Dover Straits Seafood House offers an elegant dining experience featuring fresh, sustainably sourced seafood in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Their carefully curated menu showcases expert seafood preparation, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and attentive service in a sophisticated dining room.
Where: Lake County | More Info: Dover Straits
Libertyville's Tavern In The Town (Libertyville)
What to Expect
Wine Spectator Award-winning wine menu
Description
A sophisticated downtown Libertyville restaurant featuring an award-winning wine selection recognized by Wine Spectator annually since 2016. The Tavern offers an intimate dining experience with professionally curated cuisine, exceptional service, and a classy atmosphere that transforms guests with its remarkable decor and culinary craftsmanship.
Where: Libertyville | More Info: Libertyville's Tavern In The Town
North Shore Steaks and Seafood
What to Expect
Casino-adjacent fine dining with prime steak and seafood selections
Description
Nestled within American Place Casino, this elegant dining destination offers a refined steakhouse experience with an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Featuring prime steaks like ribeyes and New York strips alongside fresh seafood selections, the restaurant provides a sophisticated menu complemented by classic desserts like New York cheesecake and tiramisu.
Where: Waukegan | More Info: North Shore Steaks and Seafood
Perry's Steakhouse and Grille (Vernon Hills)
What to Expect
Tableside carved, award-winning signature pork chop
Description
Perry's Steakhouse offers an upscale dining experience centered around premium aged steaks and their signature award-winning pork chop. The restaurant features an elegant dining room with Bar 79, providing sophisticated cocktails and bar bites. Tableside carving and a refined atmosphere elevate the classic steakhouse concept.
Where: Vernon Hills | More Info: Perry's Steakhouse and Grille
Primo Italian American Cuisine
What to Expect
Intimate Parlor Speakeasy dining environment
Description
Primo Italian American Cuisine offers an elegant dining experience in a sophisticated restaurant setting. The venue features a distinctive Parlor Speakeasy, providing guests with an intimate atmosphere for enjoying classic Italian-American dishes. Tableside service and a curated menu highlight traditional recipes with contemporary presentation.
Where: Waukegan | More Info: Primo Italian American Cuisine
The Board Room
What to Expect
Charcuterie-focused shared plate dining concept
Description
Nestled in downtown Libertyville, The Board Room offers an intimate dining experience featuring shared plates, craft cocktails, and an award-winning wine list. The restaurant boasts a socially luxurious atmosphere with beautifully decorated spaces including a sophisticated bar, solarium dining room, and Bella Vie Lounge that elevates the North Shore's culinary scene.
Where: Waukegan | More Info: The Board Room
The English Room
What to Expect
Traditional English-inspired dining room with seasonal Garden Room
Description
Nestled within the historic Deer Path Inn, The English Room offers an elegant dining experience with traditional charm. The restaurant features a richly appointed dining room and bright Garden Room, serving sophisticated cuisine across breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. Four-time winner of Achievement of Distinction in Dining, this venue blends classic English-inspired ambiance with contemporary culinary excellence.
Where: Waukegan | More Info: The English Room
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