Best Restaurants for Anniversaries in Wilmette

Aboyer (previously Restaurant Michael) has been one of our favorite north shore spots to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. My husband and I have been following Chef Michael all around the Chicago area for decades now, and although the amazing food has been the key reason, we have always been impressed by his professionally trained staff, who are friendly, knowledgeable and pay attention to details. On this visit, we were celebrating my birthday (2 months late) since we cancelled the first reservation when Covid hit us, and the aftereffects stayed around far too long. The evening here was well worth the wait! After stopping at the bar for a quick hello to Sergio and a Champagne (for me) and a Chardonnay we settled in to the cozy banquette for dinner. We ordered our standard starter, the delectable Gougères, a mainstay that we hope never goes away. I switched to a rich Aviary Napa Cabernet for the rest of the dinner. We were delighted to have Sergio Junior as our server! He obviously enjoys his job and is a real ambassador for the restaurant. We took his recommendations for our entrees, and both were fantastic! I never order pork, and rarely make it at home, except for a roast. The Peppercorn Crusted Berkshire Pork Rib Chop with Cognac Mushroom Sauce was by far the best pork I have ever had. Happy Birthday to me. My husband’s decadently delicious Aboyer Burger was an unexpected item for him to order here, except for how much he loved it. Thank you from both of us, SJ!!! Last night was well worth waiting for. ♥️♥️

Outstanding service, food and acknowledgement of my birthday, e will all be back soon!

We had a fabulous time at our dinner. While we thought our empanadas were delicious, the steak flight for two was the highlight, along with the pisco sours. Our sides (we got asparagus and the truffled fingerling potatoes) were very good, but I will probably explore others on the list next time we go. But how could they shine next to the steak? We were there on a Saturday night when they had live music, and that elevated the whole experience to be super vibey and extra fun. We had churros for dessert just to stay longer and enjoy, and they were also delicious. We will definitely be back!

Service great. Seated early. Order perfect and food a ten!!!!

I took my girlfriend her for her birthday. I was looking for a different experience then the typical river north or west loop restaurants which are very expensive. We were greeted at the door and made to feel welcomed right away. We were seated right away and made simple talk with the owner and the chef as we waited for the other couple that would be joining us for dinner. As soon as they arrived, the owner thanks us for coming and told us how the concept works. The drinks he made were delicious. The food was next level. Every dish was delicious. They actively are engaged with you the entire time. Honestly, it felt like you were at a friends house have dinner instead of being at restaurant. I would highly recommend this restaurant for the experience and especially for the food!