River Forest awaits you just outside Chicago — due east of Oak Park, west of Melrose Park, south of Elmwood Park and north of Forest Park. Once you’ve seen its amazing architecture and inhaled all that fresh air, you’ll be ready to inhale some good food near River Forest. Whether you’re looking to linger longer in a comfy booth or bistro, seek fast food, or order online for take out, River Forest, IL 60305 has a wide range of delicious dining options!
Feed your craving for great pizza at Bertolli's Pizza, at 7973 W Lake St, where Frank Bertolli and his family have been creating delicious food since 1981. Frank was born in Mola di Bari and brings his Italian heritage to all his cooking. And because he grew up in the pizzeria business, his pizzas are divine. Don’t miss out on other classics like chicken Parmigiana, fettuccini alfredo and tiramisu. Frank doesn’t just do Italian with style, he cooks up baby back bbq ribs, jumbo shrimp, meatball subs, antipasto salads and many other tasty delicacies.
For eggs and sandwiches your way, slip into Yolk at 7301 W North Ave, for breakfast, brunch or lunch. This former home to the long-running Grandma Sally’s (and still managed by the Kastanis family) packs them in because of what they put on your plate. As you might expect from the name, you can enjoy your choice of eggs — in omelets, benedicts and scramblers — as well as pancakes, crepes, fried chicken and waffles, and avocado toast. There are healthy salad and deli style options like grilled portobello salad, southwest salad, and a baby kale salad. Sandwiches and wraps include the Pot Roast, Tuna Meltdown, Grilled Cheese Supreme, and Corned Beef. And don’t forget the burgers! See why Yolk has been gotten such a warm welcome in River Forest — and why it’s been voted Best Breakfast in Chicago by many!
If dessert is more your speed, try River Forest Chocolates at 7769 Lake Street. They opened in March 2011 and have been bringing in the sweet-toothed ever since. Stop in for signature English Toffee and caramels, as well as hand-dipped strawberries, homemade fudge, sugar-free treats, and a large assortment of pre-packaged sweets as well. There are even retro candies and specials like Lezza Italian Ice, cotton candy, caramel apples, candy apples and more. It’s the perfect way to top off your trip to River Forest.
The Sugar Beet Schoolhouse at 349 Ashland Avenue has a decidedly different take on food and River Forest restaurants. Here you can bring the family where everyone can learn about the joys of cooking and sharing food together. The Sugar Beet Schoolhouse offers classes, camps and workshops, kids’ parties (with indoor and seasonal outdoor seating), and even a shared kitchen for your growing needs. The classes teach about good food (like home grown or gluten-free), and how and what to cook for your preschool kids to nourish their tummies. There’s a bake shop where each week you try your hand at something new, from breads to pies and more, and even classes for young ones to build their cooking skills and experience new foods. Partake in monthly events that help the community while filling your heart with good, and your stomach with good food.
Be sure to come hungry to River Forest. Its restaurants will leave you coming back for more.