(847) 295-1000

28 E Center Ave (Oak Avenue)
Lake Bluff, IL 60044 42.279102 -87.844601

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Hours:

Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm

5:30pm-close

Sat 5:30-close

Price:

$$$

Last updated 2.17.11

What People Are Saying About Inovasi

Featured Review

Emilie Zanger

Contributor

The market-fresh small plates trend is great, but leaving hungry and broke isn't. Enter this north suburban Lake Bluff restaurant that primarily focuses on sustainably farmed local ingredients in dishes such as slow-roasted pork shoulder lasagna with tequila lime creme fraiche and wild black bass ceviche with Peruvian lime juice, sweet corn, tomatoes and basil. The across-the-board portion--roughly three-quarters the size of a typical entree--is built for sharing, and that's what happens at almost every table in the comfortably unflashy, window-lined dining room. A casually classy crowd…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Closing time varies from night to night, depending on the volume of business and private parties. If you're planning to go on the later side of the evening, call ahead.
What to Drink:
The extensive, affordable wine list boasts nearly 20 by-the-glass options, all less than $10, and plenty of bottles under the $30 mark. A lighter red, like the Moo Buzz Pinot Noir would navigate many of the dishes well.
Where to Sit:
The dining room is broken up into three semi-distinct spaces, the smallest of which contains a flagstone fireplace. Ask your server about the significance of the Teddy Roosevelt portrait that hangs above it, and you'll come away with a greater understanding of the restaurant's culinary philosophy.
Fun Fact:
The signature dish, Jackson Pollock’s walleye pike, references the famous abstract painter and is served on a real painter's canvas board splashed with four different colorful (and flavorful) sauces.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/12/10

Lake Bluff's new hot spot

by abendsfrei at Citysearch

Met with the girls for a night out. Tapas were shared by all at the table. The server paired our wine selections to our palate and the tapas ordered. A must try dessert list couldn't be passed up either! The chef came out to greet us and inquire about our experience.

Special requests due to food allergies were accomodated as well!

  • Pros: Excellent service, portions and selections
  • Cons: Too many great wine choices