(847) 295-1000
28 E Center Ave
(Oak Avenue)
Lake Bluff,
IL
60044
42.279102
-87.844601
Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm
5:30pm-close
Sat 5:30-close
Price:
$$$
Last updated 2.17.11
Category:
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Quiet, Notable Chef, Private Rooms, Business Dining, Date Spot, Upscale Casual Dining, Group Dining, Fireplace, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
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 Pollocks 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.
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

