Best Upscale Carnivore Restaurants in Prospect Heights | Upscale & Carnivore

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Carnivore Restaurants in Prospect Heights | Upscale & Carnivore

• Eastern District — American · rated 5/5: Eastern District serves as a refined neighborhood pantry where the art of the perfect bite is celebrated through meticulously curated grazing boxes and artisanal charcuterie boards. From the bold kick of spicy sopressata paired with sharp provolone to the smoky depth of turkey layered with sweet bacon jam, each offering is a masterclass in texture and flavor designed for sophisticated snacking or an elevated picnic experience.
• Sumi — Japanese · rated 5/5: Sumi invites guests into a lively, intimate space where the air is thick with the savory aroma of pan-seared gyoza and umami-rich miso eggplant. Shared plates of golden-fried takoyaki and crispy rock shrimp tempura take center stage, creating a social dining experience that celebrates the vibrant textures and bold, playful flavors of Japanese-inspired small plates.
• Fancy Free — American · rated 5/5: Fancy Free captures a spirited, carefree energy where the irresistible aroma of golden, crisp-fried delights and zesty spices fills the air. The kitchen elevates social dining with a vibrant array of shareable plates, from the earthy decadence of truffle parmesan fries and creamy deviled eggs to wings glazed in a symphony of sweet pineapple and fiery buffalo heat. It is a lively neighborhood haunt where bold flavors and a playful atmosphere invite guests to linger over every crunchy, savory bite.
• Numero 28 Pizza — Italian · rated 5/5: This vibrant neighborhood gem invites guests into a warm, bustling space where the irresistible aroma of golden-fried arancini and simmering meatballs evokes the soulful comfort of a traditional Italian kitchen. Crisp, artfully composed salads and velvety burrata provide a refreshing counterpoint to savory classics like zesty chicken al limone, creating a dining experience that feels both timeless and celebratory.
• Miriam Street Food — Middle Eastern · rated 5/5: Miriam Street Food captures the vibrant energy of a bustling Levantine market, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling shawarma and golden, herb-flecked falafel. Velvety swirls of hummus serve as a rich canvas for tender lamb and earthy mushrooms, while smoky babaganoush and tangy labneh invite guests to linger over warm pita and the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean.
• Muteki Udon — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Steam rises in fragrant plumes from bubbling vats of dashi, inviting guests into a serene space where the rhythmic thrum of the kitchen sets the stage for a masterclass in Japanese comfort. Hand-crafted udon noodles, prized for their silken texture and satisfying chew, take center stage in deep, steaming bowls adorned with delicate, golden-crisp tempura. This sanctuary of flavor celebrates the art
• Shawarma Mia — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: The air at Shawarma Mia is thick with the irresistible scent of slow-roasted meats turning on vertical spits, where every rotation coaxes out a perfect, savory caramelization. This bustling haven marries the zesty brightness of herb-flecked salads with the velvety richness of house-made tahini, offering a vibrant and soulful escape into the heart of Middle Eastern street food.
• Gertrude's — American · rated 4.5/5: Gertrude’s radiates the timeless charm of a sun-drenched bistro, where the scent of hearth-fired dishes and buttery pastries drifts through a space defined by warm hospitality and garden-fresh inspiration. The kitchen honors the American spirit by transforming seasonal bounty into elevated comfort food, creating a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and deeply familiar. It is a sanctuary where every clink of a glass and bite of a regional classic celebrates the simple joy of a well-shared meal.
• Pasta Night — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Bathed in the warm, golden glow of a neighborhood sanctuary, this intimate eatery invites guests to lose themselves in the rhythmic dance of flour-dusted hands crafting silken ribbons of fresh pasta. Each plate arrives as a steaming masterpiece, where rich, slow-simmered sauces cling to al dente shapes and the air hums with the convivial clink of wine glasses. It is a place where the simple ritual of a meal becomes a soulful celebration, wrapping diners in the timeless comfort of authentic Italian hospitality.
• Bandito — Mexican · rated 4.5/5: Bandito pulses with a rebellious energy, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the smoky aroma of wood-fired meats mingles with the bright, citrusy notes of artisanal agave spirits. Every plate is a celebration of bold textures and deep spices, from the satisfying crunch of house-made chips to the tender, slow-cooked fillings of street-style tacos that transport the palate straight to the sun-drenched heart of Mexico.
• Miriam Street Food — Middle Eastern · rated 4.5/5: Miriam Street Food pulses with the vibrant energy of a bustling Levantine market, where the intoxicating aroma of sizzling shawarma and toasted spices spills into the air. Velvety swirls of hummus and golden, herb-flecked falafel are served alongside pillowy flatbreads still warm from the oven, creating a sensory celebration of bold textures and bright, zesty flavors. This lively destination captures the sun-drenched soul of Middle Eastern hospitality, inviting guests to savor the rich, aromatic traditions of the region in every colorful bite.
• Emily — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Emily welcomes guests into a cozy, candlelit sanctuary where the air is thick with the aroma of wood-fired crusts and slow-simmered sauces. Artisanal pizzas topped with unexpected, sweet-and-savory flourishes share the table with bowls of silken pasta, creating a dining experience that feels both daringly modern and deeply rooted in Italian tradition. This intimate neighborhood gem transforms every meal into a soulful celebration, inviting you to linger over a glass of wine amidst the warm glow of a bustling kitchen.
• Speedy Romeo — Italian · rated 4.3/5: Housed in a former auto body shop, Speedy Romeo hums with an industrial-cool energy where the roar of a massive hardwood-fired oven serves as the restaurant's beating heart. The air is thick with the scent of charred dough and smoky embers as chefs pull blistered, thin-crust pizzas and flame-kissed meats from the glowing furnace. It’s a place where rustic Italian soul meets a gritty, modern edge, inviting diners to gather around flickering flames for a meal that feels both timeless and distinctly urban.
• El Gran Castillo de Jagua — Spanish · rated 4.3/5: Stepping into this lively neighborhood sanctuary, the senses are immediately greeted by the intoxicating aroma of garlic-rubbed rotisserie chicken and the rhythmic clatter of a bustling kitchen. It is a place where time slows over generous heaps of saffron-hued rice and tender, slow-simmered stews that capture the soulful heart of traditional Spanish flavors. The warm, unpretentious energy invites diners to linger over plates that feel less like a simple meal and more like a vibrant, home-cooked celebration of heritage.
• Slutty Vegan — American · rated 4.3/5: This high-octane sanctuary of plant-based indulgence pulses with a block-party energy, where the sizzle of the grill competes with a vibrant soundtrack and a spirit of pure, unadulterated fun. Towering, decadent burgers arrive dripping with signature sauces and piled high with crispy toppings, delivering a messy, soul-satisfying experience that transforms vegan comfort food into an unapologetically bold celebration.
• Bird Pepper — Thai · rated 4.3/5: Bird Pepper invites diners into a vibrant sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating perfume of bruised lemongrass, pungent galangal, and toasted chilies. Each plate serves as a masterclass in balance, weaving together the searing heat of its namesake pepper with the cooling brightness of fresh lime and the velvety richness of coconut-laced curries. The atmosphere hums with a spirited energy, capturing the soulful essence of a Thai kitchen where bold flavors and aromatic herbs take center stage.
• Joy Indian Restaurant — Indian · rated 4.3/5: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of toasted cumin and cardamom hangs heavy in the air, inviting guests into a space alive with the warmth of traditional hospitality. The kitchen transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of flavor, from the smoky char of tandoor-fired breads to the velvety depth of slow-simmered curries that dance across the palate with a perfect balance of heat and spice. Every meal feels like a celebration of heritage, where the clink of copper serving bowls and the shared joy of a communal feast create a dining experience that is as soul-warming as it is delicious.
• Citrico — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Citrico radiates a sun-drenched warmth, where the air is perfumed with the bright scent of charred chilies and freshly squeezed citrus. Artisanal plates bring the bold soul of Mexico to life, pairing hand-pressed tortillas with vibrant, slow-simmered flavors that dance between smoky depth and zesty freshness. It is a spirited escape where the clinking of mezcal glasses and the rhythmic energy of the kitchen create a backdrop for a truly soulful dining experience.
• Dilly Dally — American · rated 4.3/5: Dilly Dally is a sun-drenched sanctuary where the rush of the outside world melts away, replaced by the inviting hum of a neighborhood haunt designed for lingering. The kitchen breathes new life into American comfort classics, serving up plates that burst with seasonal freshness and nostalgic warmth, from golden-crusted staples to garden-bright sides. Every meal is a playful invitation to slow down and savor the moment, whether you’re lingering over a botanical cocktail or sharing a decadent dessert in the eclectic, light-filled dining room.
• Hiroto Sushi — Japanese · rated 4/5: Hiroto Sushi invites guests into a tranquil haven of minimalist wood and soft light, where the focused energy of the sushi bar highlights the meticulous craft of the master chef. Each plate is a vibrant celebration of the ocean’s bounty, pairing the buttery richness of premium fish with the bright, clean snap of hand-grated wasabi for an experience that is as much a visual masterpiece as it is a culinary one.
• Charm — Thai · rated 4/5: Charm invites guests into a vibrant, stylish sanctuary where the air is thick with the savory scent of sizzling small plates and the hum of lively conversation. The kitchen artfully balances coastal freshness with soulful comfort, serving up golden-crisped cassava fritters and succulent Maryland crab cakes alongside tender, juice-dripping lamb sliders. Whether sharing a plate of delicate shrimp tempura or tucking into rich, savory pork and plantain cups, every bite feels like a curated celebration of bold textures and global inspirations.
• Inkaico — Spanish · rated 4/5: Inkaico celebrates the vibrant artistry of coastal Peruvian flavors, where the bright zing of citrus and the ocean’s freshest catch collide in a sophisticated, light-filled space. The kitchen crafts a kaleidoscope of ceviches and tiraditos that balance delicate seafood with unexpected infusions of coconut, mango, and watermelon, creating a refreshing symphony of sweet and savory notes. From the briny elegance of fresh oysters to the crisp crunch of daikon and apple salads, every plate is a masterclass in texture and color designed to transport the senses to a sun-drenched shoreline.
• Mermaid's Garden — Seafood · rated 4/5: This maritime sanctuary captures the essence of a coastal escape, where the scent of sea salt and fresh citrus fills a bright, inviting space. Chilled platters of Old Bay-dusted shrimp and zesty ceviche lead the way to buttery lobster rolls and velvety smoked pates, celebrating the ocean’s bounty with every vibrant bite. It is a refined yet relaxed destination where the simple elegance of perfectly poached salmon and golden fish cakes brings the spirit of the seaside directly to the table.
• Fausto — Italian · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams into a refined, soulful space where the aroma of warm, salt-dusted focaccia and golden arancini invites guests to linger over a meal rooted in seasonal artistry. The kitchen masterfully balances the brightness of heirloom tomatoes and roasted nectarines with the comforting textures of hand-folded pastas, from delicate cappelletti to toothsome whole wheat chitarra. It is a celebration of the harvest, where every plate reflects a deep respect for traditional techniques and the vibrant, fleeting flavors of the land.
• Autumn Asian Restaurant — Chinese · rated 4/5: Autumn Asian Restaurant welcomes guests into a space filled with the enticing, savory perfume of toasted sesame and searing garlic. The kitchen transforms fresh ingredients into vibrant masterpieces, from the snap of emerald-green string beans to the glossy, golden glaze of General Tso’s chicken. It is a neighborhood sanctuary where the rhythmic clatter of the wok promises a lunch that is both comforting and deeply flavorful, perfect for a satisfying midday escape.
• Danbo — Japanese · rated 4/5: Steaming bowls of artisanal ramen take center stage at Danbo, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of simmering broths and toasted sesame. From the delicate clarity of shio to the bold, spice-infused depths of curry, each bowl offers a masterclass in balance with inclusive options that cater to both traditionalists and vegan diners alike. The minimalist space hums with the rhythmic sound of slurping noodles, inviting guests to find comfort in the soul-warming depths of a perfectly crafted broth.
• Bklyn Larder — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: This bright neighborhood sanctuary celebrates the art of the artisanal pantry, where the air is perfumed by aged cheeses and the counters are a vibrant mosaic of hand-selected charcuterie and crisp seasonal crudités. Guests can indulge in the satisfying crunch of a golden Cutlet Supreme sandwich or savor the creamy complexity of house-made pimento and spicy feta spreads. Whether gathering for a refined tasting of Caviar Russe or a casual afternoon picnic, the experience captures a perfect balance of rustic comfort and sophisticated gourmet flair.
• Bird Pepper — Thai · rated 4/5: Bird Pepper transports diners to a sun-soaked island escape where the air is thick with the tantalizing aroma of jerk spices and toasted coconut. The kitchen turns out vibrant plates like zesty bird pepper shrimp and golden, coconut-crusted corn that burst with bold Caribbean flavors, while island-style pizzas offer a playful, tropical twist on coastal comfort. It is a lively sanctuary where every bite, from the succulent crab cakes to the crispy wing platters, feels like a rhythmic celebration of the tropics.
• Amorina — Italian · rated 4/5: Amorina unfolds as a sun-drenched sanctuary where the rustic allure of artisanal tagliere plates and savory polpette meets the vibrant, seasonal crunch of farm-fresh salads. The space hums with a warm, communal energy, inviting guests to linger over velvety burrata draped in prosciutto and the briny pop of cured Castelvetrano olives for a truly soulful dining experience.
• Ogliastro — Italian · rated 4/5: Ogliastro unfolds as a vibrant sanctuary where the smoky aroma of charred seasonal vegetables mingles with the rich, salty perfume of artisanal cured meats. The kitchen celebrates bold, rustic flavors through artfully roasted delicata squash and artichokes wrapped in savory speck, while indulgent plates of creamy burrata and tender meatballs offer a comforting heart to the vegetable-forward menu. It is a place of effortless conviviality, where every salt-kissed olive and blistered shishito pepper invites guests to linger over a shared, soul-warming feast.