Best Upscale High Protein Restaurants in Prospect Heights | Upscale & High Protein

30 restaurants in Best Upscale High Protein Restaurants in Prospect Heights | Upscale & High Protein

• 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.
• Radio Bakery — American · rated 5/5: Sunlight streams into this vibrant neighborhood hub where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of caramelized sugar and toasted butter. Masterfully laminated pastries take center stage, from the shatteringly crisp layers of pistachio and triple chocolate croissants to fragrant morning buns infused with the delicate notes of Earl Grey and Darjeeling cardamom. Each visit offers a sensory journey through jewel-toned passionfruit tarts and spiced stollen buns, making it a destination where artisanal technique meets pure, flaky indulgence.
• 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.
• Muse — French · rated 4.8/5: Muse captures the poetic essence of French fine dining, where candlelight flickers against polished stemware and every course unfolds like a carefully composed sonnet. The kitchen transforms traditional Gallic flavors into modern masterpieces, balancing the decadence of silken creams and slow-simmered reductions with a contemporary, artistic flair.
• Sukh — Indian · rated 4.7/5: Sukh transports diners into a vibrant sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted cumin and slow-simmered spices. Velvety curries and charred, smoky treasures from the tandoor arrive at tables glowing with warmth, creating a soulful experience that honors the rich, communal spirit of Indian hospitality.
• Kitchen Grill — American · rated 4.7/5: Kitchen Grill captures the heart of American dining with the rhythmic sizzle of an open flame and the irresistible aroma of charred oak and seared meats wafting through the air. The space blends rustic charm with a bustling energy, serving up everything from juice-dripping burgers to smoky, tender ribs that celebrate the simple beauty of fire-kissed ingredients. It is a neighborhood cornerstone where the warmth of the hearth meets the comfort of a cold craft brew, creating a sensory-rich escape for those seeking the soul of the grill.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cheryl's Global Soul — American · rated 4.4/5: Sunlight dances across the colorful walls of this bustling neighborhood gem, where the soulful aroma of buttermilk-fried chicken and slow-simmered greens invites you into a space that feels like a warm embrace. The kitchen masterfully elevates American comfort food with a worldly perspective, layering bold, global spices onto hearty classics to create a dining experience that is as vibrant and eclectic as the community it serves.
• Sofreh — Middle Eastern · rated 4.4/5: Bathed in a luminous, minimalist glow, this Brooklyn gem transforms traditional Persian hospitality into a contemporary sensory journey where the air hums with the fragrance of blooming saffron and charred herbs. Guests share artfully plated treasures, from the satisfying crunch of golden tahdig to succulent meats infused with citrus and spice, all served in a space that feels both elegantly modern and deeply soulful.
• 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.
• Numero 28 Pizza — Italian · rated 4.3/5: The warm glow of a wood-fired oven illuminates this rustic Italian enclave, where the air is thick with the scent of bubbling mozzarella and the charred, yeasty aroma of artisanal dough. Known for its signature rectangular pizzas served on long wooden planks, the kitchen crafts perfectly blistered crusts topped with vibrant ingredients that celebrate the soulful simplicity of Neapolitan tradition. It is a place where the lively hum of conversation and the clinking of wine glasses transport diners to a sun-drenched Roman piazza, making every meal feel like a spirited neighborhood celebration.
• 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.
• 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.