What They Say
Top 10 Restaurants of 2004
#4. Miramar Bistro
301 Waukegan Ave, Highwood, IL
This lively, bustling French hang from Gabriel Viti (Gabriel's) is well worth the trek up to Highwood.
Citysearch Editorial Review
By J.P. Anderson
Bustling, family-friendly Highwood bistro serves up classic French fare and atmosphere with a Cuban twist.
The Scene
Paris meets Cuba at this picture-perfect French bistro, where the buzz of conversation mingles with a lively Latin soundtrack. The room's attention to detail is dazzling, with antique mirrors, a gleaming floor of tiny mosaic tile and neatly stacked newspapers on the imported zinc bar. Service is everything you hope for: friendly, efficient, unobtrusive.
The Food
Chef-owner Gabriel Viti's (Gabriel's) menu nods to Cuba with a few pressed sandwiches and Latin cocktails. But classic French bistro fare is the real star at Miramar, with tempting, authentic dishes like moules mariniere, tuna nicoise salad and bouillabaisse Provencale. Tender escargots arrive bubbling furiously with garlic, pernod and parsley butter. Steak frites is spot on--perfectly cooked, topped with a dollop of tangy Roquefort butter and plated with a mound of crispy shoestring fries. Simple dessert options include apple tarte, crepes Suzette, or flaky profiteroles with vanilla, chocolate and mocha ice cream.