Jilly's Cafe

Evanston, IL · French restaurant

Rating
4.3/5
★★★★☆ 4.3
Reviews
20
Rank in Evanston
#41
of 163 restaurants
City Percentile
46%
rating percentile
Address
Jilly's Cafe, 2614 Green Bay Rd, Evanston, IL 60201
Phone
(847) 869-7636
Website
jillys.cafe
Status
Closed · Opens 5 PM

Jilly's Cafe is a restaurant located in Evanston, IL. It is one of 163 restaurants listed in Evanston. Its 4.3-star rating matches the Evanston city average of 4.3 stars. There are 10 photos associated with this location.

About Jilly's Cafe

When Jilly's first opened to the public in 1986, our founder envisioned a place where authentic French culture and ambiance would come together with a commitment to freshness and quality; something he could be proud to name after his dear wife,... More

Hours

Saturday5 PM–10 PM
Sunday10 AM–8 PM
MondayClosed
Tuesday5 PM–9 PM
Wednesday5 PM–9 PM
Thursday5 PM–9 PM
Friday5 PM–10 PM

Customer Reviews

★☆☆☆☆ 1.0 Natalie Kalfas · Mar 2026

Worst meal I’ve had in a long time. Sea bass special: sea bass was bland and flavorless, and the accompaniments of the dish were not cohesive. The broccoli was so overcooked it was mush. The waiter saw I didn’t eat the fish and asked me if I didn’t like it- I told him no. He responded with, “really, it’s one of my favorites”, and proceeded to charge me for a 1/3 eaten piece of fish regardless of the feedback he asked for. Key lime pie was garbage- not fresh, and lime flavor did not come through. It was doused in this raspberry sauce that was not good. Bathroom didn’t have paper towels. Would never return. Go elsewhere.

★★★★☆ 4.0 Gabriela turcu · Dec 2025

This is an interesting place. When I went on Dec 17, the entire entryway smelled very poorly. I will not describe the smell, but I would not visit this restaurant again if I knew they didn’t bleach or disinfect down the entire area that smells at the entrance. Something needs to be done. It would be disrespectful to customers for the owners not to care for this matter. That said, the menu is neat and our server was lovely. My mission was to try the baked Alaska and he made it for us. It was certainly an artful and interesting dessert. It has pleasant components. If you like the taste of alcohol you may love this dessert, it is worth a shot. Baked Alaska is not that commonly found so I’m very glad they decided to put out a version of it. I appreciate the thought that went into making the de

★★★★★ 5.0 Berke Mine Murphy · Feb 2026

Jilly’s Café is truly a hidden gem for fine dining French cuisine. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels intimate, elegant, and thoughtfully curated. The attention to detail — from the presentation of each dish to the impeccable service — makes the entire experience unforgettable. The food is beautifully crafted, rich in flavor, and perfectly balanced. Each plate feels like a work of art, showcasing classic French techniques with refined execution. The ingredients taste fresh and high quality, and every course feels intentional and elevated. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot or a place to celebrate something special, Jilly’s Café delivers a sophisticated and memorable dining experience. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates true fine dining.

★★★☆☆ 3.0 Patricia Lear · Feb 2026

Nice experience taking my bestie here for her birthday. Charming atmosphere for sure. But I was charged $30 just to make a reservation that I assumed would go towards the cost of the meal. It didn’t. And the meal for two w two glasses of wine was $194.39 on top of the fee just to make a reservation. I’ve never experienced anything like this anywhere.

★★★★★ 5.0 Tom Conley · Jun 2025

This is a step or two above an ordinary bistro. The standard bistro menu items are on point but come for the specials, like venison or sea bass. They take a modern approach with layered flavors. Sublime. The wine list features excellent, fairly priced wines. They don't hurry you through the meal to turn a table. The atmosphere rating reflects the fact it is a bistro, which I believe is a plus because it's more relaxing. It is the perfect place for a romantic date, intimate anniversary, or special birthday. The candlelight picture is from a large birthday celebration and the atmosphere was perfect. Love the place.

Accessibility & Amenities

✓ Curbside Pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeout ✓ Dine In ✓ Great Coffee ✓ Great Dessert ✓ Great Wine List ✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo Dining ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Seating ✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee

Services

French restaurantAmerican restaurantBar

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This listing is informational. Contact the business directly to verify credentials, services, and availability.