The new, renovated space is wonderful and the staff as always is super friendly. There is always a friendly and family'-like vibe at Avli. Lately, we have enjoyed sitting at the bar for cocktails and appetizers. If in doubt, just ask the bar staff for recommendations and you won't go wrong. See you again soon Avli! read more

Date night at Avli had some great moments, but overall fell short of expectations. First, our waitress was super sweet and she made excellent wine recommendations, which we really appreciated. Service-wise, she was attentive and kind. We ordered a full spread and specifically asked for the courses to be paced so we could enjoy everything. When three appetizers came out at once, I politely reminded them and asked to hold off on bringing additional dishes. Unfortunately, despite that, the rest of the food continued to come out all at once. It made the experience feel rushed and frustrating, especially since dishes started getting cold before we could enjoy them. The highlights were definitely the zucchini chips, artichoke, and Greek salad, fresh, flavorful, and easily the best items we had. The rest was underwhelming. The octopus was just okay, the grilled calamari was chewy and lacked flavor, and the red snapper was a bit dry. We also never received the broccolini we ordered, which added to the disappointment. There's potential here, especially with some of the appetizers and the warm service, but the pacing and overall execution need improvement to really elevate the dining experience. read more

Highly recommend this establishment. Very accommodating to anyone with celiac or gluten intolerance. I'm not but my child is but their selections were well cooked and they use rice flour for the calamari and any fried fish with a coating. are also very accommodating when it came to appetizer served with pita they can be served on request for cucumbers and carrots instead,. Enjoyed the white fish, watermelon salad and the saganki (sp) . There was six of us and we all shared anything we ordered including dessert. read more

Avli Estiatorio is one for the ages. It takes Mediteranian Cuisine and specializes their plates in fusion and creativity in a big way while pairing it with different cocktails & wine. It was a very comfortable setting with service that paid attention to detail. The entrees including the chicken and lamb chomps were also so delicious. read more

The Avli restaurants in the Chicago/Milwaukee area have a passion for creative preparations/presentations of Greek specialties. The Milwaukee place on Brewers Hill has a smaller menu and the Grecian claim is a bit avante garde in that a visitor longing for a traditional Greek menu will only find hints of it here. The Winnetka outpost (one of four in the Chicago area) has a larger menu and the possibility of creating a true Greek feast for a catered reception. The Greek salad, Chicken Souvlaki and Portakalopita (orange cake) are outstanding as are some of their Greek wines. read more

Didn't see their indoor seating as we were sat in their heated patio. They had indoor heaters going so it didn't feel too cold. Our server was amazing! Can't remember her name but she was very attentive and overall friendly. Food was delish! We had the octopus dish for appetizer - definitely recommend. My husband had the Chicago style gyro and was not disappointed. I had the beef skewers and the beef was done just right. Everything was tasty! read more

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We are repeat customers and have generally been very happy with both the food and the service. The new space is really nice and provides a great ambiance. That said, the food last night was a pretty serious disappointment. We got there about 8:00 PM and it was nearly an hour before our entrees arrived. The place was 50% empty and we ordered some pretty simple dishes (souvlaki), so its hard to grasp the delay. The food presentation was depressing, colorless and lacked any sort of imagination. The skewers were accompanied by a single slice of potato and a single scoop of some sort of rice mixed with spinach, neither of which were particularly good. For the price of these meals, we certainly did not feel we got anything worth our money. read more

The food, staff and environment was phenomenal. Such a great experience!! Will definitely recommend this place to everyone. read more

Only when I guess not only expanded their space with a beautiful new dining areas, but has really up their game and it comes to the food highly recommend read more

Lovely food, lovely staff! I really enjoyed the bone marrow, lamb chops, Greek fries, all the dips and the baklava

I tried the new menu at Avli Greek Restaurant, and everything was genuinely so good. The Meze Platter was amazing and had such a nice variety. From the Mezede section, the octapodi and phyllo shrimp ended up being my absolute favorites , both were really well done and full of flavor. I also had the salmon, which was delicious and cooked perfectly. Overall, the new menu is impressive, and every dish I tried was a hit. I'd definitely recommend checking it out. read more

We are so bummed with the recent menu changes at Avli. We used to order out from or go to Avli about once a week, it was always delicious and our go to spot. The saganaki, chicken skewers, gyros, spicy feta dip, etc were always on point. It's all completely different now and was all very greasy. The space itself is still a beautiful spot but sadly the new menu has pushed us away and don't think we'll return. read more

This place is a hard no. Too many excellent Greek restaurants in this area. Heavy handed on the seasonings and small portions for the price. Take a pass. read more

The food was just ok the service wasn't great either We ordered there flaming cheese and it didn't come with any pita so we asked for some we waited awhile so we ate it then the pita came and we were charged for it too finally I received the check and I hate places that automatically charge you 3% for rising cost I'd rather pay more then see an additional charge read more

I had not been to Avli in a long time and decided I was craving it. So, I suggested two of my friends and I go there last night. What a disappointment. The service could not have been worse and the food was mediocre at best but the prices were outrageous. There was no reason for bad service, given the number of empty tables. I know I will never go back and neither will my friends. read more

I ordered the whitefish. It was terrible. I had it here a year ago and it was very good but this time it was so salty and over cooked. Very disappointing. I will not be returning to this restaurant. read more

I travel to the Chicago area frequently for work and we always make sure to make time to stop here! The food is authentic and the service is top notch. The dining room is very cozy and the wine selection is great. My favorite has to be the moussaka. read more

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Our waiter had a good sense of humor and took very good care of us. The food was good and the noise level was low so we could talk.

We used to love Avli. It's gone way downhill. The gyros was inedible, the moussaka lacked eggplant, and the baked chicken was average. Portion sizes are smaller and prices are up. I will not be going back. read more

I was very disappointed. Aside from being overpriced, I could not believe how many things they got wrong. The food came late; the sides were disappointing and my chicken wasn't cooked at all - it was marinated and RAW. Until they straighten out the kitchen, stay away, read more

I have gone to this restaurant many times. Last night we went and it was awful!! They changed the menu and upped the prices. We ordered Greek salad, it usually can feed five, last night 1, no lettuce and some dill on top. I was at a table of 9, no one liked the food. Several dishes were totally burned or the chicken, not cooked at all!!!!! The wait staff was trying, but I could see they were in dismay!!! read more

Been eating here for 15 years and the new menu is another step up from their already fantastic food. They've still got it!

Came here for a rehearsal dinner. There were about 50 of us and they had a bar with beer and wine set up in the back, passed apps, and a plated dinner. The table set up was nice and we were seated 10 to a table. Spanakopita - very tasty but a little soggy Artichoke hearts - the grilled taste on this was very nice Gyros - pretty gamey but fine once you put it all together especially with the crispy fries Whitefish - a little dry but the broccoli was so good Baklava - a little one note but the very bottom offered a more caramel flavor Orange cake - a little dense and a little lacking in cake flavor. Too fruity read more

We were greeted with a smile and were seated in the cozy, festive, well-heated patio area. Staff were friendly and efficient, even when the 7pm rush swarmed in! Loved seeing halloumi on fire and experiencing Greek culture in the Chicago 'burbs! The food was overall fresh and high quality! We enjoyed the classic dishes, Greek salad, chicken skewers, and tzatziki. The waiter filleted the lemony sea bass for us too. Potatoes were on the bland side and bread was cold. Order the right things though and I'm sure you'll love it! read more

Avli Estiatorio - Chicken Kebob - Greek Near Me - Winnetka, Illinois

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Food was disappointing and service slow. Staff was very nice, but the experience was sub-par.

1st time dine at Avli. Foods are delicious and great service. We will be there and trying other entrees and appetizers read more

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We were excited to try Avli in the laundry complex in Wilmette. We hadn't been there since frequenting Chef, Didier Durand's La Bohemia, which we adored. My birthday happened to fall on a Monday evening, which is not a usual, hot night for restaurants, and this was definitely the case for this establishment. The decor and ambience was fine. The food was, at best, fine. The service was perfunctory, and at times left the impression that they did not want to be there. To be specific about the underwhelming evening, it started out, promising with one of the best saganaki we had ever had. The server allowed the cheese to flambé quite a while, so that the alcohol burned off, yet added a bit of meltiness to the texture of the cheese. Zucchini chips were also fine, we just prefer a bit looser version of skordalia. Three of our party had the grilled seafood plate, along with one branzino and the lamb burger. The flavors were there, but everything, especially the burger, were overcooked and dry. Perhaps we will return on a busier night, perhaps the kitchen is in more of a groove during those situations. This just seemed like the kitchen was almost quiet, quitting, waiting for the evening to end, so they could get back to the normal operations of a bustling restaurant. Our usual Greek go to is Mykonos in Niles, and we have gone on every night of the week. The quality of the food has never had these issues Perhaps a nice spring or summer Thursday night might be a better time to give Avli another go-& stick with our usual strategy of Greek salad, an appetizer or two, share the gyros and a bottle of Roditis . read more

I enjoy writing great reviews for great dining experiences. I do not like writing about negative experiences. We've dined here more than a few times, but for us there's no reason to go back when there is excellent quality Greek food at Psistaria on Touhy. The service was the main problem. We were told as we sat down to hurry up and order as the kitchen was closing in 10-15 minutes. No hello or welcome. So we made our decisions and then watched as our waitress folded napkins and we waited for her to remember us. While that was happening a couple came in and sat down behind us. We ordered our food and then watched as the late comers were served ahead of us. Our food arrived just after that, my gyros were luke warm. I didn't complain, b/c at this point (after 9) I was hungry. My plate was set up in such a weird way, with the gyros on top of a pita and the tomato and onions underneath it all, so I had to figure out how to make this work with out spilling things off my plate. Wouldn't it make sense to put it all on top of the pita? By the time I finished it, it was cold. My wife ordered their lamb burger. It came on a plate, the bun and the burger nothing else...no garnish, tomato, lettuce anything else. I find that just so strange. read more

Loved this place, our waiters three gentlemen Miguel Jose y Juan that served us with such professionalism. Everything was delicious and served with a wonderful smile which makes all the difference always. Definitely our favorite Avli not only for the fabulous food but the human factor. It makes such a difference to go out and have an experience! Tonight we had a fabulous experience. read more

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This place is a 10! The ambiance is chill with a fantastic covered patio to boot! For lunch we all order the lunch specials which have multiple options and are quite tasty. The staff are pros and they help us make nice choices. Dinners are amazing! Make sure you have reservations though because it's a popular locals spot. read more

Love their outdoor space. Went for lunch and tried the lamb burger. Space was peaceful and food delicious.

Food fair at best.. Had Whitefish only tasted pepper .. Service fair ... they DONT SPLIT checks. The restaurant was barely half full on a Saturday night ..Should have been a red light read more

I've loved coming here when visiting family in the Chicago area. The appetizers are all really good. This time we got three spreads (taramosalata, melitzanosalata, tirokafteri). The taramosalata is made with cod roe and tastes a little like egg salad to me. Not my favorite but the rest of the table loved it. The melitzanosalata is made with eggplant and the tirokafteri is spicy feta. Both of those were great with the latter being my favorite. We also got the saganaki, which is a delicious chewy cheese set on fire at the table, and grilled artichokes. Two of the entrees ordered were the tavern style lamb chops and the Moussaka. I ordered the lamb chops medium - I like lamb to be just a little more done than beef. They were tender and flavorful. The broccoli was zingy. I think the star was the Moussaka though. It's eggplant casserole with potato, braised lamb, béchamel on top, and Greek potatoes on the side. The eggplant lamb mixture was packed with flavor and the béchamel on top OH MY STARS so good. I wish I could put that on everything. Overall a great place to come for good food and a good time. read more

Avli Estiatorio - Moussaka, Greek Potatoes - Greek Near Me - Winnetka, Illinois

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Warning: The content in this post may be slightly skewed due to the gummy I took before dinner. We sat outside, which was on a porch connected to the restaurant with mesh curtains all around. The tables were all too close to each other. Lean backwards more than 20 degrees and you're in another lady's lobster pasta. I ordered the only real vegetarian meal they had. Some of the appetizers or spreads were vegetarian or vegan, but there are hardly any meatless meals. So, I got the roasted eggplant. I have never had eggplant. Anyway, we got appetizers from the table including pita and hummus, bread and butter, and more. Then came the octopus. Tiny cubes of tentacles covered the plate. It was fascinatingly disgusting. But if you like octopus you'll probs like it idk. When my eggplant came, I was nervous. Do I eat the skin? No, you don't. Well I didn't eat it so if that's false don't tell me. I ate the filling though, and it was bad. It's what I imagine mystery cafeteria stew would taste like. Plus I couldn't stop picturing the eggplant as octopus. I enjoyed the well-seasoned potatoes the most. In fact I really only ate that part of the meal. That's all I've got. read more

Avli Estiatorio - Roasted Eggplant - Greek Near Me - Winnetka, Illinois

Very decent greek food. We are here for my uncles 95th birthday. They have a great spread and fantastic service read more

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The food is delicious and has improved! The nicest staff as well! Tina is wonderful! I highly recommend Avli on Chestnut!

I wish I'd discovered Avli sooner. I've been there three times this year. Their staff is hospitable and warm. They strive to make sure everything is wonderful. The restaurant evokes Modern Greece with a nod to ancient culture. The central fireplace provides warmth and hygge in the winter. The menu offers something for everyone. Don't be afraid to order something new. Every dish I've had was delectable. read more

Nice place, friendly host, wonderful decor, the food smells very nice... It's very clean in the restaurant, and as usual it looks like a small but thoughtful group of committed citizens... Who are dining read more

Recommended by a dear old friend of mine for a reunion of four great friends from college and a birthday celebration, I discovered this new hidden gem in the quaint suburb of Winnetka. What a remarkable night of supurb Greek Cuisine full of outstanding flavors, bright, open atmosphere, and impeckable personable service. My wife and I were the first to walk into Avli for our 8:00 reservations for eight of us. As usual, I like to arrive early to new places to get a feel for the atmosphere. As soon as we walked in, I knew we were in for a special evening. Bright, open, crisp atmosphere with three large dining rooms of tables with white table clothes perfectly spaced out for their guests to have a comfortable experience. A brilliant brick walkway towards a beautiful display of their wines in an open wine cellar, and a quaint comfortable bar where we enjoyed a glass of Rose in their nice Avli sketched wine glasses. As soon as we all were together, we were seated in the middle of their main dining room and our server was quick to help us out with a great bottle of The Prisoner for our red wine choice and his recommendation of one of their Greek whites, which turned out to be a crisp version of Pinot Grigio. We already felt our "happy place" for the night and the atmosphere alone set the tone. Great beginnings with our appetizer orders of Saganaki to split, tasty home made Eggplant Salad and Hummus with some of the freshest soft Pita I think I've had. Not sure where this originated from, but we really enjoyed their Watermelon and Feta Salad to split, something I did not see on the menu. If Saganaki was a "health food", I would of devoured theirs by itself. What a nice citrus bite to it. The menu is so diverse and organized with a great variety of beef, lamb, chicken and seafood dishes. In addition, Avli has a couple pasta and Vegetable dishes to chose from. We all ordered differently, but when I go to a Greek restaurant for the first time, it is Lamb for me. I ordered the Braised Lamb. Nice portion of tender, fall off the bone meat with the juices just flowing out of it. Most tender piece of Lamb, just how I like it served with oven roasted potatoes on the side. The flavors I have not had in most Greek restaurants anywhere I've been. My wife had the Lake Superior White Fish with a perfect and not overbearing lemon sauce. I could taste the natural flavor of the Whitefish, which some places take away with crusts and sauces. What a great presentation of their Salmon wrapped in parchment paper, my friend ordered. When the parchment was pulled back, the Salmon had a nice juicy glaze to it, probably from the ouzo baked over it. I never tasted it, but next time I will have to try this. Everyone loved what they ordered. A beautiful Mini Rack of Lamb split between two of us, and what looked to be a nice, helping of Makaronia, semolina pasta with EVOO. We also ordered a beautiful and tasty yellow and red beet salad. Colorfully fresh and was delicious. In regards to the variety and the preparation of the menu at Avli, this part of the experience could not have been better. Most of all, each dish stood for itself as best prepared as one can find in any Greek establishment. The flavors were MAGNIFICENT, and the presentation did not lie. Our server did an incredible job, although the kitchen did not have my entree of Lamb out on time, but I was ok, the dish was fabulous. Never a glitch in the service, in fact he was friendly and informative and added to our special evening. If anyone ever recommends Avli Estiatorio, take their word, because I walked away with a new hidden gem I would take people back to. The atmosphere is bright and happy, the flavors were top notch and they never missed a thing here. What a great reunion of friends because of it. read more

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Chicago may have it's problems but the toney North shore suburbs seem to be immune with nice people frequenting nice restaurants for great food. There was no sign of an economic slowdown pending as the streets were busy as were the local establishments with a Vineyard Vines catalog come to life. In town for a great cause we relied on our guide Shy town Jack to pick out a place to eat prior to the Brain Cancer fundraiser and bar band jam. Jack suggested Greek so with a group in tow off we went. A bit hard to find, although that might be part of the charm, Avli Estiatorio gave that true Taverna feel in downtown Winnetka. Moderately busy we were seated outside in a very pleasant patio. Two servers helped us one with drinks, and one with food. The drinks were very authentic with a cocktail menu that requires guidance. A selection of 4 drinks came, one real Ozou with no sugar!, One made of tree bark and it tasted like it, one peach like a Bellini and a fourth that slips my mind. The peach was fine the rest seemed like a dare rather than a drink but probably really authentic. Fortunately a Grey Goose martini with BC O's followed cleansing the pallet..... twice. Food ranged from super diner fare, gyros, saginaki etc to superb. Hummus to start was great, octopus same and crusty bread with.... butter instead of the usual olive oil with spices that no one really wants but never mentions in polite company! My roasted lamb shank was fall off the bone tender. It would have brought Telly Savalas to tears! A huge chicken dish for Jack C. looked like he had a tip on a famine! RC had stuffed tomatoes that got high marks. Miami grad Mad had a kabob that looked great and again high marks. As we finished the waiter belted out an Italian!?! serenade for a couple and another torched a saginaki. A great start to a special evening. Opa indeed!! Go read more