Jilly's Cafe - Evanston

Wonderful anniversary dinner. Only two occupied tables the Tuesday night we ate there. Show this legit French restaurant some love.

What I wrote on Facebook: For my wife's birthday, we had an especially fine dinner at Jilly's Cafe, quietly serving exceptional French cuisine here in Evanston since 1986. Less than ten minutes from our home, it's a shame we had not been there before tonight. The menu was delightful, and our choices were perfectly prepared, elegantly plated, and expertly served in a quiet, tastefully appointed, and entirely unpretentious storefront with only about ten tables. She had grilled seafood skewers with shrimp, scallops, asparagus and orzo pasta in a light citrus sauce. I had barbeque glazed beef short ribs over horseradish whipped potato and a red wine demi-glace. She chose the chocolate mousse chocolate layer cake, which arrived with an unexpected second dessert; a moist and complex carrot cake over a clearly homemade caramel sauce, with a candle to quietly note her birthday.

Wonderful food in a very welcoming atmosphere. Large portions and very reasonable price point. It's an adorable small restaurant and a great find! Would definitely recommend ?

The appetizers were just fabulous. I did not like my entrée. I had the ribeye steak. It wasn’t cooked properly. It had no char on it it was raw. I asked for medium rare. I should’ve sent it back. That’s my fault. In addition to that, it looks like Evanston added a 6% extra tax on alcohol. We’re not returning.

A wonderful brunch. It was elegant and quiet . How wonderful to be able to have a conversation without screaming. The scones and muffins when you sit down were a bonus. My only negative was they need larger cups for for coffee atbrunch.