Koi
Critics have been raving about Koi ever since it burst onto the Evanston dining scene in 2004. A nontraditional Chinese fusion restaurant, Koi avoids many clichés of the genre by offering a small menu full of creative homemade dishes that incorporate a variety of Asian influences. The chefs at this popular spot in downtown Evanston emphasize fine presentation and fresh ingredients, though the real focus is always on flavor. Steamed sea bass, Peking duck and lemon chicken are among Koi's signature dishes, and each is prepared with fine attention to detail. Koi also offers a selection of vegetarian food such as braised tofu with bok choy topped with oyster sauce.
Koi
624 Davis St.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 866-6969
Koievanston.com
Pine Yard
In business since 1973, Pine Yard ranks high among affordable yet high quality Asian restaurants in Evanston. Choose from traditional Mandarin, Cantonese and Szechuan dishes like kuo-tae dumplings and mu shu pork with rice pancakes. The popular lunch special includes your choice of homemade soup or vegetable fried rice, spring roll and green tea. The casual atmosphere is a relaxing setting for family or friends, and you can watch the chefs prepare your meal through a row of glass windows. Pine Yard offers takeout and delivery within the Evanston area.
Pine Yard
1033 Davis St.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-4940
Pineyardrestaurant.com
Lulu's
Located in downtown Evanston, Lulu's proudly serves a whimsical selection of "dim sum and then sum." Owned and operated by husband and wife team Daniel Kelch and Laura Van Dorf since 1992, Lulu's has since become an Evanston institution and is famous for its eclectic dim sum offerings, among other specialties. The restaurant's culinary approach can be loosely defined as Chinese-American fusion, with generous portions and creative recipes all around. Popular menu items include almond duck tenders, shrimp dumplings and crispy tofu salad with ginger dressing.
Lulu's
804 Davis St.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 869-4343
Lulusdimsum.com
Article Written By Charlie Higgins
Charlie Higgins is a writer, translator, editor and social-media consultant based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Originally from Connecticut, Higgins holds bachelor's degrees in media studies and music from Oberlin College. He currently works for the financial inclusion and microenterprise news website Microdinero.
