Sometimes you just need to escape from the monotony of dining hall food. Let’s face it, college food is mediocre at best and gag-worthy at its worst. Nothing beats tasty grub, especially when the food is a reasonable price (broke college students, I’m talking to you). Jilly’s Cafe, a long-time Evanston French restaurant, proves perfect for that much-needed dinner excursion that you’ve been craving.
The Atmosphere
Jilly’s Cafe recently changed ownership to a sweet Turkish couple, however, the quality, ambience, and cozy vibes are intact. With classic French bistro vibes, the restaurant consists of dark wooden floors, yellow walls and red decor. Plus, on Friday nights, Jilly’s Cafe features a live violinist, which proves the perfect addition to this classy meal.
The Food
Let’s talk about what’s most important here: the food. The first thing Sarah Evans and I tried was the poached pear salad, per the owner’s recommendation. Usually, salads aren’t my favorite part of the meal, however, this salad was addicting. With pears soaked in a Pinot Noir, the salad consisted of the perfect blend of crisp lettuce, walnuts and goat cheese.
When it came down to ordering entrées, we went by the chef’s recommendations. I ordered the salmon with fresh veggies, and Sarah ordered the Seafood Risotto. Both from California, Sarah and I are seafood critics with high expectations. Lucky for us, Jilly’s did not disappoint. The salmon tasted fresh, appeared heavenly pink, and cooked to perfection. The buttery sauce that came with the salmon added the right amount of flavor and a creamy texture.
Sarah, on the other hand, ordered the Seafood Risotto. From the looks of her empty plate and content face, she seemed to enjoy everything about this dish. One thing’s for sure: Jilly’s Cafe serves some mean seafood dishes.
The Dessert
Safe to say, this dessert is one of the best sorbets that I’ve tasted. It was the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, icy and smooth. The raspberry syrup on top mixed well with the tanginess of the orange sorbet. Plus, the sliced apple on top made for an extremely Instagram-worthy shot.
Final Thoughts
Jilly’s is a must-try Evanston restaurant. The French food is mouthwatering, and this classy dining experience allows you to escape the (sometimes) unappealing dining hall food. Jilly’s Cafe makes for a solid dinner with friends, date night or a restaurant to try out during Family Weekend. Oh, and did I mention this restaurant offers a 10 percent discount to college students? You heard that right.