Guide to Global Cuisine During Lake County Flavor Festival 2026
By: Jonathan Jones 01/22/2026
Sometimes you can’t make that big trip to Europe, that safari excursion in Africa or that relaxing beach setting in Southeast Asia, Central America and/or the Caribbean Islands to experience international eats first hand.
A land of lakes global feast during Lake County Flavor Festival is the next best thing running throughout February. Who says you can’t stay land of lakes local to eat traditional, rustic, ethnic and divine bites like a seasoned traveler abroad? The global cuisine is right at your fingertips.
Visitors can win various foodie prizes like a $50 gift card to a participating restaurant, a cooking class at The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville and a chance to win an overnight stay at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort which includes a dinner/theatre package at Wright's Brew & Bistro or Three Embers Restaurant and Marriott Theatre and more. Here is your guide to international cuisine during Lake County Flavor Festival.
The perfect blend of Asian and Latin cuisine, dramatically presented, and brought to the table ready to be shared. Like in most cultures, the sharing of food breaks down barriers and creates a sense of belonging. The menu features innovative and authentic menu including tacos, lo mein, Thai curry dishes, ramen noodles, empanadas, fried yuca and more.
The Highland Park creates delicious Eastern European dishes. For years, Cafe Dacha has delivered fam recipes spanning two generations of authentic Ukranian cuisine as their menu features kebabs, salads, pierogi, borscht, Napoleon and honey cakes and more.
Casa Bonita serves authentic homemade Mexican cuisine prepared daily and made with high-quality fresh ingredients from local markets. Casa Bonita offers a vacation-style atmosphere with indoor and heated outdoor seating and a spectacular Tequila Bar featuring several delicious fresh hand-squeezed Margaritas.
The Italian-American kitchen, is a second-generation, family-owned gem and has been serving authentic cuisine for nearly 40 years. Known for its pasta, pizza and seafood, this cozy spot combines old-world charm with modern Italian flavors.
One of Gurnee's newest restaurant provides a wonderful experience for you and the fam. The restaurant offers a variety of Italian dishes, appetizers, pizzas, wings, salads and Japanese items. You can truly enjoy "la vita bella" in every culinary sense.
This Mundelein seafood staple and one of the land of lake’s eldest nautical fare establishments is Dover Straits. Famous extensive menu of seafood flown in daily, Dover Straits also offers premium steaks, pasta dishes and other excellent selections for the most discerning diner. Since 1978, the starboard restaurant is satisfied bellies across the Land of Lincoln.
This authentic Mexican restaurant has a beautiful scenic view and is located on Nippersink Lake, connected to the Chain O’Lakes. Watch a beautiful sunset on the Chain while enjoying the best Margarita in Lake County. The menu includes Enchiladas, Chimichangas, sizzling fajitas, steak, seafood, burritos, combination platters and a variety of drinks, desserts and obviously tacos. Their three taco meal is served with lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese and your choice of ground beef, chicken or steak. The platter also comes with Mexican rice and beans. The Fox Lake Restaurant also serves taco salad with your choice of ground beef, chicken or steak topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole. The restaurant offers three indoor dining rooms, a seasonal outdoor patio and a full bar with unique homemade drinks. Come by land or boat. Come rain or shine, you will be able to sit out in the patio under the canopy.
The inception of the Fat Rosie started when Chef and proprietor of the Lincolnshire restaurant became acquainted with an agave farmer and his trusty donkey steed south of the border. The gentleman’s donkey had worked alongside this ground grower for over two decades. The heavy horse’s John Hancock is that of the one that’s named for this LCRW eatery – Fat Rosie. The festive Mexican taqueria serves a modern take on traditional cuisine and craft cocktails. Their menu is highlighted by soups, seafoods, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, burritos and so much more.
The Vernon Hills restaurant and pub lives by the credo "fine wine is our native language." Owner Purvi Damani-Patel dreamed of owning an establishment like this after traveling the Land of Lincoln and other areas tasting wine. Its menu features brunch, dinner and plates like charcuteries, salads, seafood, steaks, and other international cuisines.
The Deerfield cuisine makers are one of the world's fastest-growing fast-food businesses. Experience their made-to-order authentic Mexican burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos and more. This Flavor Festival, GYG offers their two for $22 meal which includes two mini chicken burrito bowls, two soft or hard tacos and fries.
Visit Highland Park for the delectable eats from Jin 28 Express' traditional Chinese culinary offerings. This delivery only eatery features its General Tso chicken, but the menu features Chinese, Japanese and Thai styled noodles, fried rice bowls, soups, salads and a slew of other splendid cuisines.
Independently owned and operated Main Street Social opened in 2017. The restaurant, located in downtown Libertyville is a restaurant and bar that puts a twist on Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Their menu features housemade portions of pasta, fresh seafood, bountiful salads, meat and cheese boards, delectable desserts and more. Besides the innovative dishes made from scratch, the MainStreet Libertyville eatery provides fine wines and craft libations.
Craving a real-deal Mexican fare joint in Fox Lake? Mijo's makes you forget about the Tex-Mex chains as they serve authentic and delicious eats. From sizzling fajitas to mouthwatering tacos, their menu is stacked with myriad tasty items. The portions are generous and you'l leave unfamished.
Oliverii North is a 37-year family tradition and the fourth installment of founder Guido Oliverii's restaurant. The Antioch, Italian-inspired eatery features pasta, pizza, soups, salads, seafood and more.
WOOD you like a slice of pizza? This Libertyville wood-fired pie place not only serves up a mean slice, as their menu also features salads, pasta and burgers. Pizzeria DeVille also provides a full bar.
The recently renovated authentic eats from Taqueria is nothing short of special. The City of Progress restaurant is highlighted by tacos, aguas frescas, enchiladas, tortas and more with their specialty's including parillada de carne y mariscos y camarones cucurachos (grilled meat, seafood and shrimp).
Holy moly! If you can only check out this cannoli from Tony! The Mundelein confectioner creates traditional and unconventional cannolis for customers to indulge their sweet tooth. Tony Cannoli Specialty Pastries also conducts classes to teach visitors how to make the sweet Italian treat. The Mundelein maker also makes cakes, donuts, cookies, chips and more.
Continue here to learn more about Lake County February Flavor Festivals. Click here to view more scoops during Flavor Fest. To view other participating restaurants in the land of lakes Flavor Festival, continue here.
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