Deciding whether to stay in for dinner or go out to eat can be a nightly dilemma for many. Some people firmly believe in preparing home-cooked meals almost every night. Others rarely venture into the kitchen beyond reheating last night's takeout leftovers. Regardless of your cooking philosophy, one thing we can all agree on is that dining at a local Mediterranean restaurant in Highland Park, IL, is a fantastic way to treat yourself to a delightful meal and take a break from the cooking. Eating out gives you the chance to unwind and connect with friends over wonderful food, all without the hassle of cooking or dealing with the cleanup afterward.
And when it comes to eating at a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in The Prairie State, Nia Restaurant and Wine Bar is one of the most popular and fun dining experiences you can have.
It seemed impossible. Nia Restaurant and Wine Bar broke that mold, and today, it stands tall as one of the most renowned locations in the world for authentic Mediterranean food and Roman-style pizza.
As soon as you walk through our doors, you'll be greeted by an atmosphere of unmatched warmth and hospitality. Our talented chef takes great care in crafting a delectable menu that reflects a true passion for Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for succulent Branzino or Roman style pizza in Highland Park, IL, our food will delight your palate. Nia truly shines as one of the top dining spots in the West Loop, beautifully blending the delicate flavors of seafood with the comforting appeal of pizza.
To enhance your experience, our knowledgeable sommeliers are ready to guide you through our extensive wine list, expertly pairing the finest Mediterranean dishes with the perfect glass of vino. Whether you're enjoying a crisp white with your seafood or a robust red alongside your pizza, our selection is sure to impress. Our steadfast commitment to excellence shines through in every sip, ensuring that each glass of wine elevates your meal to new heights.
If you're new to the Chicago area or you've never dined with us, you're probably wondering what makes Nia such a sought-after place to eat and imbibe. Simply put, we strive to create an unforgettable atmosphere, serve delectable food, and wow you with our 5-star service.
At Nia Restaurant and Wine Bar, impeccable service is at the heart of what we do. From the moment you sit down, our attentive staff is dedicated to meeting your every need, making us one of the top-rated restaurants in the West Loop. Whether it's recommending a dish, providing insightful explanations, or suggesting the ideal wine pairing, we strive to ensure that your dining experience is truly unforgettable.
The best way to celebrate special occasions is at our patio wine bar with friends and family. We pride ourselves on offering outstanding cuisine and an atmosphere that whisks you away to the Mediterranean. Our rich seafood dishes and mouthwatering pizzas provide a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Wondering what kind of events we host at Nia? From birthday parties to corporate team-building exercises and everything in between, our Mediterranean restaurant is perfect. Whether you're looking for a spot to eat after visiting Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Highland Park, IL, or you want to treat your spouse to a special night out, we can help.
For private dining experiences, our team is dedicated to ensuring your gathering is exceptional, regardless of whether you're hosting an intimate group of ten or looking to impress a larger circle of friends and family.
Corporate team-building events can do wonders for office morale and productivity. Unfortunately, finding a venue for your corporate event can be challenging. Whether you want to host an intimate gathering for 10 in our main dining room or make a lasting impression on 80 seated guests at your next corporate event in Nia's private dining room, we have the perfect space for you.
Whether you're the beautiful bride or the stunning groom, you can rest easy knowing you've got a reliable, private, flexible space for your rehearsal dinners. While you're practicing your vows and going over your wedding day schedule, we'll prepare an unforgettable meal for you and your guests. That way, you can focus on prepping for your big day while we keep your belly full and your heart happy.
Planning your next big event and need a large space for celebrating? Host your private events at Nia Restaurant and Wine Bar, where we offer a remarkable selection of options for private dining and gatherings. Our intimate main dining room beautifully captures the essence of the sunny Mediterranean with its iridescent tiles, elegant stained-glass sconces, and textured walls. The rich burgundy curtains and upholstery, paired with warm wood tones, create a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for your private events.
Getting married is one of the most important and happy times in a person's life. If one of your friends or family members is getting hitched, why not celebrate with a bridal shower at our Mediterranean restaurant in Highland Park, IL? Our staff helps make your party easy and streamlined, so you can focus on having fun while we serve up tasty food and wine. Whether the wedding bells are ringing for you, a close friend, or a family member, one of the enjoyable events leading up to the wedding is definitely the bridal shower.
As the year begins to wind down, thousands of individuals and families flock to the Chicago area to celebrate the season with family and loved ones. Of all the ways to enjoy this time of year, holiday parties top the list. Organizing a holiday party that truly makes a lasting impression can feel overwhelming, but with Nia's outstanding private event services, you can create an unforgettable celebration effortlessly.
Located in the bustling West Loop, Nia Restaurant & Wine Bar has been a top choice for private dinner parties in Chicago since 2008, combining affordability with sophistication seamlessly. Whether you're looking for an intimate setting with private rooms for small gatherings or need budget-friendly dining options, Nia offers customized packages to suit every budget.
Our Mediterranean-style restaurant offers a variety of customized private event packages designed to suit the distinct needs of each client. Whether you're organizing an intimate gathering or a lavish celebration, we provide flexible options that accommodate different group sizes and budgets. We offer both large rooms for lavish parties and a selection of cozy, private rooms ideal for warm connections and memorable moments.
This hands-on approach ensures that your holiday party not only meets but surpasses expectations, reinforcing Nia's standing as one of the leading choices for affordable private dining in Chicago.
One of the best things about being an adult is having the financial freedom to go out to eat occasionally. Of course, you've got to keep your budget and priorities in mind, but everyone needs to let loose now and then. Here are some of the top reasons why you should shut off your oven and hop in the car for a night out at Nia.
Once you've been to a real-deal Mediterranean restaurant in Highland Park, IL, it's only a matter of time before you go back. The food, wine, and flavors are just too delicious to ignore. Life is too short to spend another evening trying to make do with a makeshift recipe or whatever leftover ingredients you have lying around. The food in your pantry will still be there tomorrow, so why not seize the opportunity tonight to step out and truly satisfy your hunger? How much longer can you resist the allure of fresh, local ingredients transformed into your favorite dishes?
Dining out presents a wonderful chance to engage socially beyond the confines of home and work. This kind of leisure time is vital for nurturing a healthy lifestyle and supporting your mental well-being. It's refreshing to chat, share a laugh, and enjoy the company of others, allowing you to momentarily set aside your worries. Whether you choose to head out solo and meet someone at a wine bar or invite along your favorite person, living socially is a key ingredient in the recipe of life.
Supporting local businesses like Nia Restaurant and Wine Bar is a fantastic reason to dine out more often. When you choose to eat at a nearby restaurant, you're not just enjoying a meal; you're also helping to sustain the livelihood of everyone involved, from the owners to the servers to the sommeliers and everyone in between. Your patronage contributes to the growth and vitality of your community, making a positive impact on the local economy.
After a long day of hard work, you deserve a well-earned break. Why add to your stress by messing up your kitchen with dinner preparations? Even if you love to cook, everyone needs a chance to relax and let someone else take care of the meal occasionally. It's important to carve out time for yourself. What could be more enjoyable than savoring a delicious dish crafted by an executive chef like Daniel Echevarria? Allow someone to wait on you for a change; you've certainly earned it.
Exploring new experiences, flavors, and cultures is one of the best parts of living life. Over time, restaurant cuisine has evolved to include innovative and distinct dishes that you might not whip up in your own kitchen. With delectable Roman-style pizza and incredible Mediterranean cuisine, Nia fits that bill to a T. So, don't hesitate to head out this evening and sample something entirely new; you just might be pleasantly surprised!
Our innovative chef and attentive servers are committed to bringing you the freshest ingredients, all skillfully prepared with love. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner, having a fun evening out with friends or family, or treating yourself to a solo date night at Nia, we can't wait to welcome you. Join us for a wonderful evening filled with exceptional food and delightful company. Don't forget to check out our Mediterranean dinner menu and reserve your table today!
Stepping into a wine bar can feel a bit like embarking on a treasure hunt. Sometimes, you might be caught off guard by a bad selection, a misguided theme, or, even worse, uninspiring wine. Add to that the fact that wine bars come in all shapes and sizes these days, from dim, abandoned spaces to bustling venues, and it makes wine bar hunting even more fun. Yet, when you stumble upon a gem like Nia-one that exceeds expectations and shines on multiple levels-it truly transforms your sipping and dining experience.
Here are some of the top qualities of an exceptional wine bar.
While it may seem obvious that a great wine list should be a standard feature, you'd be surprised by how many wine bars stumble on this essential element. A top-notch wine list is as carefully curated as an exhibit at Ward W Willits House in Highland Park, IL, state - meticulously chosen and always diverse. It should allow you to explore wines from across the globe, showcase a variety of vintages, and include both well-known labels and hidden gems from afar.
A wine bar should have a captivating concept that draws people in. It's important to offer enough variety, including seasonal menu updates and special promotions. Whether it's the cozy atmosphere, the overall vibe, or the delicious food and wine pairings, all elements must work harmoniously together to create a memorable experience. At Nia Restaurant and Wine Bar, we're always rotating our wines and looking for the newest and most popular choices.
A well-trained staff is essential for a quality wine bar. They should possess a solid understanding of the wines they serve and beyond. Familiarity with the regions and other similar wines is key. They don't need to be certified sommeliers, but they must be knowledgeable about the menus and wine lists. There's nothing more frustrating than inquiring about a restaurant's wine selection and being met with a vague response like, "We have white and red." Or worse, asking about different varietals and receiving a confused look in return.
Here's an instance where size really does matter. Every wine has its own distinct flavor profile that you can experience at different points on your tongue and throat. As a result, the shape of a wine glass influences how each sip of wine interacts with your taste buds.
To create an inviting atmosphere in a patio wine bar, the lighting should be understated yet bright enough for patrons to appreciate the colors of each wine. The music needs to be at a volume that's enjoyable and can be heard over chatter but never loud enough to drown out the sounds of glasses clinking in celebration. The overall vibe should make everyone feel relaxed, welcome, and comfortable to minimize any feelings of tension or discomfort.
Discover why Nia Restaurant and Wine Bar stands out as one of Chicago's premier dining destinations and a favorite for unforgettable meals. Make a reservation today and embark on a delightful culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and create cherished memories. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast, crave Roman style pizza in Highland Park, IL, or love wine, Nia Restaurant and Wine Bar promises an exceptional dining experience. Don't forget to take advantage of our enticing happy hour specials in the West Loop, adding an extra touch of enjoyment to your outing at one of downtown Chicago's best restaurants.
HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an air pollution action day for the greater Chicago metropolitan area, including Highland Park and Lake County, due to Canadian wildfire smoke.According to the National Weather Service, the alert will be in effect until Tuesday night."Active children and adults, especially people with pulmonary or respiratory disease such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor activity," the National Weather Service said in a statement....
HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an air pollution action day for the greater Chicago metropolitan area, including Highland Park and Lake County, due to Canadian wildfire smoke.
According to the National Weather Service, the alert will be in effect until Tuesday night.
"Active children and adults, especially people with pulmonary or respiratory disease such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor activity," the National Weather Service said in a statement.
An Air Quality Alert is in effect through Tuesday evening for the Chicago metro area in Illinois and in northwest Indiana due to unhealthy ozone levels and some lingering effects of Canadian wildfire smoke. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/CZMLcM9Jc0— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 14, 2025
An air pollution action day is declared when weather conditions are such that widespread ozone and or particular levels are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. According to the weather service, officials are primarily concerned about ozone at this time.
Ozone in the air can be harmful, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. People most at risk from breathing air containing ozone include people with asthma, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers.
Depending on the level of exposure, ozone can:
Officials urged Chicagoland residents to do what they can to reduce pollution levels. Air quality forecasts, current air quality and tips on how you can reduce your emissions can be found at AirNow.gov.
This facility received the Career 2 Notable award in the 2024 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.The 13,500-sq.-ft. Highland Park Fire Department facility has one level below grade and two levels above. The apparatus bay allows safe and efficient maneuvering around vehic...
This facility received the Career 2 Notable award in the 2024 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
The 13,500-sq.-ft. Highland Park Fire Department facility has one level below grade and two levels above. The apparatus bay allows safe and efficient maneuvering around vehicles and is served by accessory rooms, such as maintenance space, turnout gear, extractors and gear dryers.
The ground floor’s large muster room provides direct view and access to the apparatus bay and the main entrance. The balance of the ground floor contains the required stairwells/elevator for second-floor and basement egress. A tornado shelter is provided to house occupants for as long as two hours in 250-mph winds.
The second floor contains all living areas for as many as six firefighters. It includes a dayroom, a kitchen, a dining room, bunkrooms, a locker area and toilet/shower facilities. The bunkroom and locker/toilet areas are gender-neutral; the two toilet/showers are contained in single-user private rooms. A modest outdoor patio/deck is available off the dining room to the east.
The lower level has an exercise room, to comfortably and safely fit the department’s equipment, as well as valuable storage space.
The building is fully accessible per the State of Illinois Accessibility Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2010. The facility also complies with the city of Highland Park’s newly adopted 2018 version of the International Building Code, Fire Code, Mechanical Code and Fuel Gas Code and the Illinois Energy Conservation Code.
The construction of the building’s exterior comprises a combination of brick, stone and cement plaster to satisfy the goal of reflecting the 1930s Tudor Style of the design of the original fire station. The overhead garage doors allow passage of modern-size firefighting equipment. The building is topped with steep residential roof lines to mimic the Tudor tradition.
Architect: Williams Architects
HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The first batch of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus this year in Lake County was found in Highland Park, the Lake County Health department announced Tuesday.The Southlake Mosquito Abatement District collected a batch of mosquitoes from a trap in Highland Park on June 24. This mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus presence in Lake County in 2025.“Mosquitoes are an expected part of summer, but they also carry diseases that can lead to serious illness and e...
HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The first batch of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus this year in Lake County was found in Highland Park, the Lake County Health department announced Tuesday.
The Southlake Mosquito Abatement District collected a batch of mosquitoes from a trap in Highland Park on June 24. This mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus presence in Lake County in 2025.
“Mosquitoes are an expected part of summer, but they also carry diseases that can lead to serious illness and even death,” said Chris Hoff, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center. “We can take steps to ‘Fight the Bite' to protect ourselves and our families while we enjoy all that summer has to offer.”
Culex pipiens mosquitoes are the primary carriers of West Nile virus and they typically breed in stagnant water. Items like buckets, gutters, plant containers and kiddie pools can be prime areas for these insects to lay their eggs.
To minimize mosquito bites, resident should:
“With the warmer weather, people spend more time outdoors and mosquitoes become active,” said Alana Bartolai, Ecological Services Program Coordinator at the Health Department. "From late-Spring to Fall, we set traps around Lake County and monitor weekly for this public health threat.”
In 2024, 154 out of 723 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus. There were six human cases of West Nile virus. Since 2002, there have been 86 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Lake County, aswell as five confirmed deaths.
If a person is infected with West Nile virus, they can develop a fever or a mild headache. Severe symptoms can include a rapid onset of a high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors and convulsions.
According to the Southlake Mosquito Abatement District, in the most severe cases, paralysis or death may occur. Those who are 50 years of age or older are at the highest risk for serious illness. Symptoms typically occur within three to 14 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.
In Lake County, mosquitoes are tested weekly for West Nile virus. The Lake County Health Department’s Mosquito Surveillance Program also tests dead birds and investigates areas of stagnant water for the presence of mosquito larvae.
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