Juniper, New Highwood Restaurant From Chef Todd Stein, Open Now

HIGHWOOD, IL — A new restaurant from Chicago chef Todd Stein is set to open in downtown Highwood later this month. Juniper, at 200 Green Bay Road, will begin service Aug. 25, bringing a menu built around modern American dishes, sushi, wine, sake and craft cocktails to the North Shore.

Stein said the concept reflects both his professional background and his connection to the area. He brings more than three decades of culinary experience to the venture, after leading kitchens at Chicago restaurants and hospitality groups including Formento's, The Bristol, Ballyhoo Hospitality and mk the restaurant. Stein is opening the restaurant in his own backyard of Highland Park.

"I've watched the North Shore's dining scene evolve for decades now, and I’m always excited to be able to bring something personal to it," said Stein. "With Juniper, I wanted to create the kind of restaurant I always wished we had in the neighborhood, a place I’d like to hang out in. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, meeting friends for cocktails or stopping in for dinner on a weeknight, we want every guest to feel genuinely welcomed. My hope is that Juniper becomes a place people return to again and again."

Juniper's menu centers on elevated American classics including Filet Mignon Sliders, Mini Lobster Rolls, Rotisserie Chicken and Ribeye Steak Frites. Those dishes are paired with a dedicated sushi program led by Executive Sushi Chef Akira Yang. The sushi menu includes classic and specialty rolls along with sashimi and nigiri, and also serves as the restaurant's raw bar.

The beverage program ties the menus together with signature cocktails, an extensive wine list and a small selection of sake, according to the announcement. Juniper's design was created with Kehoe Designs and HI-FI Branding, and the interior includes deep blue and soft green tones, bright red and wood accents, and a 35-foot mural showing a late morning sunrise over Lake Michigan.

The restaurant includes a main dining room, a secluded sushi bar, a private dining space and a patio for outdoor dining in warmer months.

Juniper will operate Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are available on OpenTable.