The Foxtail On The Lake
The Foxtail On The Lake — among the best food in Des Plaines. The noise level tells you everything you need to know. There's real intention behind the cocktail list. "One of the best parts is the beautiful lake nearby, where you can take a nice walk after your meal" — Valeriia Buchkovska [$$, patio]
What 1,707 diners keep saying
What 1,707 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Checked out Foxtail on the Lake in Des Plaines, and what a hidden gem! It’s an old church that’s been transformed into a stunning Mediterranean restaurant, and they did an incredible job preserving its character. The gorgeous stained-glass windows, beautiful artwork throughout, and views of the lake make it feel like such a unique dining experience. They also have a great outdoor patio with a full bar overlooking the water—definitely a spot I want to come back to on a warm evening. The service was just as impressive as the setting. Everyone was so friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient with all of our questions. They made us feel completely welcome from start to finish. If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s a little different, with amazing ambiance, beautiful scenery, and a team that truly cares, Foxtail on the Lake is absolutely worth the visit!”

“I cannot express how much I enjoyed eating here today. Our server, Bob, Was so thoughtful and made my birthday super special and effortless. He very much understood the gluten-free safety precautions that the restaurant follows and was so kind and thoughtful with my needs and requests. The food was incredible! Five star flavor, variety, cuisine overall. I especially liked the variety on all the menus (Food, drinks, dessert) - it was a fun place to dine.”

“Great location, plenty of parking. Great staff and amazing food. Great place not too far from the airport.”

“Great food, better atmosphere, classic cocktail names. This is a beautiful restaurant that is perfect for a special occasion or a random Saturday night. Lots of unique food choices.”

“Housed in a beautifully repurposed church steps from the water, this space is genuinely jaw-dropping. Inside, bold murals of iconic women dominate the walls of the dining room, creating an energy that’s both intimate and electric. Every corner feels intentional. The gold candelabras, the rattan chairs, the cocktails (mine came garnished with a gorgeous dried citrus wheel) all signal that someone here cares deeply about craft. And then the food delivers on that promise. Every dish lived up to the atmosphere: inventive, beautifully presented, and genuinely delicious. It’s rare that a restaurant makes you feel like the meal is just one of several gifts being offered. This is definitely that kind of place.”

“The kefta, paella, flatbread, and chocolate mousse cake were great! The butternut lentil soup was good, just a little too creamy. Our waitress was very nice and made sure to check in on us throughout the evening. Overall great atmosphere and place!”

“First time here, arrived in the afternoon and it was decent crowd. Our waiter was attentive. The drinks were good and so was the food. Will be back.”

“We had a wonderful experience at Foxtail on the Lake. Specifically we really enjoyed our sever Anthony! He was very knowledgeable about the menu and specific details for ingredients on the menu, very attentive. We had the breakfast flatbread that was a very unique but delicious dish and also had the Filet Poke Bowl (we requested sauce on side in the pic) which was delicious! They brought out a cute little dessert for us with the coolest candle. Overall, great experience and will be back again!”

“Excellent restaurant. Our server Anthony was very professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to our table. We asked him questions and he knew what every ingredient was and how it tasted. We never had to ask for more water or look around for an employee. Food was great. We had the breakfast flatbread and the filet poke bowl (sauce on side). The other tables food looked exceptional as well! 5/5 all day.”

“NEW “2ND” REVIEW 🍴Had an incredible time at The Foxtail on the Lake in Des Plaines hosting our Financial Solutions Advisory Group holiday party. Mediterranean-inspired restaurant housed inside a beautifully renovated 1950s Church. Taylor and Sophia and the entire team did an outstanding job — the food was fantastic, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was perfect for celebrating with our team. And the after-party in the speakeasy… so much fun. Great vibe and a perfect way to cap off the night.🍴 From the gorgeous lakeside views to the Church architecture and stained-glass centerpiece to the incredible food and live DJ, everything about tonight was exceptional. • Steak tartare was perfectly seasoned and paired with crisp crostini. • Fresh oysters on ice. • Grilled Octopus with potatoes. • The Moroccan chicken dish was loaded with vibrant flavor and veggies. • Foxtail Paella with chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp, and mussels. • Grilled half chicken over mashed potatoes. • Chicken Shawarma Rolls + crispy fries with dipping sauce. • The pistachio-topped Key Lime Pie was sweet amd nutty. Definitely adding this to the list of local favorites.”

“Very unique space and menu. The food and service was excellent. Can't wait to return in the summer to enjoy the patio.”

“This place is truly special. The food is absolutely amazing, every dish made with so much care and flavor. The vibes are unmatched, the venue is stunning, and the energy is always perfect. But what really makes this place stand out is the team - you can feel that they are like a family, and they make every guest feel like part of it too. My favorite restaurant, without a doubt”
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