Introducing your child to different flavors at an early age can help build a healthy gut biome and create healthy eating habits. While letting them indulge in their chicken strips and macaroni and cheese ensures full bellies, even just a tiny taste from your plate can establish a more diverse palate and help open their eyes to flavors from around the world. Because taste buds are continually developing and individual tastes evolve as one grows, exposing your child to different foods periodically is a good habit. Here’s our list of the best ethnic cuisines in and around South Barrington. 

Wok N Fire

A delicious looking bowl of sashimi and sushi in South Barrington, IL

Sushi by Annie Mole is licensed with CC BY 2.0

For Asian-inspired cuisine, you must try Wok n Fire. With a reputation for serving quality food with fresh ingredients since 2002, Wok n Fire is a local favorite with a solid four locations throughout the area. The South Barrington location on Higgins Road has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and is the ideal place to satisfy your sushi craving. The restaurant uses the highest-quality ingredients, including freshly caught fish from Hawaii delivered overnight and the highest grade of Japanese rice grown in California. 

When you go, order the signature maki roll, and you won’t be disappointed. For something with a flavorful punch but more traditional ingredients, try the teriyaki chicken with brown rice. The chicken is deliciously flavored with a sweet yet savory sauce, and the brown rice is fluffy and nourishing. 

  • Location: 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. 
  • Hours: From 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday. Closed on Tuesday. 
  • Contact: 847-428-7192. 

Incontro Italiano 

For an authentic Italian meal with the robust flavors of a homemade Italian kitchen, look no further than Incontro Italiano. An exceptional feature of Incontro Italiano is that the menu changes seasonally because the restaurant works with local farmers to source the freshest ingredients possible for customers. The rustic Italian dishes all feature traditional flavors with modern twists. For those with different dietary needs, gluten-free pasta is available. 

If you go for lunch, we suggest you order the risotto funghi. The plate consists of aged carnaroli rice and wild mushrooms. For more protein, you can add a filet. This flavorful dish is satisfying but not too heavy. Another customer favorite for lunch is the polle limone. This features a perfectly cooked chicken pan roasted and flavored with a lemon caper sauce. 

For dinner, begin with the bruschetta duo from the antipasti section of the menu. The crunchy bread comes with tomato, basil, mozzarella, grana, and grilled artichokes. For your entree, try something with pasta for a meal that surely won’t disappoint. The kids can order typical favorites off the children’s menu, such as spaghetti marinara, chicken tenders, or linguine butter noodles with freshly grated parmesan cheese. 

The restaurant offers dine-in, carryout, and delivery service. This is an ideal and convenient option for busy weeknights after the kids’ soccer game or when you want a flavorful meal without having to dirty the dishes. Just order online, and your meal will be ready for you to pick up or will be delivered right to your door. 

  • Location: 100 W. Higgins Road, Suite H-20, South Barrington.
  • Hours: From 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, for lunch; from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, for dinner. 
  • Contact: 224-699-9279.

Mago Grill and Cantina

The Mago Grill and Cantina is a must-visit for anyone seeking a little spice in their meal. Both a brunch and dinner menu are available. When you go, be sure to order the guacamole for a perfectly seasoned smashed avocado dish with plenty of freshly chopped veggies. Adventurous individuals can order some roasted chapolines, or grasshoppers, for a crunch. If you’re in the mood for seafood, try the calamari, which is lightly fried and served with jalapeno, chile de arbol, lemon slices, and a tomato–chipotle salsa. 

The chile relleno, a poblano chile stuffed with cheese and topped with jitomate sauce, is a filling option off the vegetarian menu. Carnivores will love the carne asada tampiqueña — a hefty portion of grilled skirt steak served with a cheese-stuffed enchilada.

  • Location: 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. 
  • Hours: From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday; from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday.
  • Contact: 847-844-4400.

Martha’s Grill

At Martha’s Grill, the diverse menu has something for everyone to try. You can visit this restaurant daily for a month and still have new menu items to try. Specializing in Ecuadorian, Colombian, and international cuisine, Martha’s Grill will satisfy any taste buds and has everything from steak and salad to burgers and fries. The ceviche, a seafood dish cooked in citrus juice, is a favorite Ecuadorian dish. For Colombian-inspired cuisine, get the empanadas, which are pockets of dough fried and packed with flavorful fillings, such as meat and veggies. 

  • Location: 5958 W. Addison St., Chicago. 
  • Hours: From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. 
  • Contact: 773-839-4711.

So there you have it. Crème de la Crème of South Barrington has enjoyed sharing our list of the best ethnic cuisines to find in and around our area. Whether you’re searching for something savory, sweet, or spicy, there are many options in the South Barrington area. What do you think of our list? Did we mention a location that entices you? 

While you decide on your next satisfying meal inspired by flavors from around the world, consider Crème de la Crème of South Barrington for your family’s daycare needs. We have programs that serve the learning and developmental needs of children ranging from infants to 12-year-olds.  Whether your family needs daily care for a toddler or after-school care for your tween, we have you covered. Call our friendly staff at 847-457-0109 to schedule a tour of our state-of-the-art facility and learn about the various programs available for your child.