Hooked for 20 Years: Celebrating Di Pescara
Here's to two decades of good times and great food
This September, we’re raising a glass (and a fork) to Di Pescara’s 20th anniversary! Since opening its doors in Northbrook in 2005, Di Pescara has become a cherished favorite on the North Shore, known for its fresh seafood, global flavors, and welcoming hospitality.
In honor of 20 unforgettable years, we’re sharing 20 things we love about Di Pescara—the dishes, the people, the moments, and the magic that have made this spot a beloved Lettuce Entertain You gem.
View the menu at Di Pescara | Make a reservation at Di Pescara
1. The Team
The team is the heart and soul of Di Pescara. With more than 65 hardworking employees, loyal guests have come to expect exceptional food, drinks, and service every day. No surprise, given that 18 team members have been with Di Pescara for 10 or more years, and nine have been part of Di Pescara for more than 15 years. That includes bartender Bobby Vasquez (pictured above), who’s been with Di Pescara for 13 years, and Chet Zelasko, a founding team member who’s been there since day one. The entire team consistently brings passion, dedication, and heart to everything they do.
2. Supper Club Specials
A nod to classic American supper clubs, Di Pescara’s monthly Supper Club menu features rotating seasonal specials like September’s Parmesan Crusted Salmon with mashed potatoes and Penne with Mushroom Marsala Cream Sauce and Chicken. The Supper Club meal is $32.95 per person, plus tax (gratuity not included), and available Monday – Thursday from 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM, and Friday – Sunday 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM. View the Supper Club menu.
3. Signature Cocktails
In Di Pescara’s swanky bar, bottles shine brightly above the stone bar top, the tunes play a little louder, and the dimly lit, comfy booths beckon you to slide in for a classic Signature Rye Manhattan or a dry martini with hand-stuffed blue cheese olives.
Enjoy drink deals and discounted bites at happy hour in the bar and lounge area Monday – Friday at 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM. View the happy hour menu at Di Pescara.
4. The Vibes
The dining room’s six U-shaped oversized booths—highly requested by guests—offer a comfortable elevated dining experience to take in the ambiance of the space, and to enjoy a Wild Alaskan Halibut with a cool glass of Jacques Dumont Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
5. Lake Superior Almond-Crusted Whitefish
The most popular entree on the menu, the Lake Superior Almond-Crusted Whitefish, is hand-cut and breaded daily for the freshest catch on the North Shore. The signature crust is made with slowly roasted sliced California almonds, crispy panko breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs. The decadent lemon-butter beurre blanc sauce ties everything together with a silky lemony zip.
Fun fact: Di Pescara has served 254,120 Lake Superior Almond-Crusted Whitefish entrées since 2005. Now that’s a lot of fish!
6. Hand-Rolled Sushi
Since 2011, hand-rolled sushi has been a favorite at Di Pescara. The menu features five made-to-order rolls featuring sashimi-grade yellowfin tuna, Atlantic salmon, Alaskan snow crab, Gulf shrimp, and fresh vegetables. Crafted with care and the finest ingredients, the sushi selection continues to bring vibrant flavor to Di Pescara’s menu.
7. Our Chopped Salad
The best chopped salad around, Di Pescara’s delectable Our Chopped Salad combines blue cheese crumbles, roasted corn off the cobb, diced tomato, carrot, jicama, red cabbage, basil, romaine, iceberg, and zesty wasabi peas tossed in house signature Blue Cheese Lemon Vinaigrette.
8. Tomato-Basil Soup
Start any meal off right with a cup of Di Pescara’s signature Creamy Tomato-Basil Soup. Made fresh with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, Corto Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and a touch of cream, it’s comfort in every spoonful.
9. Signature Rye Manhattan
Either served “up” or in a rocks glass with an ice sphere, Di Pescara’s Signature Rye Manhattan is made with Old Forester Rye, Carpano sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and garnished with Tillen Farm’s Bada Bing cherries. One sip, and you’ll understand why it’s become the go-to cocktail.
10. Irresistible Ciabatta Bread
You know it’s going to be a great night the moment the freshly baked, complementary signature Ciabatta Bread hits the table. It’s warm, golden, and impossible to resist—especially when dipped into that fruity, California-grown Corto Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Is there really any better way to start a meal?
11. Event Spaces
From birthdays and anniversaries to holiday parties and business milestones, it means the world to the Di Pescara team to help their guests celebrate. The restaurant’s three private dining rooms, which can accommodate anywhere from six to over 100 guests, has been honored to host some of the local community’s most meaningful moments—big and small. Book an event space for your next special occasion.
12. Convenient Carryout & Delivery
Locals love Di Pescara’s easy carryout and delivery options. From a la carte orders to the Ravinia Carryout Package and catering options, there’s something delicious for every occasion.
Visit the Lettuce Eats app or di-pescara.com for easy online ordering for both carryout and delivery, and earn Frequent Diner dollars. Delivery is also available with Door Dash, Uber Eats and Grub Hub. Order carryout or delivery from Di Pescara.
13. Barbecued Ginger Salmon
Di Pescara’s 8-oz. Atlantic Salmon Filet, marinated and glazed with soy, fresh ginger, sesame oil, and spices, is broiled to perfection and served with blistered sesame green beans for a perfect pairing.
14. Marinated Skirt Steak
Weighing in at 3/4 of a pound, the hand-trimmed Black Angus Skirt Steak is marinated with balsamic, dijon and fresh herbs, broiled at more than 800 degrees until it reaches the perfect temperature, and served with French fries and au jus.
15. Chicken alla Parmigiana
The Chicken alla Parmigiana begins with an 8-oz. chicken breast, pounded thin and breaded with panko, fresh herbs, Parmesan, and Romano. It’s pan-fried until golden, then topped with house-made marinara, mozzarella, provolone, and aged Parmesan. A classic—for good reason.
16. Al Fresco Dining on the Patio
With seating for more than 58 people and plenty of 9-foot umbrellas for shade, Di Pescara’s patio is great spot for al fresco dining and to share a pitcher or two of the house Red Sangria with friends. Make a patio reservation at Di Pescara.
17. Chocolate Mousse Cake
The rich, decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake layers Valrhona chocolate cake, Callebaut semi-sweet dark chocolate mousse, and crispy milk chocolate-coated feuilletine, all wrapped in silky chocolate ganache and topped with marble chocolate shavings. A little slice of celebration, whether it’s a special occasion or just a Tuesday treat.
18. Family-Style Holidays
Whether it’s Rosh Hashanah, Thanksgiving, Passover, or any special gathering, holidays are best celebrated around the table with family. Di Pescara is always grateful when guests choose to share those moments with our family too! Family-style menus make it easy to host a crowd, with dishes everyone will love—and memories that last.
19. Key Lime Pie
Di Pescara’s Key Lime Pie is cool, tart, and impossible not to love. With a buttery graham cracker crust, freshly whipped cream, and lime zest, it’s the perfect excuse to linger just a little longer at the table.
20. Loyal Guests
We saved the best for last—because nothing means more to us than the people who gather around Di Pescara’s tables and share these moments with us. It’s all thanks to loyal guests like you that we get to celebrate 20 incredible years, and we look forward to making many more memories together.
View the menu at Di Pescara | Make a reservation at Di Pescara
Learn more about Di Pescara’s anniversary celebration all September long!
