Hemmingway’s Bistro

Restaurant Menu in Oak Park

At Hemmingway’s Bistro, the menu is a reflection of culinary expertise, global influence, and a deep commitment to quality. Designed by Executive Chef Ala, each dish blends classic French techniques with modern flavors to create a dining experience that is both refined and approachable.


With over 25 years of experience shaping kitchens around the world, Chef Ala brings a level of precision and creativity that is evident in every plate. The menu is thoughtfully curated to highlight fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and signature dishes that define the Hemmingway’s Bistro experience.


Whether you’re joining us for a casual lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a special occasion, our menu offers something for every guest while maintaining a consistent standard of excellence.

Explore Our Chef-Inspired Menu

A Balance of French Tradition and Modern Flavor

Hemmingway’s Bistro is rooted in the traditions of French cuisine, known for its technique, depth of flavor, and attention to detail. At the same time, the menu embraces modern influences, creating a balance that feels both timeless and current.

Guests can expect:

Classic French dishes prepared with authenticity
Fresh seafood selections that highlight natural flavors
Seasonal ingredients that enhance taste and quality
Chef-driven creations inspired by global culinary experiences

This combination allows the menu to appeal to a wide range of diners while maintaining a clear identity centered on quality and craftsmanship.

Download Our Full Menu

For added convenience, guests can download a PDF version of our full menu to explore at their own pace. This makes it easy to plan your visit, share options with others, or review selections before making a reservation.

Hemmingway's Menu

Served Daily: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Hors d'Oeuvres

Soupe du Jour

$13

chef's selection

Onion Soupe Gratinée

$13

beef broth, gruyere cheese

Chicken Liver Paté

$16

dijon mustard, cornichons

Escargots de Bourgogne

$17

herbs, garlic, pernod d'anise

Smoked Salmon

$18

potato pancake, horseradish creme

Bistro Cheese Plate

$17

fresh fruit, toasted crostini

Baked Imported Brie

$18

apricot preserves, almonds, wildflower honey

Lump Crab Cake

$19

apple endive salad, grain mustard sauce

Shrimp De Jonghe

$21

five jumbo shrimp, bread crumbs, garlic butter

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

$23

six jumbo shrimp, brandy cocktail sauce

Blue Point Oysters

$24

six piece, cocktail sauce

Salades

Petite Mesclun Salade

$10

house vinaigrette

Frisée Lyonnaise

$14

bacon lardons, farm egg, croutons

Warm Goat Cheese

$14

mesclun, sun-dried tomatoes, chive dressing

Endive et Noix

$14

julienne apple, amish blue, walnut vinaigrette

Baby Arugula

$15

watermelon, cherry tomato, feta, balsamic syrup

Grilled Chicken Cobb

$24

avocado, bacon, tomatoes, blue cheese, egg

Grilled Salmon Niçoise

$34

mesclun, green beans, egg, potatoes, nicoise olives

Maine Lobster Salade

$32

1/2 lobster, citrus segments, mango vinaigrette

Sandwiches

(Served with pommes frites or fruit)

Ham, Gruyere and Egg

$19

apple smoked ham, bechamel sauce, brioche

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

$18

prosciutto, mozzarella, garlic aioli, brioche

Blackened Salmon

$18

tomato, red onion, red pepper aioli, brioche

Bistro Burger

$19

smoked bacon, brie, lettuce, tomato, brioche

Bistro Burger Royale

$28

foie gras, pickled onion, truffle aioli, brioche

Plats Principaux

Bistro Omelette

$19

pommes frites or fruit

Quiche du Jour

$19

petite salade

Crepes Gratinee

$21

ham, gruyère, asparagus, mushrooms, bechamel sauce

Grilled Portabello

$24

fingerling, asparagus, basil oil

Amish Chicken Breast

$28

goat cheese fondue, ratatouille, nicoise olives, beurre blanc

Lake Superior Herb Crusted Whitefish

$36

spinach, pommes purée, lemon beurre blanc

Atlantic Salmon Dijonnaise

$32

pommes purée, cream lentils

Idaho Trout Almondine

$38

string beans, pommes purée, citrus beurre blanc

Maine Jumbo Scallops

$30

andouille, fingerling, corn, scallion beurre blanc

Mix Grill of Wild Game

$36

venison, lamb, chicken, rabbit sausage, ratatouille, au gratin, sauce diablo

Indiana Rabbit Ragout

$34

buckwheat spaetzle, spring peas, shitake, cherry tomatoes, sherry cream

Grilled Steak Frites

$35

pommes frites, tomato persille, beurre maître d'hôtel

Weekly Specials

$2 Oysters on the Half Shell

Monday-Friday, 2:30pm - 5:30pm

Maine Lobster Fest (1.5lb)

43.95

Monday and Tuesday - 43.95

L'Art Visuel

A Visual Dining Experience

Dining at Hemmingway’s Bistro is as much about presentation as it is about flavor. Each dish is carefully plated to reflect the care and craftsmanship behind it.

Our website will feature curated images of menu items organized by category, including:

Starters and appetizers
Seafood dishes
Chef-driven creations that highlight creativity and balance
Tapas and shared plates
Desserts

These visuals give guests a preview of the experience and help guide their selections before arriving.

Plated shrimp in orange sauce, topped with charred garnish on a white dish

Private Event Pre-Fix Menu

For private events and group dining, Hemmingway’s Bistro offers curated pre-fix menus designed to deliver a seamless and elevated experience.



These menus are crafted by Chef Ala to showcase the best of our French-inspired cuisine while accommodating the needs of larger groups.

Guests can expect:

Multi-course dining options
Balanced selections of appetizers, entrées, and desserts
Fresh seafood and signature dishes
Options for various dietary preferences

This offering is ideal for celebrations, corporate events, and special gatherings where consistency and quality are essential.

Hand holding a stack of gold wedding invitations with black text and a floral design

Pair Your Meal with the Perfect Beverage

While the food is at the center of the experience, our beverage program is designed to enhance every meal. Guests are encouraged to explore our craft cocktails, curated wine selection, and beer offerings to find the perfect pairing.

Popular pairings include:

Crisp white wines with seafood dishes
Bold red wines with rich entrées
Signature cocktails that complement small plates
Light beers for a casual, refreshing option

Our team is always available to provide recommendations and help you make the most of your dining experience.

Designed for Every Dining Style

The versatility of our menu makes Hemmingway’s Bistro an ideal choice for a wide range of dining preferences.

Whether you’re visiting for:

A casual lunch
A romantic dinner
A group gathering
A special celebration

Our menu is designed to adapt while maintaining a consistent level of quality and attention to detail.

Reserve Your Table

We invite you to experience the menu at Hemmingway’s Bistro firsthand. With online reservations available through OpenTable, planning your visit is simple and convenient.

Visit Hemmingway’s Bistro

Phone Number
(708) 524-0806
Our Location
211 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, United States
Business Hours

Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Sun Brunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the menu updated regularly?

    Yes, we update our menu to reflect seasonal ingredients and new culinary ideas while maintaining our signature dishes.

  • Do you offer vegetarian options?

    Yes, we provide a variety of options to accommodate different dietary preferences.

  • Can I download the menu?

    Yes, a full PDF version of the menu is available for download on this page.

  • Do you offer private event menus?

    Yes, we offer curated pre-fix menus for private events, with more details coming soon.

  • Do I need a reservation?

    Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.