Illinois ranks among the most popular destinations in North America for foodies, and it’s easy to see why. Here, you’ll find chefs at local diners and at Michelin-star restaurants with the skill to thrill your palate and tantalize all your senses. But with a vast array of dining options across the state, putting together a list of the best restaurants in Illinois is no simple task. So, forgive us in advance if your favorite doesn’t make the cut. With that said, here are our top picks for those seeking a one-of-a-kind dining experience in this part of the world.
Southern Illinois Hidden Gems
Illinois foodies will find a pleasant blend of southern hospitality and global flavors. Here are a few options worth checking out.
Underground Public House
Owner and chef Josh Clarer grew up in Carbondale, IL, then traveled the country, working in restaurants, brew houses, and even a butcher shop before returning home to open his Underground Public House. His menu reflects his well-traveled experience. Josh hand-makes everything he serves from scratch, from his rotating selection of old- and new-world sausages to the cheese he melts over his signature Underground Burger. Diners can pair their favorite dishes with a wine from Josh’s international selection or select one of his 20 craft beers on tap.
Urban Kitchen and Bar
Visit Urban Kitchen and Bar to experience elevated, authentic Asian cuisine, featuring dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Expertly prepared Korean short ribs melt in your mouth. Cold spring rolls stuffed with shrimp and vegetables make the perfect summer appetizer. Or you can cozy up with a bowl of pho, an Asian comfort food with broth, vegetables, and shrimp, chicken, or beef.
Best Restaurants in Central Illinois
Central Illinois offers a blend of local fare and classic dining options. Our picks include:
The Village Tavern
Not too far outside Peoria, IL, you’ll find The Village Tavern. As the oldest tavern/restaurant in continuous operation in Illinois, it is a must-try if you’re in that neck of the woods. The spacious dining room’s large brick fireplace, solid oak beams, and pub-style bar transport you back over a century to a simpler time.
The Village Tavern is known for its half-pound burgers crafted from freshly ground meat purchased at the local Dorfler’s Meat Market. The menu offers various hearty sandwiches, homemade soups, steaks, ribs, chops, chicken, and seafood, and their freshly breaded fish fry is a must-try. The Tavern offers a selection of craft beers on tap, a full bar, and a solid wine list.
Firefly Grille
Many restaurants claim to be sustainable, but few deliver to the degree that Firefly Grille does. The building is constructed with reclaimed steel and wood, as is much of their furniture. A true farm-to-table restaurant, Firefly has a garden and composting operation on site and carefully selects other ingredients from local farmers, foragers, and fishermen.
Lunch favorites include the Oklahoma Smash Burger made with slivered onions and house-made beer cheese. Small plates like the Firefly Meatballs made from prime strip and ribeye cuts, and Fried Green Firefly Tomatoes bring the best locally sourced ingredients. A selection of prime steaks, premium seafood like Chilean sea bass, and crispy Maine-style shrimp cakes will keep you coming back.
Top Restaurants in Northern Illinois (Outside Chicago)
If you find yourself north of Chicago and hungry, we have a few recommendations.
Ema
One of the top-rated restaurants north of the city is Ema, a Mediterranean restaurant with a thriving event and group-dining program. Ema serves lunch and dinner with an impressive array of courses, from hummus varieties and specialty spreads to raw appetizers like truffled salmon and signature octopus carpaccio.
Ema’s main dishes pop with premium seafood seasoned to perfection to capture traditional Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy the spiciness of the Green Chili Halibut, finished with green chili butter, or the Ora King Salmon, served with wild mushrooms and braised figs, finished with a fennel and sherry glaze. Meat lovers will enjoy the various kebabs and skirt steaks on the menu.
Bob Chinn’s Crab House
A little farther northeast of Chicago, you’ll find Bob Chinn’s Crab House in Wheeling. What started as a 175-seat restaurant has grown to over 650 seats and is one of the country’s highest-grossing restaurants.
The menu showcases Chinn’s Asian influence, ranging from the Hong Kong Steak to the Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice and Egg Rolls. However, seafood is the star of Chinn’s menu. Appetizers like the Crabcake Nuggets and Crabmeat Vermicelli will thrill your taste buds, or you can select a freshly rolled sushi plate or the Alaskan King Crab Bites.
Best Restaurants in Chicago
Chicago is home to many world-class restaurants. Here are our picks for the must-visit restaurants when you’re in the city.
Tortello Pasta House
Of course, our Italian roots gravitate toward pasta, and the Tortello Pasta House gets it right every time. You can watch them hand-make their pasta through a large window every day. They keep their recipes simple and full of flavor. Close your eyes, take a bite, and you’ll find yourself at a cafe in Venice.
Alinea
Alinea Chicago is one of only 14 restaurants in the U.S. to have won three Michelin stars and has also taken home James Beard Awards for Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Service, and Outstanding Chef. Every night, the team at Alinea, led by Chef Grant Achatz, delivers three distinct multi-course dining experiences: The Gallery, The Salon, and the Kitchen Table. There is no set menu, only the promise of a culinary experience unlike any other.
Pequod’s Pizza
If you’re looking for the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago, Pequod’s is the place to go. Pequod’s has been singled out as a top pizza maker in the country by Yelp Elites, and USA Today named Pequod’s the best pizza in Chicago.
One of Chicago’s most polarizing debates centers on deep-dish pizza, and when critics claim that Pequod’s burnt-cheese crust and spicy sauce make it something everyone needs to eat before they die, people listen.
Visit Pequod’s in Chicago
At Pequod’s, we know what pizza lovers want: fresh toppings piled high on the most flavorful sauce, topped with cheese that caramelizes our crust. We have two locations in Chicago and Morton Grove, where you can sit down and enjoy one of the best culinary experiences of your life. We invite you to book a reservation online or call us to order your pizza to go.