25 Essential Illinois Tables
From coastal enclaves to downtown institutions, these are the restaurants defining the dining conversation across Illinois.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Chicago
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Oakbrook Terrace
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
STK Steakhouse
Chicago
Swanky, hip steakhouse with a nightclub vibe featuring high-end beef & seafood, plus DJs.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Naperville, Illinois
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Gino's East
Chicago, Illinois
Enduring chain for Chicago-style deep-dish & thin-crust pizzas, plus Italian sandwiches & salads.
Gino’s East - South Loop
Chicago, Illinois
Enduring chain for Chicago-style deep-dish & thin-crust pizzas, plus Italian sandwiches & salads.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Chicago, Illinois
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Mercadito
Chicago, Illinois
Mixologists make cocktails in an intimate space at this modern lounge with Latin-style small plates.
Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
Informal dining room serving Eastern Mediterranean plates, from kebabs to hummous.
D.C. Cobb's
Elgin, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Fireplace, Great beer selection, Great cocktails.
Hawksmoor Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Prime cuts of matured beef, seafood & other British classics served in striking environs.
Giordano's
Chicago, Illinois
Known for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
Asti Italian Deli
Wood Dale, Illinois
No-frills eatery known for Italian standards like antipasto, pizza, sandwiches & desserts.
Quartino Ristorante
Chicago, Illinois
Bustling, bi-level space where groups go for small & large plates plus cocktails & carafes of wine.
Boss Dawgz
Naperville, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
m.henry
Chicago, Illinois
Breakfast, lunch & brunch spot known for American comfort food with a twist & bakery carryout.
Lou Mitchell's
Chicago, Illinois
Iconic diner serving hearty breakfasts and lunches since 1923.
Scudiero's Italian Bakery & Deli
Melrose Park, Illinois
Long-standing deli turning out fresh bread, subs, pizzas & salads plus biscotti & cannoli.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Chicago, Illinois
Family-owned local chain for Italian classics & Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzas with buttery crusts.
Awash Ethiopian Restaurant
Chicago, Illinois
Casual spot serving traditional utensil-free Ethiopian cuisine, including vegetarian options.
Paisano's On Broadway Italian Steakhouse
Richmond, Illinois
Elegant, upscale Italian steakhouse serving traditional fare in a rustic Tuscan setting.
Gio's Cafe And Deli
Chicago, Illinois
Casual cafe with Sicilian fare, BYOB & red-checked tablecloths in the center of an Italian deli.
Maciano's Pizza & Pastaria
Aurora, Illinois
Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta & panini in relaxed, modern surroundings.
Northern Cuisine
Champaign, Illinois
Identifies as Asian-owned. Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Bacchanalia Restaurant
Chicago, Illinois
Casual eatery serving large plates of Italian favorites from Tuscan family recipes since 1979.