Often topping the charts as one of the most desirable places to live Naperville, Illinois has it all, including a vibrant restaurant scene. Naperville is frequently overlooked due to its proximity to Chicago; however, Naperville has a cuisine that rivals its windy neighbor. The restaurants in Naperville feature diverse cuisine, from Spanish tapas to Irish pubs, and of course, deep-dish pizza.
Read on to check out these great suggestions from a local about their go-to Naperville restaurants.
Not in the mood to go out to eat tonight? Click here to have Grubhub deliver directly from the best restaurants in town to your doorstep.
While in Naperville, don’t miss out on activities that will help immerse yourself with the city (hurry while they’re hot!):
- iFLY Chicago-Naperville: First-Time Flyer Experience
- Naperville: Scavenger Hunt Adventure Walking Tour
Visiting other destinations in Illinois? Check out our other delicious guides:
- Best Mexican Food In Chicago
- 10 Must-Visit Indian Restaurants In Chicago
- 10 Must-Try Thai Restaurants In Chicago
- 10 Must-Try Chinese Restaurants In Chicago
- 10 Best Chicago Dishes
- The Best Mediterranean Food In Chicago
- 17 Best Restaurants Peoria Illinois
Contents
- 1 15 Best Restaurants in Naperville, Illinois
- 1.1 Mesón Sabika
- 1.2 Wild Rice Sushi & Grill
- 1.3 Jackson Avenue Pub
- 1.4 Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Co.
- 1.5 Fat Rosie’s
- 1.6 Succulent Seafood
- 1.7 Lou Malnati’s Pizza
- 1.8 Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
- 1.9 The White Chocolate Grill
- 1.10 Fire It Up
- 1.11 SanguCHE
- 1.12 Eggs Inc. Cafe
- 1.13 Allegory
- 1.14 Quigley’s Irish Pub
- 1.15 Cookie Dough Creations
- 2 Which of these Naperville restaurants do you most want to try? Let me know in the comments section below!
15 Best Restaurants in Naperville, Illinois
Mesón Sabika
1025 Aurora Ave. // +1 630-983-3000
It is safe to say that Mesón Sabika is one of the best restaurants in the Naperville area. It is a traditional Spanish tapas restaurant that can be found just outside of downtown Naperville in a historic manor house, and the atmosphere is almost on par with the quality of the food.
It is recommended that guests come for weekend brunch, as this is the only time that the buffet is offered in addition to a limited menu selection. Champagne and mimosas are included in the cost of the approximately $35.00 per person fixed price that is charged for brunch.
It would be a mistake to pass up the patatas bravas or the stuffed mushrooms because these are Meson Sabika’s signature dishes. They are open seven days a week, but the best value is during brunch. If you go during that time, you won’t be disappointed.
Wild Rice Sushi & Grill
614 E Ogden Ave. // +1 630-717-1199
This hole-in-the-wall sushi spot on the north side of Naperville is still the city’s best-kept secret, as it is tucked away in a nook on that side. Wild Rice creates a taste explosion with every bite by offering some of the most creative rolls and sushi combinations in the city.
Begin with the monster ball, which consists of spicy tuna wrapped in avocado, followed by the sushi pizza or the tuna tataki. The sushi and sashimi combinations, such as their Sushi 4 Me or Sashimi 4 Us dishes, provide the best value for your money.
The signature rolls, on the other hand, are what set Wild Rice apart from other restaurants. I suggest trying the Great Naperville Roll, the Ogden Avenue Roll, the Angel Roll (you could substitute cream cheese for the cucumber in this one), and the Rock ‘n’ Roll.
In addition, on your first visit, the helpful staff will provide you with a complimentary pineapple to enjoy as a dessert.
Jackson Avenue Pub
7 Jackson Ave. // +1 630-904-9400
Are you looking for a restaurant in the Naperville area that is known for serving the greatest burgers? They are available at the Jackson Avenue Pub. This list of the best restaurants in Naperville includes Jackson Avenue Pub because it offers the widest variety of burgers in the city, with eighteen different kinds to select from. This earned it a spot on the list.
You have your choice of three different types of buns: the house bun, a pretzel bun, or wheat with oats. Each and every burger is made with a half-pound of premium Angus beef.
The Bulleit Bourbon, which is comprised of swiss cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, and a bourbon honey glaze sauce, and the Fried Pickle, which is comprised of cheddar and pepper jack, tomato, chipotle aioli sauce, and of course, fried pickles, are among the most well-liked of the available options.
In contrast, the Drunken Pear, which is comprised of bourbon-poached pears, goat cheese, and a balsamic glaze sauce, is the dish that I enjoy eating the most. You have the option of ordering your burger with either french fries or tater tots as a side dish.
Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Co.
24 W Jefferson Ave. // +1 630-544-6626
The slogan for this well-known establishment in Naperville reads, “That has too much cheese, said no one ever.” This is an apt choice for the restaurant’s tagline.
Everdine’s Restaurant, which can be found in the middle of downtown Naperville, is an oasis of comfort food and has earned the reputation of being one of the best restaurants in Naperville.
Grilled cheese sandwiches made from scratch and customized to the customer’s specifications are Everdine’s claim to fame. They offer the traditional all-American grilled cheese sandwich, of course, but in addition to that, they offer sandwiches with ham and grilled pineapple, grilled chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese, and even sloppy joes.
You can make up your own combination, or you can try out my go-to recipe, which includes the usual suspects as well as tomato, bacon, and three different kinds of cheese.
Every sandwich is priced affordably, ranging from the basic option, which costs only $5.00, to the most expensive option, which costs $9.25.
Fat Rosie’s
47 E Chicago Ave. // +1 630-328-0060
Although it is still relatively new, Fat Rosie’s has quickly established itself as one of the Naperville community’s most beloved restaurants. Chihuahua cheese dip, enchiladas covered in mole sauce, and salmon poblano were just some of the dishes that made this authentic Mexican restaurant a welcome addition.
In addition to that, Fat Rosie’s has a donkey that can talk! While perched atop the bar, the talking donkey known as Fat Rosie performs a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
The ambiance is almost on par with the quality of the food. You shouldn’t pass up the Camarones al Modo de Ajo, which is shrimp cooked in a sweet garlic sauce, or the Pollo al chipotle, which is a grilled chicken breast served with a creamy chipotle sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and crispy onions. Both of these dishes are delicious.
You should be aware that Fat Rosie’s is slightly more expensive than the average of the restaurants in Naperville, but the genuine Mexican food is absolutely deserving of the additional cost.
Succulent Seafood
192 W Gartner Rd #104 // +1 630-548-3474
It is stated that the best seafood can be found at Catch 35 or Hugo Frog’s on many of the best restaurants lists in Naperville; however, these two establishments are not the best; rather, they charge the highest prices.
According to a person who was born and raised in Naperville, the restaurant known as Succulent Seafood is the best place to go for seafood in the city.
It’s not a fancy restaurant with table service; in fact, the majority of customers get their fish to go. At Succulent Seafood, which also operates as a fish market, you have the option of purchasing seafood already packaged to take home and prepare on your own or already prepared and packaged in a take-out box and ready to eat.
You won’t be able to get the fish you’ll find at Succulent Seafood anywhere else in the neighborhood. Fish from the Gulf of Mexico, such as grouper and red snapper, are delicious when grilled, as are more conventional options such as seared tuna and wild salmon. However, fish is not the only option available; shrimp and crawfish pasta is one of my personal favorites at this restaurant.
Lou Malnati’s Pizza
131 W Jefferson Ave. // +1 630-717-0700
This list of restaurants in Naperville wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the establishment that serves the best deep-dish pizza in the city.
In and around the Chicago area, there is a lot of contention regarding the question of who is the most skilled at doing it. Naperville is just like Chicago when it comes to the pursuit of the best deep dish pizza, which has become an art form in Chicago.
I can confidently say that out of all the restaurants in Naperville, the one you should go to is Lou Malnati’s. I’m speaking from personal experience.
Pizza made with superior ingredients yields a superior product, and Lou Malnati’s uses only the best and freshest ingredients in its pizzas.
There are a number of locations dispersed across the greater Chicago area, but the one in Naperville that is most conveniently located is downtown on Jefferson Avenue. Begin with the Lou, which is the restaurant’s signature pizza, if you are unsure of what to get.
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
2752 Showplace Dr. // +1 630-428-8500
There are a number of excellent Italian restaurants in the Naperville area, and while everyone has a preference for a specific one, there is one establishment in particular that stands out from the competition.
There is no competition because they offer dishes that are both unique and delectable, such as cod stuffed with crab and black lobster fettuccine. Even though I don’t particularly care for beets, the honey-roasted beet salad at Biaggi has become my go-to dish there. It’s Biaggi’s most unexpectedly delightful offering.
If you are looking for a smaller portion, Biaggi’s also offers small pasta dishes, but the price per serving is higher, so it’s not the best deal. The small plates are actually quite small, so it is better to pay the additional two dollars and get more food.
The Ravioli Quattro Formaggi and the Shrimp and Crab Cannelloni with Spinach Pasta are two of my all-time favorite dishes at this restaurant.
A word of advice: if you intend to go on either Friday or Saturday night, be sure to make a reservation in advance.
The White Chocolate Grill
1803 Freedom Dr. // +1 630-505-8300
There is a “restaurant row” area on the far north side of Naperville, which is filled with the best chain restaurants, but the White Chocolate Grill stands out as being the best of the bunch. Only three White Chocolate Grill restaurants can be found across the United States, and one of them can be found in Naperville.
The White Chocolate Grill offers what it calls an “Honest American Dining Experience” and has a menu that is extensive enough to ensure that every customer will find at least one item on the menu that they adore. They even offer a menu that is gluten-free.
The Roast Prime Rib, the Ahi Tuna Salad, and the Blackened Sea Bass are some of the highlights of the menu; however, this list is by no means exhaustive. Both the Mardi Gras Jambalaya and the White Chocolate Brownie come very highly recommended from me.
The White Chocolate Grill is an upscale version of the traditional American grill; consequently, its prices are higher than those of a typical American grill, but the quality of the food served there is significantly higher. The majority of the entrees are priced between $15 and $25, with some of the more luxurious items, such as the Parmesan Crusted Filet, coming in at approximately $35.00.
Fire It Up
1523 N Aurora Rd #107 // +1 630-305-8225
Fire It Up is a local treasure and one of the best restaurants in Naperville; if you have a craving for Mexican food, you should go there because it is one of the best restaurants in the city. It is located on the northern part of the city, and it is widely considered to be the best place in the city to purchase tacos. Tacos are considered to be the restaurant’s signature dish, despite the fact that there are other items on the menu. If you decide to place an order for those, you will in no way be disappointed with the results.
You also have the option to place an order for a Taco Flight from Fire it Up, which will set you back $45.00 and include 12 tacos selected by you from one of four distinct categories. The tacos that come with the highest recommendation from me are the shrimp tacos, southwest chicken tacos, steak tacos, and ground sirloin tacos.
SanguCHE
535 Fairway Dr. Suite 115 // +1 331-701-7175
In spite of its small size, SanguChe has managed to maintain its status as a closely guarded secret in the city of Naperville. In addition to serving sandwiches inspired by Peruvian cuisine, this eatery is known for its homemade empanadas and alfajores.
It’s the ideal place to grab a bite to eat of Peruvian cuisine in a hurry thanks to the hilarious movie quote posters that cover the walls. Because the sandwiches are so large, you should bring an appetite with you. In addition, every sandwich comes with either fries or a salad. The Aji de Gallina is a spicy chicken sandwich that comes with fried sweet potatoes and a hard-boiled egg. It comes highly recommended by me. You should also try the Lomo Saltado, which is a sirloin steak sandwich with grilled onions and peppers and happens to be my personal favorite.
All of the sandwiches are offered at prices that are fair. Only $9.99 will get you a sandwich of regular size, while large will set you back $12.99. Chicha Morada or Inca cola are two examples of traditional beverages that are commonly consumed in Peru.
Eggs Inc. Cafe
220 S Washington St. // +1 630-717-5555
Eggs Inc. has a menu that, at first sight, may seem to be overwhelming.
It’s one of the most extensive menus I’ve ever seen with omelets; with the frittatas, scramblers, and benedicts, it’s easy to get confused, and that’s just the egg dishes.
In addition, they provide breakfast items such as pancakes and waffles, as well as French toast and everything else that one may desire for breakfast. At Eggs Inc., customers are certain to fall in love with at least one item on the menu, whether it’s country-fried chicken and eggs or a breakfast sandwich.
Its prime location in the heart of downtown Naperville makes it the ideal place for a brunch get-together with friends. In addition, there are three sites inside the greater Chicago metropolitan region. Breakfast is served all day long and costs $10.00 for a dish on average. The prices are reasonable for what is offered.
Those customers who choose not to have breakfast for supper may choose from a selection of traditional lunch fare such as burgers, wraps, or salads instead.
Allegory
224 S Main St. // +1 630-536-8862
Allegory, despite being a relative newcomer to downtown Naperville, has proven to be up to the challenge. Although it has only been open since the winter of 2018, Allegory has already established itself as a favorite among the community and has earned a place among the best restaurants in Naperville. The Allegory is a restaurant in New York City that serves unusual food that is sure to get people’s attention.
Dishes with names like “we wanted to cook octopus,” “chef’s never bored” (charcuterie platter), “up a creek” (trout), and “skirt the issue” can make the menu a little challenging to read. Instead of poutine, the pleasant pheasant pot pie is one of my go-to comfort foods instead.
The prices are a little bit higher than average, but the value of the food more than makes up for it. In point of fact, the prices of all but three of the items range between ten and twenty dollars each. The only dishes to come in at a higher price point are the trout, the shirt steak, and the short ribs.
Quigley’s Irish Pub
43 E Jefferson Ave. // +1 630-428-4774
Quigley’s is a family-owned Irish pub that can be found in the heart of downtown Naperville, Illinois, just off Jefferson Street. Ideal for a pint of Quigley’s in Naperville’s premier watering hole, downtown Naperville. Its genuine Irish atmosphere causes it to be packed on St. Patrick’s Day, but on any other day of the year, it is a laid-back place to enjoy a day drink in peace and quiet.
On the weekends, the morning television broadcasts almost exclusively feature soccer. The traditional Irish dishes at Quigley’s Comfort Food, like lamb stew and fish and chips, pair wonderfully with the beer that the restaurant serves. Begin your meal with the potato leek soup or corned beef bites for an authentic taste of Ireland, and then move on to the Shepard’s pie for the icing on the cake.
Quigley’s also serves Angus burgers, pub sandwiches, and salads for those who are looking for a dining experience that is slightly less authentic.
Cookie Dough Creations
22 W Chicago Ave. // +1 630-369-4833
Cookie Dough Creations, which is widely considered to be the best dessert spot in Naperville, is noticeably absent from this list.
The process of making Cookie Dough Creations is deceptively straightforward: simply mix together a variety of cookie doughs with a variety of ice cream flavors.
There are eight different flavors of cookie dough, and there are sixteen different flavors of ice cream that can be mixed together to create new combinations. After that, they could even use it as the filling for an ice cream sandwich.
Try some cappuccino crunch ice cream with peanut butter cookie dough or moose tracks ice cream with fudge brownie cookie dough. Cake batter ice cream topped with frosted sugar cookie dough is my personal favorite flavor combination.