10 Best Restaurants in Elmhurst, IllinoisOlessa Hanzlikon August 20, 2021 at 3:27 pm

I think when people think about great restaurants, they always seem to think they’re all in Chicago. But, let me tell you, if you’re only going to restaurants in Chicago, you’re definitely sleeping on some great options in the suburbs. In fact, some of the BEST restaurants can be found in Elmhurst. And if that’s not enough to convince you, there are restaurants on this list that compete for the best with ones in the city. Here I outline 10 of the best restaurants in Elmhurst. From Thai, to Italian to the good ol’ American classics, this quaint and popular suburb has your next favorite dining spot. Trust me.  

117 N Addison Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Uptown Eatery is a casual family restaurant specializing in thin crust pizza, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, milkshakes & desserts. It was opened in May of this year and has been a favorite of the locals since! Their menu includes American classics with some Italian flare. And since dietary restrictions are a thing now, Gluten intolerant folks are welcome and have multiple options. 

174 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Francesca’s Amici is part of the Francesca’s restaurant chain. It’s located in the vibrant downtown Elmhurst and features zesty earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. They have a massive selection of Italian cuisine that won’t disappoint. 

100 S York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126

100 South Chop House and Grill is a recreation of a swanky-hip 1950’s supper club that’s upbeat but still relaxed. The steaks are USDA center cut and minimum aged of 21-28 days to ensure freshness and flavor, the martinis are tall and each dish is made to order with only the freshest ingredients. Plus, it sits as one of the best steakhouse restaurants in Chicago, according to OpenTable. And unlike the Chicago steakhouses, anyone can stop into a steakhouse like South Chop and dine on the New Yorker, the filet mignon, or the Delmonico, all at reasonable prices.

483 Spring Rd, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Is a trip to Italy on your “to-do” list, yet seems out of reach? Fear not- Roberto’s brings the elegance and intimacy of classic Italy to the western suburbs of Chicago. The Tuscan murals and warm earth tones emulate the sophistication of Italy. Their specialties include homemade pastas with savory fillings and sauces, chicken parmesan, gourmet pizzas and salads, delicious desserts, and much more.

105 S York St suite a, Elmhurst, IL 60126

If you’re looking for your next favorite breakfast spot, Stray Hen Cafe might fit the bill. With another location in Lincoln Park, it’s a local favorite. I don’t think I have ever been to a breakfast place that has so many options. You’ll definitely have a hard time deciding, but once you do, you won’t be disappointed. With Gluten-Free and Vegan options, Stray Hen is the perfect breakfast place for everyone!

115 W Schiller Ct, Elmhurst, IL 60126

NU Crepes is serving up American inspired crepes in a fast-casual atmosphere. It was opened in September of 2021 and is located in the beautiful Schiller Ct Walkway. Since then, it has been family owned and operated. In addition to crepes, Nu serves your typical eggs and meat breakfast. But, if you’re going to come here, definitely indulge in the crepes. They have 12 kids available and you won’t go wrong with any one of them. 

416 N York St B, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Zenwich is a Small, counter-serve eatery offering sandwiches with Asian influences in a lime-green space. Although small, Zenwich will be your go to Asian influenced sandwich shop. My personal favorites are the Thai BBQ Pork Belly, made with thinly sliced roasted Thai style BBQ pork belly, pickled cucumber, carrot, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, and sweet and tango mayo, and the Spicy Garlic Shrimp featuring lightly battered shrimp, baby arugula. Cilantro and garlic crunch with sweet and spicy aioli.

940 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126

As a family-run business, the chefs at Mangia Napoli like to be completely hands-on to give their customers quality, authentic Italian food. True Italian food is not fussy – it’s not fancy – but when done right, it delivers unsurpassed flavors and a true culinary experience. As you can tell, their menu is filled with true Itai]lian classics like Spaghetti Puttanesca, Gnocchi Sorrento, Risotto Giorno, and Cappellini Ana Capri. And if that hasn’t convinced you, maybe the desert will. End your Italian evening with a Tiramisu, Cannolis, Ciocolato Fondente, Gelato, Panna Cotta, or a traditional Cheesecake. 

668 W North Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Mack’s Golden Pheasant has been a longtime eatery offering American & Czech classics & cocktails in lodge-like digs since 1948. Mack’s is the oldest continuously owned restaurant in DuPage County. Czech immigrants Frank and Mae Mack turned a one room tavern into a full service lounge and restaurant in 1948. The couple converted the small building on the corner of North Avenue and Route 83 into a Czech-Austrian inspired chalet. They offer superb American dishes alongside specialty Czechoslovakian cuisine. The eclectic menu features award winning roast duckling, weiner schnitzel, hand cut steaks, delicious seafood and famous hand-pattied 12 oz. burgers.

111B W 2nd St, Elmhurst, IL 60126

BNK is your not so typical Thai restaurant. It bears this mark because not only do they have amazing Thai food, but also a plethora of sushi and sashimi options. Come here for the Chicken Tom Kha Kai and the Panang Curry (both Thai classics) or enjoy the evening feasting on Sushi Unagi, Sushi Wasabi Tobiko or Sashimi Hotate. 

Featured Image Credit: Trip Advisor

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