Want the BEST restaurants in the Chicago suburbs? Well… the western burbs that is!
I can’t believe how long we’ve lived in the burbs! Insane how time flies. Regardless, Sean and I still hit up the restaurant scene out here like it’s our J-O-B. Since Chicago gets all the lime light, I thought I’d put together a list of the BEST restaurants in the Chicago Suburbs {Western} so you can try them too. A few even give Chicago a run for its money!
If you have any other suburb suggestions, PLEASE let me know. We’re always looking for new hidden gems to try!
Outfit Details: dress {only $34!} c/o // hat // earrings c/o // sandals
The Criteria
There are many, many more fabulous restaurants outside this list, but these are the ones we go to over and over again. I took into consideration three important factors when deciding which spots to name the best restaurants in the Chicago suburbs: ambiance, food and service! Scroll below to find out.
The 7 Best Restaurants in the Chicago Suburbs {West}
A lot of sh*t has gone down at Pazzi Di Pizza for the Regan family. It was the first place we ate when we moved from the city to Elmhurst. We’ve talked many big career changes over bread and olive oil. It’s where we found out our first house offer was accepted. Sean and I’ve had so many life discussions and fun times here, so it feels like home!
But more importantly the food is SO GOOD, it’s always busy and the service is top notch. Their bolognese is OUT OF THIS WORLD. We usually split a Diavlo Pizza and Tono Salad over a glass of Simi Cabernet and we ALWAYS sit at the bar! We love the two seats by the window. Take advantage of their weekly specials ($5 glasses of wine and martinis anyone?). And if the weather’s nice, sit out on the patio. Since it’s our main go to, it had to be listed first as one of the best restaurants in the Chicago suburbs!
I FREAKED out when this Chicago hot spot came to the burbs. It’s just like the one in the city (but bigger) and the rosé Happy Hour is where it’s at. I love their mussels and salads and I always meet the girls here for lunch. Randomly their burger is well known too. It’s also filled with Instagram worthy backdrops and where I took these pics!
A charming little spot that serves fresh, farm to table meals. The owner comes by your table and the outside curb appeal grabs your attention. They only serve beer and wine which adds to the charm and they even have a lilac cream soda for the kids!
My FAVORITE MEXICAN restaurant in the world. With a trendy atmosphere, it’s better than anything in Chicago too. {P.S. I thought this when I lived in the city too}. I always get a Pepito margarita {made with cucumber and spices} and the shrimp tacos. Sean and I take the train there and it’s our favorite date night!
This is hands down the best sushi in the area. The perfect place to meet your girlfriends for spicy tuna rolls and lots of wine!
Mon Ami Gabi Outdoor Patio in Oak Brook
Oakbrook has some fabulous restaurants but the parking lot views drive me insane. But last year we discovered a secret outdoor oasis. The Monami Gabi patio is a mini escape to France, with adorable bistro tables and chairs. We usually go for brunch and I always order a glass of sparkling rosé and a cappuccino. People don’t really day drink in the suburbs but when I come here, EVERYONE is sipping their rosé and white wine like it’s going out of business. Even better, the menu is INSANELY delicious and fresh. But that’s no shocker considering it’s a Lettuce Entertain U. I always get the French onion soup or avocado toast and their fries will blow your mind. Oh! And don’t forget their bread and butter. You tear it into pieces just like they do in France. Le sigh.
So this technically isn’t a restaurant but since we go here 5-7 times a week, attention must be made. The coffee is unreal and has a cult following from all over {not just Elmhurst!}. They have unique beverages – like tumeric lattes, wildflower iced coffees and more. But they make the classics so perfectly too.
Honorable Mentions {places we love but don’t go to regularly}
- Wild Fire in Oakbrook. We always sit at the bar and their martinis and steaks are solid.
- The Little Creperie is a european style creperie in the charming town of Claredon Hills. It’s pretty much as adorable as it gets! Try to get there early to score a table outside.
- NEAT Kitchen & Bar in Westmont. A trendy American restaurant with a killer Whiskey selection {they have Pappy Van Winkle!} and a high end gastropub menu.
Do you have any spots deemed one the best restaurants in the Chicago suburbs? Be sure to share below so we can check it out!
Want more? Check out my top 6 dinner spots to eat in Elmhurst in collaboration with @properties! Also, a lot of the Memorial Day sales are still lingering. Get the best SAVINGS here!
