Food in Illinois epitomizes the flavors of the Midwest, relying heavily on meats like pork, beef, and chicken, and fresh vegetables grown right here in our rolling fields. But dig a little deeper and you'll find that the Prairie State is also home to some of the country's best international cuisine — from local taquerias to European-inspired fine dining. This one-of-a-kind Norwegian village restaurant in Rockford, Illinois brings Scandinavian flavors to the Land of Lincoln in a way no one else has — and locals say it's one of the best spots in town.
Food in Illinois epitomizes the flavors of the Midwest, relying heavily on meats like pork, beef, and chicken, and fresh vegetables grown right here in our rolling fields. But dig a little deeper and you'll find that the Prairie State is also home to some of the country's best international cuisine — from local taquerias to European-inspired fine dining. This one-of-a-kind Norwegian village restaurant in Rockford, Illinois brings Scandinavian flavors to the Land of Lincoln in a way no one else has — and locals say it's one of the best spots in town.
Less than a 15-minute walk from the Rock River, The Norwegian, located at 1402 N. Main St., is a top-rated, Nordic-inspired restaurant in Downtown Rockford.
The diner specializes in brunch and lunch, as well as offers a rotating dinner menu each week.
Both inside and out, it pays homage to Scandinavian culture with a handmade decorative village and warm woods.
In the summer, its patio becomes an open-air Norwegian city, complete with string lights, wooden pergolas, and hanging flower baskets.
And in the winter, the restaurant opens its popular Snomarket village, once again recreating a Nordic town from scratch.
Of course, the authentic decor would be hollow without authentic recipes to back it up — and The Norwegian's customers have given a resounding thumbs up. One of the must-try dishes is the eggs Benedict, pictured here.
The restaurant showcases a dazzling menu of heartwarming dishes that offer a mix of new and traditional takes on Scandinavian food. Nordic favorites like Ableskiver (Danish pancake balls with raspberry jam) and Gravlax Smorrebred (gravlax cured with beets and dill topped with capers, greens, and crème fraiche on rye) satisfy tastes that Americans may never have experienced.
With fresh ingredients, detail, and creative culinary visions, the chefs of The Norwegian create stunning dishes that pair perfectly with a cold beer or delicious cocktail. Groups can also opt for a shareable smorgasbord, with options for both seafood and kid-friendly snacks.
Pro tip: Make sure to save room for dessert. A rotating case of drool-worth cakes and pastries are waiting to be enjoyed.
Plan your visit to this Norwegian village restaurant in Rockford, Illinois by checking out The Norwegian's website and The Norwegian's Facebook page. Have another international restaurant in Illinois that you love? Tell us in the comments! And while you're in Rockford, make sure to stop by the stunning Anderson Japanese Gardens, one of the most beautiful botanical paradises places in the state. In fact, make your visit a quick getaway with a night or two at this top-rated, adorable riverfront cabin.
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