Posted in Illinois Food & Dining May 14, 2023 by

The 9 Most Beautiful Restaurants In All Of Illinois

Whether you have a special occasion to celebrate or just want to treat that certain someone to a nice dinner, Illinois has a wealth of wonderful restaurants that will widen your eyes. You may come for the food, but you’ll stay for the gorgeous atmospheres found at these 9 beautiful restaurants in Illinois.

You’ll never forget a visit to these stunning eateries in Illinois. Check out the pretty places you need to eat at ASAP:

1. North Pond - 2610 N Cannon Drive in Chicago
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North Pond, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Facebook/North Pond
Located in a building that was constructed in 1912, this stunning spot overlooks a tranquil pond and is run by a trained culinary chef. Inspired by ingredients from local farmers, patrons enjoy tasting menus. Dishes include pasta, salads, seafood, and brunch items. It’s a gorgeous place to experience waterfront dining in Illinois!
2. Global Gourmet - 102 E Jackson Street in Carbondale
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Global Gourmet, 102 E Jackson St, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Facebook/Global Gourmet
Situated on a cobbled street downtown, this charming, vintage restaurant offers ethnic cuisine. It is a bistro, tapas, and wine bar all in one and features an ever-changing menu that often includes soups, salads, seafood, duck, and steak dishes. Gorgeous inside and out, the best place to dine is in the relaxing oasis known as the "G spot" patio. We love this scenic restaurant in Illinois!
3. Nick & Nino's - 700 E Adams Street in Springfield (permanently closed)
Facebook/Nick & Nino's - Penthouse Steakhouse
Facebook/Nick & Nino's - Penthouse Steakhouse
Located on the 30th floor of the beautiful Wyndham Springfield City Centre, patrons of this upscale restaurant enjoy lovely views of downtown. The interior features intimate lighting and luxurious seating, perfect for a date or business meeting. Guests enjoy chicken, seafood, steak, pork, and pasta dishes that are as pretty as they are tasty.
4. Vie - 4471 Lawn Avenue in Western Springs
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Vie Restaurant, 4471 Lawn Ave, Western Springs, IL 60558, USA
Facebook/Vie Restaurant
Serving American fare inspired by Western European cuisine, this restaurant utilizes local ingredients and is open for dinner only. Visitors sit in a relaxed village setting and enjoy soup and salads, cheese plates, seafood, chicken, and beef dishes, as well as wine-tasting menus. It’s one of our favorite scenic restaurants in Illinois!
5. Abreo - 515 E State Street in Rockford
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Abreo, 515 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104, USA
Facebook/Abreo Restaurant
Offering chef-inspired dishes to die for, this restaurant has a small plate menu that is creative and playful. Featuring seafood, steak, and desserts, the restaurant features seasonal menus that are chef-inspired, so there is always something new to try. Guests also enjoy wine, cocktails, and an extensive whiskey collection. Easily one of the most beautiful restaurants in Illinois.
6. Jolane's Cafe - 1100 Milwaukee Avenue in Glenview (permanently closed)
Facebook/Jolane's Cafe
Facebook/Jolane's Cafe
Editor's note: Unfortunately, Jolane's Cafe is permanently closed.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this lovely space is perfect for anything from a ladies' lunch to a wedding reception. Serving homestyle dishes, guests enjoy fresh, high quality, local ingredients and a friendly, open, and beautiful atmosphere. Menu items are European-inspired and include paninis, pasta, seafood, soup, and French toast.
7. Walker's Bluff - 326 Vermont Road in Carterville
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Walker's Bluff, 326 Vermont Rd, Carterville, IL 62918, USA
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Set on 160 acres, this restaurant has a vineyard and many natural wonders to entertain and delight. Serving gourmet cuisine in a friendly, upscale atmosphere, guests can enjoy cheese and meat plates, salads, brick-oven-fired pizzas, and a plethora of appetizers. This is a great scenic restaurant in Illinois!
8. Atwater's - 15 S River Lane in Geneva
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Atwater’s Restaurant, 15 S River Ln, Geneva, IL 60134, USA
Facebook/Atwater's
Enjoy views of a lovely courtyard and the gorgeous Fox River as you partake in American fare made from local ingredients. Guests may visit for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant features holiday menus, afternoon tea once per month, and brunch buffets as well as private gazebo dining. We love this waterfront dining in Illinois!
9. RARE Chop House - 224 S 10th Street in Mount Vernon
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RARE Chop House, 224 S 10th St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA
Facebook/Rare Chop House
Renowned for its overflowing collection of wine, of which there are over 1,000 different types, this award-winning restaurant serves traditional fare like burgers, fish and chips, salads, and various sandwiches. Luxurious seating and an intimate atmosphere make for an unforgettable dining experience. This is such a romantic, beautiful restaurant in Illinois.

If you enjoy beautiful places to eat, you’ll love these eight outdoor patio restaurants.

Which of these beautiful restaurants in Illinois have you eaten at before? Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below!

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Beautiful Restaurants In Illinois

May 19, 2023
Megan McDonald

What are the best restaurants in Illinois?

The best restaurants in Illinois represent a range of culinary styles and dining experiences, each offering exceptional quality and innovation in their respective genres. Whether seeking cutting-edge gastronomy or a farm-to-table experience, Illinois has a vibrant dining scene to satisfy every palate.

These are the best restaurants in Illinois:

  • Alinea (Chicago): Alinea is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its inventive and artistic approach to cuisine. It offers a unique dining experience with carefully crafted tasting menus that push the boundaries of culinary creativity.
  • Girl & the Goat (Chicago): Led by renowned chef Stephanie Izard, Girl & the Goat is a highly acclaimed restaurant that showcases innovative dishes with bold flavors. It focuses on locally sourced ingredients and offers a menu that combines global influences with creative twists.
  • Frontera Grill (Chicago): Frontera Grill, created by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, is a must-visit for lovers of authentic Mexican cuisine. It presents a vibrant menu that celebrates the diverse regional flavors of Mexico, using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
  • Schwa (Chicago): Schwa is a small, unassuming restaurant with a cult following for its avant-garde and adventurous-tasting menus. With an ever-changing menu and intimate setting, it offers a truly unique and memorable dining experience.
  • Vie (Western Springs): Located just outside of Chicago, Vie is a farm-to-table restaurant highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. It showcases contemporary American cuisine focusing on sustainability and flavors that reflect the changing seasons.
  • Lula Café (Chicago): Lula Café is a beloved neighborhood restaurant that prioritizes locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to sustainable practices. It offers a creative and ever-evolving menu with dishes that showcase the best of Midwestern flavors.

 

What is the most beautiful restaurant in Illinois?

One restaurant regarded for its stunning ambiance and aesthetics is the Alinea Restaurant in Chicago. Alinea is renowned for its innovative and artistic approach to cuisine, and its interior design reflects that creativity. The restaurant features sleek, modern decor with a minimalist touch, creating an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. From avant-garde plating to immersive dining experiences, Alinea aims to engage all the senses, making it a standout in terms of beauty and culinary artistry in Illinois. You need to visit this restaurant as soon as possible!