Nestled within the greater Chicago metroplex is Naperville, Illinois. Originally established as Naper’s Settlement in 1831, Naperville started out much like the rest of America inhabited by two feuding Native American tribes: Iliniwek and Potawatomi.
The city has developed a reputation in the arts due to hosting the annual Naperville Independent Film Festival, which showcases indie films from around the world. A historical haven, Naperville is confirmed on the National Register of Historic Places.
With Naperville’s exponential growth as a city, the restaurants in the area have had the opportunity to perfect their craft and present quality cuisine to the community. Below is a list and short review of the best restaurants in Naperville.
The list was created with price, ambiance, hospitality, and type of cuisine in mind. I will also include or at least acknowledge the wine, cocktail, and draft beer selections at each establishment, if applicable. The majority of the online ratings for each restaurant are glowing, so expect nothing but the best.
1. Invicto
$$ | (630) 799-0700 | WEBSITE
This isn’t the regular, commercialized Mexican food restaurant that so many of us are used to nowadays. At Invicto, the word “authentic” is perhaps the first to come to mind when you see the expansive menu.
Choose from a plethora of delicious tacos, burritos, vampiros (which includes guacamole and pico de gallo paired with a meat or vegetable), cemitas, ensaladas, and mulitas (quesadillas).
Combined with the cleanliness of the establishment and the courteous staff, Invicto is definitely a restaurant that you will need to try if you are ever in the Naperville area.
2. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
$$$ | (630) 955-0022 | WEBSITE
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Fogo de Chao knows their way around a steak, and many of the dishes are inspired by Brazilian cuisine. As you will soon find out, most of the dishes contain some of the finest cuts of beef in the area.
The Medalhoes Com Bacon consists of juicy steak wrapped in thick strips of bacon, while the Costela plate consists of seasoned, tender beef ribs.
Or try the Costela de Porco (sweet and savory pork ribs). Customers enjoy the fancy decor of the interior, the choices of meats that are perfect for your typical carnivore, and the fantastic customer service.
3. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
$$ | (630) 245-8000 | WEBSITE
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Combining cuisine from around the globe, Cooper’s Hawk is sure to give you a unique dining experience from beginning to end.
Make sure to sample the delicious Asian pork belly, the Over The Border egg rolls, or the crab lobster bisque. For guests who are watching their calories, there is the Life Balance menu with items that are all under 600 calories so you can remain guilt-free!
Guests love the number of options to choose from for different diets and multiple types of cuisine. They also enjoy the wine selection and the wine club!
4. La Sorella Di Francesca
$$ | (630) 961-2706 | WEBSITE
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This Italian establishment will make you feel as though you have stepped right into a bistro in the old country. The sights and sounds set the tone for an authentic meal.
Start your meal with bruschette con fiche, which is garlic toast and tomatoes marinated in herbs and topped with mozzarella. The Fettuccine Della Nonna is also an excellent dish, made with short ribs, herbs, and parmigiano.
They provide a gluten-free menu as well as an extensive wine and cocktail selection. Customers thoroughly enjoy the pasta dishes and the courteous service provided by the staff, as well as the ambiance of the restaurant.
5. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
$$ | (630) 717-0700 | WEBSITE
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At Lou Malnati’s, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to try the fantastic Chicago deep-dish pizza. Or if you are in the mood for a little less crust, try the thin crust pizza.
If you are simply tagging along with pizza lovers and would like a sandwich instead, try one of their signature subs. The sandwiches are thick and hearty, especially the meatball sandwich.
And if you are craving pasta, order a mouthwatering lasagna or the penne ala malnati. Visitors call Lou Malnati’s popular Chicago deep-dish pizzas one of the best Chicago deep-dish pizzas in the area!
6. Gyu-Kaku Japanese Barbecue
$$ | (630) 536-8270 | WEBSITE
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Dine in or carry out? Why not both? Gyu-Kaku Japanese Barbecue allows you to take home raw meats to grill at home, so great meals do not stop when you leave.
The Wagyu menu is superb, but keep in mind that the supplies may be limited, as Wagyu is a highly sought-after meat. At this restaurant, you are in charge of cooking your own meal – they just provide the fresh and amazing ingredients.
Gyu-Kaku is especially a local favorite on TripAdvisor, where the restaurant received a perfect 5-star score.
7. Quiubo
$$ | (331) 702-2711 | WEBSITE
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Located inside of Hotel Indigo on the Naperville Riverwalk, Quiubo is a modern take on traditional Mexican dishes. Start out your meal with the elote (roasted corn) dip or the queso fundido del diag (cheese tip with a special topping that changes daily).
There is a menu of different types of tacos – the pescado, the carnitas, the costa, and the pastor. Guests appreciate the great service by the caring staff, the entree options that leave you full and satisfied, and the overall relaxing atmosphere.
8. Meson Sabika
$$ | (630) 983-3000 | WEBSITE
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Meson Sabika is a Spanish eatery and tapas bar in Naperville. The specials change weekly, and you have the option to order hot or cold tapas. For hot tapas, try the albondigas con almendreas (meatballs in almond sauce), and for cold tapas, try the Menestra de Verduras (a chunky vegetable stew).
The wine and cocktail menu is lengthy and impressive; it includes cava champagne, rose`, and white & red wine. Customers love the choice of paellas, the uniqueness of the dining experience, and the tasty tapas.
9. Buttermilk
$$ | (630) 423-6551 | WEBSITE
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As you can probably gather by the name of the restaurant, Buttermilk is all about breakfast (and brunch). Savor the stuffed breakfast biscuits, overflowing with scrambled eggs, gravy, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Or try one of the skillet meals, like the Holy Moly (steak, chorizo, avocado, and Chihuahua cheese) or the Wilbur (breakfast meats with onions, green peppers, and two types of cheese).
Choose from several different pancake flavors, such as the cinnamon roll, lemon blueberry, or honey bun. Guests love the option for outdoor patio seating when the weather permits, as well as the service and ambiance.
10. Seoul Taco
$ | (331) 401-5105 | WEBSITE
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Seoul Taco is an exciting blend of Asian- and Mexican-fused cuisine that you need to experience for yourself! The signature bowl at Seoul Taco is the Gogi bowl: sesame salad, veggies, sesame oil, rice, and pepper sauce all topped with a fried egg.
Or try the Gogi & waffles: sweet potato waffle fries covered in queso and Seoul sauces and sprinkled with green onion and sesame seeds. Guests love the one-of-a-kind fusion experience as well as the excellent service by the friendly staff.
11. Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Co.
$$ | (630) 544-6626 | WEBSITE
This may be your very first time hearing of a restaurant that focuses specifically on grilled cheese; I know that this was a first for me! Everdine’s makes every sandwich a gooey grilled cheese with their own spin on the old favorite.
All of the sandwiches are crafted using buttery, garlicky Texas toast. There is even a salad with a grilled cheese flare, believe it or not – mixed greens with housemade grilled cheese croutons! Customers love the fun and exciting names of the sandwiches, like the Messy Jessie.
12. Bev’s
$$$ | (630) 364-2397 | WEBSITE
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Bev’s is a southern-inspired brunch experience, serving comfort food that is upscale and classic. Try the spicy shrimp and grits from the all-day menu, or the fried chicken and biscuits from the brunch menu.
The section for cocktails lists funky names like Watermelon Crawl, “Beat It, Squirt!”, and Spicy Dead Lady. Guests have so many great things to say about their dining experiences, complimenting the old-fashioned entrees and the view of downtown Naperville from the patio.
13. Bombay Chopsticks by India House
$$ | (331) 226-2928 | WEBSITE
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This Chinese/Indian fusion eatery is sure to delight any crowd. If you enjoy stir-fry with lots of fresh shrimp and veggies, try the volcano shrimp or the chili garlic fish dry – two super spicy and delicious entrees.
There are also noodles and chop suey to choose from. Most dishes have a kick, so please acknowledge that beforehand in case that is something that you cannot physically handle eating.
The ambiance is relaxed and classy, and patrons visiting Bombay Chopsticks love the friendly service and delicious, adventurous dishes.
In Summary
You may have come to Naperville for the popular independent film festival or to see one of the many famous statues (a young Abraham Lincoln nicknamed “Laughing Lincoln,” a towering Dick Tracy statue from the comic books, and a 9/11 memorial for CDR Dan Shanower).
However, when in town, make sure to check out the best restaurants in Naperville in order to make your experience in Illinois a special one.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
Where. Is Vai’s? You missed a great pic!!!