12 Unique Restaurants in the Chicago Suburbs: Extraordinary Places to Eat Outside the City

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In this guide, we’re spotlighting the most unique restaurants in the Chicago Suburbs. From hidden gems with world-class flavors to quirky spots offering unforgettable experiences, we’ve got you covered.

Beyond Chicago’s deep-dish pizza and jazz, the suburbs host unique dining gems with global flavors perfect for adventurous foodies. These aren’t just meals; they’re memory-making moments, tucked away just a short drive from the city’s hustle and bustle.

From cozy cafes in historic buildings to bustling marketplaces with exotic delights, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re craving authentic Japanese cuisine, dreaming of Mediterranean feasts, or savoring the freshest seafood, the Chicago suburbs deliver.

The best part? These flavors are accessible to everyone, offering a culinary adventure that surprises and delights at every bite. Get ready to explore!

👉Pro Tip: Enhance your Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Architecture Walking Tour experience by arriving early to explore the iconic Chicago Theatre marquee. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to adapt to Chicago’s changing weather. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour. After the tour, consider visiting the nearby Art Institute of Chicago to further immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural scene. 

Unique Restaurants in Chicago’s suburbs: 12 Incredible Chicago Suburbs Eateries

From hidden gems to culinary wonders, these spots offer flavors and experiences that surprise and delight. Let’s step into the world of exceptional dining that awaits just outside the city.

1. Atwater’s

• 📍 Location: Geneva (In The Herrington Inn & Spa)
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $100+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Fox River views, elegant dining room in historic inn, AAA Four-Diamond rating, seasonal/local ingredients.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic occasions, fine dining, scenic views, Herrington Inn guests, and celebrating in style.

Experience riverside romance and refined dining at Atwater’s, nestled within the beautiful Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva. With its AAA Four-Diamond rating and breathtaking views of the Fox River, this spot is pure elegance. It’s where sophistication meets the scenic.

Indulge in exquisite contemporary American cuisine. Expect beautifully plated dishes like perfectly seared scallops with seasonal risotto, a tender filet mignon with truffle butter, or flavorful roasted duck breast. Atwater’s is the ultimate suburban escape for a luxurious meal.

2. Maize + Mash

• 📍 Location: Glen Ellyn
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Southern Influences / Whiskey Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Extensive whiskey/bourbon selection, Southern-inspired comfort food, stylish gastropub atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Whiskey connoisseurs, Southern comfort food lovers, gastropub fans, and date nights.

Get your Southern comfort and whiskey fix at Maize + Mash in Glen Ellyn! This stylish gastropub boasts an impressive collection of brown spirits and a menu packed with modern American dishes with a delicious Southern drawl. It’s where good bourbon meets great bites.

Sip on a curated whiskey flight. Dive into flavorful dishes like creamy shrimp and grits with andouille sausage, crispy fried chicken with honey drizzle, or their popular pork belly tacos. The lively atmosphere makes Maize + Mash a standout.

3. RH Rooftop Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Oak Brook (At RH Oak Brook, The Gallery at Oakbrook Center)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $80 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Californian Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Glass-enclosed rooftop, atrium/fountain views, Restoration Hardware aesthetic.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Instagrammable dining, and stylish brunch/lunch.

Dine in a sun-drenched dream at the RH Rooftop Restaurant in Oak Brook! Located atop the stunning RH Gallery, this glass-enclosed restaurant offers a breathtakingly beautiful setting with chandeliers, fountains, and an airy, elegant vibe. It’s like eating inside a design magazine!

Enjoy upscale American fare with Californian influences. Indulging in their famous truffle fries is a must. A perfectly dressed lobster roll, or a simple yet elegant roasted chicken with garlic confit, are also excellent choices. RH Rooftop is pure aesthetic delight.

4. Mitsuwa Marketplace

• 📍 Location: Arlington Heights
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Food Court)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese Food Court / Grocery Store
• 🔥 Standout Features: Japanese supermarket with authentic food court, various food stalls (ramen/sushi/tempura), Japanese bookstore/bakery.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Japanese food lovers, authentic ramen/sushi seekers, Japanese groceries, budget-friendly food adventures, and experiencing a taste of Japan.

Take a trip to Tokyo at Mitsuwa Marketplace! This massive Japanese supermarket is a wonderland of imported goods, and its bustling food court is a treasure trove of authentic Japanese eats. Get ready for a delicious deep dive into various food stalls.

Explore steaming bowls of tonkotsu ramen at Santouka. Fresh sushi and sashimi from various vendors, crispy tempura (shrimp or vegetable), or savory katsu curry rice bowls are also highly recommended. Don’t forget to browse the bakery!

5. Boston Fish Market

• 📍 Location: Wheeling / Des Plaines
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $50 per person (Restaurant side)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fresh Seafood / American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Fresh fish market with restaurant; “you buy it, we cook it” option, large seafood platters.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Seafood fanatics, fresh fish lovers, and market-to-table diners.

If it swims, they’ve got it! Boston Fish Market is a seafood lover’s paradise, combining a massive fresh fish market with a bustling restaurant. Pick your catch, and they’ll cook it for you – it doesn’t get fresher than that! The atmosphere is lively and loud.

Dive into enormous platters of fried shrimp or calamari. Perfectly grilled whole fish, like branzino or red snapper, or classic fish and chips made with cod, are also fantastic. Boston Fish Market is the ultimate destination for a no-frills seafood feast.

6. Freddy’s Pizza

• 📍 Location: Cicero
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic Chicago Thin Crust & Italian-American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Old-school Chicago pizzeria/Italian deli, thin crust pizza, homemade Italian ice.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Chicago thin crust pizza, and Italian delis.

Get a true taste of old-school Chicago at Freddy’s Pizza in Cicero! This beloved neighborhood institution has been slinging incredible thin-crust pizza and Italian-American classics for decades. It’s a delicious slice of Chicagoland history and authentic flavor.

Trying their legendary Chicago thin crust pizza, with sausage or pepperoni and cut into squares, is essential. Also explore their deli offerings like an Italian beef sandwich, and save room for refreshing homemade Italian ice (lemon or strawberry are classics).

7. Citrine Cafe

• 📍 Location: Oak Park
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mediterranean / New American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Contemporary decor, fresh/seasonal Mediterranean flavors, creative cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Mediterranean food enthusiasts, date nights, and small group dinners.

Dine in a ray of sunshine at Citrine Cafe in Oak Park! This bright and airy spot offers a delightful menu of modern Mediterranean and New American dishes, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and vibrant flavors. It’s a gem of a neighborhood bistro.

Enjoy beautifully plated dishes like grilled octopus with lemon and herbs. Flavorful lamb kofta with tzatziki, or creative pasta preparations with seasonal vegetables, are also excellent choices. Their craft cocktails are equally appealing.

8. Al Bawadi Grill

• 📍 Location: Bridgeview
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Palestinian / Middle Eastern
• 🔥 Standout Features: Middle Eastern tent-like decor, charcoal-grilled meats/kebabs, generous portions.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Middle Eastern cuisine, charcoal grill lovers, shared feasts, cultural dining, and authentic Palestinian flavors.

Step into an Arabian Nights fantasy at Al Bawadi Grill in Bridgeview! The stunning, tent-like interior immediately transports you, but it’s the incredible, authentic Palestinian and Middle Eastern cuisine that truly captivates. Prepare for a feast of succulent meats!

Sharing enormous platters of charcoal-grilled meats like shish kebabs, kufta, and shawarma is a must. Dive into creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, and warm, freshly baked pita bread. Al Bawadi Grill offers a vibrant and generous dining experience.

9. Bien Trucha

• 📍 Location: Geneva
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Mexican / Upscale Street Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Bustling spot with cult following (expect a wait!), creative/gourmet tacos, fresh margaritas.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Gourmet tacos, Mexican street food lovers, margaritas, and patient diners seeking big flavors.

“Bien Trucha” means “clever,” and this tiny Geneva hotspot is cleverly delicious! Bien Trucha packs huge modern Mexican flavors into its small, perpetually bustling space. Get ready for some of the best tacos you’ve ever had, paired with fresh margaritas.

Don’t miss their inventive tacos, like the pescado (crispy beer-battered fish with slaw and chipotle aioli). The carne asada tacos with salsa verde, or the al pastor tacos with pineapple, are also incredible. The vibrant atmosphere makes Bien Trucha worth any wait.

10. Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits

• 📍 Location: Berwyn
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mediterranean (French/Spanish/Italian influences)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, seasonal/sustainable ingredients, European bistro vibe, hidden patio, excellent wine list.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Mediterranean food, romantic date nights, patio dining, and wine enthusiasts.

Discover “another world” of flavor at Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits in Berwyn. This Michelin Bib Gourmand winner offers a delightful taste of the Mediterranean, blending French, Spanish, and Italian influences with a commitment to seasonal and sustainable ingredients.

Savor beautifully crafted dishes like wood-grilled octopus with romesco sauce. House-made pastas, such as a seasonal ravioli, or perfectly seared steak frites with herb butter, are also excellent. Their charming hidden patio is a true gem.

11. Kurumaya

• 📍 Location: Elk Grove Village
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Japanese (Sushi/Izakaya)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Private tatami rooms, high-quality sushi/sashimi, extensive izakaya menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Japanese food purists, sushi/sashimi connoisseurs, izakaya explorers, traditional Japanese ambiance, and business diners.

Experience a true taste of Japan at Kurumaya in Elk Grove Village. This spot is renowned for its authentic Japanese cuisine, traditional decor (featuring private tatami rooms), and popularity among Japanese expats – a sure sign of quality!

Indulging in pristine sushi and sashimi is a great choice; consider the chef’s special platter. Exploring a wide array of classic izakaya small plates like agedashi tofu, yakitori skewers (chicken or vegetable), or beautifully prepared tempura offers an authentic journey.

12. Fry the Coop

• 📍 Location: Multiple Chicagoland Suburbs (e.g., Oak Lawn, Elmhurst, Tinley Park)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Nashville Hot Chicken
• 🔥 Standout Features: Nashville Hot Chicken (various heat levels!), crispy fried chicken sandwiches/tenders, classic Southern sides.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Hot chicken fanatics, spice level daredevils, fried chicken sandwich lovers, and comfort food seekers.

Feel the burn at Fry the Coop! This suburban chain is bringing the fiery, addictive flavor of Nashville hot chicken to Chicagoland. Get ready to choose your heat level and dive into some seriously crispy, spicy goodness! The star is their sandwich.

The Nashville hot chicken sandwich, a crispy fried chicken breast doused in your chosen level of spicy oil, served on a bun with slaw and pickles, is essential. Their chicken tenders with various dipping sauces, or classic Southern sides like mac and cheese, are also cluckin’ delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Chicago’s Suburbs

Check out our FAQ section for all your questions about eating out, using our Chicago Suburbs restaurant guide as your go-to resource.

What food can you not miss in Chicago?

When you’re in Chicago, you’ve got to try the deep-dish pizza. It’s not just any pizza; it’s a thick, hearty pie filled with cheese, sauce, and toppings all layered in a buttery crust. Another must-try is the Chicago-style hot dog, loaded with mustard, onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, but never ketchup. These dishes are the heart of Chicago’s food scene, making it a culinary delight for those who stay in Chicago.

Where can I find cheap eats in the Chicago suburbs?

For cheap eats in the suburbs of Chicago, look no further than local diners, taco stands, and pizza joints. Places like Fry the Coop offer delicious and affordable Nashville hot chicken sandwiches. Many suburbs have hidden gems where you can enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank. Food trucks and local markets are also great spots to explore for budget-friendly, diverse food options. Don’t forget to check out local bakeries for sweet deals on pastries and bread.

What are some fine dining options in Chicago Suburbs?

Fine dining in the Chicago metropolitan area isn’t hard to find. Suburbs like Oak Brook, Naperville, and Evanston house restaurants that offer gourmet experiences with diverse cuisines. From Mediterranean flavors at Autre Monde in Berwyn to innovative Japanese dishes at Kurumaya in Elk Grove Village, the suburbs offer a range of upscale dining options. Many of these restaurants in Chicago feature seasonal menus, wine pairings, and elegant atmospheres perfect for special occasions.

What are some themed restaurants in Chicago Suburbs?

Themed restaurants in Chicago’s suburbs offer unique dining experiences that transport you to another place or time. From medieval times to sports themes, there’s a variety of fun environments to enjoy a meal in. For example, Medieval Times in Schaumburg provides a dinner and show with knights and horses. These themed spots are perfect for celebrations or just a fun night out in Chicago, offering both entertainment and themed menus to match their distinctive atmospheres.

Where can I find fun restaurants in Chicago Suburbs?

For fun restaurants in Chicago’s Suburbs, you’re in for a treat with places that offer more than just a meal. Look for spots with arcade games, live music, or interactive dining experiences. Restaurants like Fry the Coop bring the heat with their hot chicken in a lively setting. Whether you’re looking for a place with a quirky theme or just a vibrant atmosphere, the suburbs have plenty of options to make your dining experience memorable.

What makes dining in the Chicago Suburbs unique?

Dining in the Chicago Suburbs is unique because of its diverse culinary landscape, featuring hidden gems that add to the richness of options. You can find everything from authentic international cuisines to classic American comfort food. The suburbs offer a mix of casual dining, fine dining, and unique themed restaurants, making it easy to find something for every taste and occasion. Plus, many suburban restaurants focus on farm-to-table dining, using fresh, local ingredients to create delicious dishes. This variety and commitment to quality make the suburbs a great dining destination.

How do you find the best family-friendly restaurants in Chicago Suburbs?

Finding the best family-friendly restaurants in the Chicago suburbs is easy with a little research. Look for places with kids’ menus, comfortable seating, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Many family-oriented restaurants also offer activities or coloring books to keep children entertained. Suburbs like Naperville, Schaumburg, and Skokie are known for their family-friendly dining options, ranging from pizza places to diners and international cuisine. These suburbs, nestled near beautiful spots in Chicago, can cater to the pickiest eaters.

What are the best spots for outdoor dining in Chicago Suburbs?

Look for spots along the Fox River or those with views of scenic landscapes and city skylines. Restaurants like Autre Monde in Berwyn and Fry the Coop offer not just great food but also an enjoyable outdoor dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a more upscale dining experience, the suburbs offer a variety of options to enjoy fresh air and great food, making it worth the journey for those who fly from Chicago.

Final Thoughts On Unique Chicago Suburban Restaurants

We hope you enjoyed exploring the flavors and experiences highlighted in our Chicago Suburbs restaurant guide. From the heat of Nashville hot chicken at Fry the Coop to the Mediterranean delights of Autre Monde, there’s a world of culinary adventures waiting just outside the city, all with a touch of Midwest charm. Whether you’re hunting for cheap eats, fine dining, or fun themed spots, the suburbs have something special for everyone, making it an enticing option for those seeking fun US vacation spots.

Remember, this guide is just the start. The Chicago Suburbs are brimming with hidden gems and new tastes to discover. So next time you’re thinking about where to eat, consider taking a little trip outside the city. With Chicago being recognized as one of the top places to live and visit in Illinois, you might just find your new favorite spot!