As a top destination in the Chicagoland area, there are probably a lot of reasons why they say that Elmhurst, Illinois is “close to everything and unlike anything”. Well, much has been written about this tree-lined community including its excellent museums, outstanding art and theatre, thriving retail shops, captivating year-round events, and much more. But even with that, have you ever paused for a moment to discover the fine dining that this western suburb of Chicago has on offer?
Believe it or not, Downtown Elmhurst offers an endless array of some of the best restaurants in Illinois! You actually do not have to go all the way to Chicago to find a great place to take your loved ones for brunch, dinner, or a night out.
The dining options offered by restaurants near Elmhurst are so diverse. In fact, it doesn’t matter whether you want to experience authentic American cuisine, Italian old-school pizza, Malaysian curry, Venezuelan sandwiches, or even Tibetan dumplings; Downtown Elmhurst has it all!
But there’s a caveat; with so many restaurants available in Downtown Elmhurst, choosing the right restaurant for you can be a real challenge as you’re spoilt for choice. This is why we want to take a few minutes of your precious time to highlight the 4 best restaurants in Downtown Elmhurst and what makes them the best. So without further ado, let’s jump straight in.
Francesca’s Amici
A part of Francesca’s restaurant chain, Francesca’s Amici is an Italian restaurant located at the heart of the vibrant downtown Elmhurst. While the dishes on offer are more northern Italian than what many may refer to as the classic Roman Italian, you’re definitely sure that the wide selection of Italian menu based on the sumptuous cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas such as Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany won’t be a disappointment!
If you’ve been looking for a restaurant in Elmhurst where you can enjoy perfectly cooked salmon, chicken breasts, and calamari, as well as huge servings of delicious pasta, look no further. To the Elmhurst residents, however, this place is known for its delicious martinis, malbec, and chianti but do not limit yourself. You can also try the zesty coffee on offer and tasty bitings such as gelato, tiramisu, and mint chocolate, which will most likely excite you at the first bite!
It doesn’t matter whether you’re going out for a normal dinner or celebrating any party, event, or milestone, this restaurant has everything to make your day awesome. The staff is welcoming and accommodating, the décor is lovely, and its quiet ambiance will have you feeling comfortable and relaxed. Better still, the prices are pocket-friendly.
Zenwich
As a vegan-friendly restaurant, Zenwich brings forth a unique combination of the classic American sandwich and the exotic Asian flavors in a way that will arouse your taste buds. The fact that it’s both a vegan and non-vegan restaurant means that the menu is so diverse that you can’t miss something delicious for everyone.
While many guests come to grab nicely cooked crab cakes, delicious crab sandwiches, and perfectly cooked garlic shrimps, you can try the spicy chicken Basil sandwich combined with grill onion and creamy Thai curry (this remains my favorite). And if you’re accompanied by kids, you can let them try the chicken Teriyaki sandwich with tofu but they’ll always insist on more once they taste this!
Zenwich may be a small counter-serve restaurant, but the delicacies on offer will always have you coming back for more. Of course, that shouldn’t be a problem given the prices are affordable, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is pretty welcoming for a loner, a family, or a group of friends looking to have fun in Elmhurst, Illinois.
Nu Crepes
Located in the beautiful Schiller Court Walkway, Nu Crepes is a super modern hipster-like restaurant that’s perfectly hidden in an alley of a busy plaza but a great place to start your day. Well, forgive me if I sound biased but I must admit that it’s one of the best spots in Elmhurst for a fantastic breakfast.
This family-owned restaurant is widely known for its American-inspired crepes but it goes beyond that. In addition to a plethora of sweet and savory crepes, you have to try the delicious marsala or the perfectly prepared bacon, buffalo chicken, and tapas.
While it’s considered a fast-food joint, it’s designed to offer a warm atmosphere to make you feel comfortable, relaxed, and have a good time. This restaurant offers fair prices for their dishes and the staff is well-trained and welcoming. This picturesque restaurant is certainly worth visiting.
Mack’s Golden Pheasant
There’s probably no better restaurant for nostalgic moments, especially for those who grew up in Elmhurst. Having been in operation since 1948, Mack’s Golden Pheasant restaurant remains one of the oldest restaurants in DuPage County. It serves a unique combination of flavorful American, Austrian, Czech, and German cuisines and cocktails in a laidback lodge-like setting. I know, I know, it isn’t located in Downtown Elmhurst, I just couldn’t leave it out. You won’t be disappointed if you are willing to travel for only a few minutes.
With a long history starting from its Czech immigrant founders, this restaurant has passed the test of time and withered every storm and adversity, which is an indication that the owners have been doing things the right way. While the menu may appear somewhat eclectic, it features some of the best Eastern Europe dishes that you’ll ever come across including hand-cut steaks, Wiener schnitzel, roast duckling, and a variety of sumptuous seafood. To bring back the classic American cuisine, you can try the famous hand-pattied 12 oz. hamburgers.
Having been recognized as an Elmhurst institution, Mack’s Golden Pheasant restaurant not only offers great food and cocktails but also a superb atmosphere that makes diners feel like they’re part of one family. Imagine a place where you can enjoy some of the best dishes at very affordable prices with ever-friendly staff ensuring that you enjoy yourself, and of course, your meal.
Dining options in Downtown Elmhurst are as diverse as the people who live and work there. Whether you want to experience authentic American cuisine, Italian old-school pizza, Malaysian curry, Venezuelan sandwiches, or even Tibetan dumplings; this downtown has it all! It’s not hard for anyone on any budget to find a restaurant they love here.
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How can a review of the best restaurants in Elmhurst not include 100South? By far the best steak joint in Our town!