15 Must-Try Restaurants in Naperville: Where the Naperville Locals Eat

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Updated on March 28th, 2024

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Naperville, Illinois, is home to a variety of amazing local restaurants whether you’re on the hunt for a pizzeria, farm-to-table restaurant, or a casual hot dog spot. And if you’re new to the area or recently moved into an apartment in Naperville you may be eager to check out the local food scene. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up a list of 15 must-try restaurants in Naperville that the locals frequent.

corn field at sunset in illinois
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#1: Uncle Pete’s Pizza

Cuisine: Pizzeria
Address: 815 N Washington St, Naperville, IL 60563
Uncle Pete’s Pizza’s Website

Uncle Pete’s Pizza is a great place to grab a slice whether it’s a thin crust pizza, stuffed crust option, or a pan pizza.

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#2: Kreger’s Brat and Sausage Haus

Cuisine: Deli and meat store
Address: 605 N Ellsworth St, Naperville, IL 60563
Kreger’s Brat and Sausage Haus’s Website

Serving over 40 handcrafted bratwursts and sausages, Kreger’s Brat and Sausage Haus’s Naperville location is another option to add to your list of must-visit restaurants.

#3: Nicky’s Red Hots

Cuisine: Hot dog joint and American restaurant
Address: 335 E Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL 60563
Nicky’s Red Hots’ Website

A fast casual restaurant, Nicky’s Red Hots has a lot of dishes for anyone looking for a new spot to check out, whether you’re craving a Polish hot dog with fries, a chicken sandwich, or ribs.

#4: DeEtta’s Bakery

Cuisine: Bakery
Address: 428 W 5th Ave, Naperville, IL 60563
DeEtta’s Bakery’s Website

You can find a variety of baked goods at DeEtta’s Bakery – anything from eclairs, cupcakes, and cherry pie to hummingbird cake and dipped shortbread cookies.

#5: Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House

Cuisine: Seafood restaurant
Address: 55 S Main St Ste 127, Naperville, IL 60540
Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House’s Website

Another awesome restaurant in Naperville is Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House. You’ll find a variety of items like shrimp cocktails, crab cakes, and roasted whitefish at their location.

pasta pomodoro at one of the restaurants in naperville

#6: Fiamme

Cuisine: Pizzeria and Italian restaurant
Address: 19 N Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540
Fiamme’s Website 

If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant serving authentic Neapolitan pizza, arancini, and pasta dishes, be sure to have a meal at Fiamme.

#7: Egg Harbor Café

Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 175 Jackson Ave Ste 115, Naperville, IL 60540
Egg Harbor Cafe’s Website

Maybe you’re on the hunt for a new breakfast or lunch spot? If so, head to Egg Harbor Café where you can get some great omelettes, pancakes and French toast, chia pudding, or tuna melts.

#8: Q BBQ

Cuisine: BBQ joint
Address: 103 S Main St, Naperville, IL 60540
Q BBQ’s Website

Another one of the countless restaurants in Naperville you should consider grabbing a bite at is Q BBQ. A BBQ joint, you can find them serving up a variety of smoked meats – brisket, chicken, pork, and turkey – as well as sandwiches and sides.

#9: Empire Burgers + Brew

Cuisine: Burger joint
Address: 48 W Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Empire Burgers + Brew’s Website

Empire Burgers + Brew has plenty of options for those looking for a great burger or sandwich and a signature cocktail. 

chips, salsa, guacamole, and queso on table

#10: Quiubo

Cuisine: Bar and Mexican restaurant
Address: 120 Water St Ste 122, Naperville, IL 60540
Quiubo’s Website

You can find Quiubo located in downtown Naperville, where there’s a great selection of Mexican food like queso fundido, tacos, and margaritas.

#11: Catch 35 Naperville

Cuisine: Steakhouse and seafood restaurant
Address: 35 S Washington St Ste 100, Naperville, IL 60540
Catch 35 Naperville’s Website

Catch 35 Naperville is a steakhouse and seafood spot, where you can find some great dishes like cedar plank salmon, Maine lobster tail, and ribeye.

#12: Allegory

Cuisine: Farm to table restaurant
Address: 224 S Main St, Naperville, IL 60540
Allegory’s Website

Allegory is another great local restaurant serving farm to table dishes like veggie burgers, short rib, quiches, and chilaquiles. 

#13: Rosebud

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 22 E Chicago Ave Ste 101, Naperville, IL 60540
Rosebud’s Website

If you’ve recently relocated to Naperville and are searching for an Italian restaurant, you can find that at Rosebud, where they’re serving fresh pasta, delicacies like eggplant parmesan and zuppa ‘di mare, and rigatoni alla vodka.

#14: El Hogar Mexican Restaurant

Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 1015 E Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL 60563
El Hogar Mexican Restaurant’s Website

El Hogar Mexican restaurant serves a great selection of authentic Mexican dishes like tamales, enchiladas, carne asada, and more.

#15: Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Cuisine: Steakhouse
Address: 244 S Main St, Naperville, IL 60540
Sullivan’s Steakhouse’s Website

Finishing off our list of restaurants in Naperville is Sullivan’s Steakhouse, where you can find everything from beef wellington bites and seared ahi to rack of lamb and Cajun ribeye all without leaving Illinois.

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Favorite restaurants recommended by locals

1. Che Figata

“When guests come to Che Figata, there’s always something to discover,” suggests Che Figata Chef de Cuisine Ian Schlegel, who studied in Tuscany under two of Italy’s recognized Master Chefs. “We take a contemporary approach to blending traditional, authentic Italian ingredients, creating flavors that are both familiar and excitingly surprising.”

2. Fat Rosie’s

Fat Rosie’s is the perfect destination if you want a lively atmosphere and colorful ambiance with savory, indulgent dishes,” recommends What Now Media Group in Atlanta. “Located at 22 E Chicago Ave, you can’t do much better than Fat Rosie’s Taco and Tequila Bar. The Cochinita Pibil melts in your mouth, its mildly acidic flavor balanced by the earthy aroma of fresh cilantro and the velvety flavor of the queso fresco. It pairs well with any of the tequilas on offer, although we’re partial to the Tres Generaciones.”

3. The Matrix Room

The Matrix Room, the on-site restaurant in Naperville’s mixed-use venue The Matrix Club, is difficult to explain. And yet, therein lies its charm,” explains the What Now Media Group in Atlanta. “With a kitchen helmed by Michelin-starred chef Yani Sanchez, the dishes are nothing short of surprising. They are animated by a cross-cultural depth of fusion that’s so complex, you’d think you need an anthropology degree to truly unpack what’s happening. Make no mistake, though. Despite how refined The Matrix Room may seem at first blush, it’s decidedly approachable and welcoming. So long as having an unforgettable time is kind of your thing.”

4. Tapville

“Tapville Social is a unique restaurant in Naperville that offers patrons the chance to pour their own beer, wine, and cider, making for a fun and interactive experience,” suggests Tapville Social. “At Tapville, customers can indulge in an assortment of enjoyable and scrumptious flights, including margarita, mimosa, and cocktail flights. They recently added a boozy iced coffee flight to their menu, which is available during brunch. With its modern and welcoming atmosphere, extensive selection of drinks, and unique menu options, Tapville Social is a must-visit spot for anyone in the Naperville area looking for a fun and memorable night out.”

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
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Alison Bentley

Alison is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about housing affordability and home interior design ideas. Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records.

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