21 Best Downtown Naperville IL Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss

Are you looking for Downtown Naperville restaurants to dine in? Then you are in the right place.

First, if you haven’t been to downtown Naperville, it is a quaint shopping area with many stores, restaurants, and a riverwalk.

Whether you’re here to shop, dine, spa, or stay, you’ll find an ideal blend of over 150 best-in-class stores and hotels alongside Naperville’s most exciting eateries.

Furthermore, the downtown area is just 30 minutes from Chicago, and eating in downtown Naperville is as much about the environment as the food.

Whether you want a Chicago-style pizza, Mexican meals, or even Italian cuisine, Naperville won’t disappoint.

Downtown Naperville Restaurants

1. Vasili’s Restaurant

Vasili’s restaurant pays homage to the grandfather of the restaurant’s owner.

The decor and atmosphere are fantastic and modern, with an authentic Grecian feel/vibe.

It has a courtyard setting with lots of greenery and rustic charm. The water feature in the courtyard’s center also provides a pleasant background atmosphere.

The authentic Mediterranean-inspired dishes are delectable and inventive.

You can start with feta and olives, then move on to vasili chips, spanikopita, and pork belly.

The skewers, as well as the wild rice and broccolini, are out of this world. The octopus and lamb chop are even outstanding!!

Don’t pass up this opportunity to try some incredible Greek wines.

In fact, there is so much food, and you’ll want to try as much as you can.

They also work with you to determine what you’ll like and can eat, even if you have allergies.

2. Gia Mia – Naperville

Gia Mia is one of the best downtown Naperville restaurants, especially if you desire pizza. It is not your typical chain restaurant.

It is a modern Italian restaurant with a lively atmosphere and a good selection of pasta, pizza, and salads.

Gia Mia’s restaurant concept revolves around its custom-built mosaic-tiled wood-fired pizza oven.

The interior has an exposed brick and wood theme. It has an open and airy setting. Suitable for a variety of occasions, including date nights, get-togethers, and social gatherings with friends.

It also has excellent outdoor diving in the summer, with heated lamps for the cooler months.

The menu includes the same wood-fired favorites that have helped Gia Mia become so popular.

Aside from pizza, the restaurant serves pasta, appetizers, and Italian classics such as chicken Parmesan and chicken Marsala.

The bar is also tastefully designed, with a good selection of beers and wines. The salads are all delicious.

Address: 110 S Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

3. Allegory

Allegory is Naperville’s only chef-owned restaurant, and it wouldn’t disappoint you.

You’ll fall in love with the atmosphere when you enter the restaurant.

There’s great music, a bar in the front, and a small but comfortable space between tables with around 60 seats.

In fact, this restaurant is not just one of the best downtown Naperville restaurants; it is even one of the best in Naperville.

Chef/Owner Chris Mason and the Allegory team’s passion for doing things better is evident with over 20 years of experience.

The high quality and freshness of the food make you feel good about eating. Try the shrimp and grits, fried chicken, Brussels sprouts, and fresh fish; everything is delicious!

The restaurant is open six days a week for lunch and dinner!

4. Fat Rosie’s Taco and Tequila Bar

Fat Rosie’s is THE PLACE to go if you want to experience authentic Mexican fun and great food, especially if you are in a group.

The restaurant’s cleanliness distinguishes it from others, and the service is unrivaled.

It’s a tequila bar, a taqueria, a family-friendly spot to enjoy Scott Harris’ modern take on Mexican street food, but most importantly, it’s a tribute to an old agave farmer’s faithful donkey.

The wall-mounted head of a donkey greets you from behind the bar. The bright, Mexican-themed decorations and music playing contribute to the ambiance.

The menu is trifold and includes extensive lists of appetizers, tacos, main courses, and beverages.

Cocktails are heavily featured on the drinks menu.

Address: 22 E Chicago Ave #111, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

5. La Sorella di Francesca

Looking for lighter Italian fare, not the usual meatballs and heavy red sauce? La Sorella di Francesca might just be the right place for you.

La Sorella di Francesca is a very nice and cozy Italian restaurant with an attractive old stone-work exterior façade. It is one of the top downtown Naperville restaurants for Italian meals.

La Sorella is part of an Italian restaurant chain in the Chicago area that grew out of a Taylor Street favorite, Francesca.

They use mostly fresh ingredients and frequently change their menu. They have some lighter entrees and excellent salads in addition to several pastas. You can also expect delectable dessert options.

The tables are very close together, and the room becomes quite noisy. However, there are two floors to this restaurant.

If the downstairs is too crowded, which it frequently is, they have an entire second floor with another bar upstairs.

The second floor requires more than 20 steps to reach and has a more closed atmosphere that is less bustling/loud.

If you have any concerns about parking in downtown Naperville, there are free parking garages nearby.

This downtown location might not be for you if you want to park at the door and walk into a restaurant.

Don’t forget to take a walk after dinner along the Naperville Riverwalk. The walk can be quite lovely, with art on display, murals on the walls, and musicians playing on the sidewalks.

Address: 18 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

6. Fiammé

Fiamme Pizzeria Napoletana draws inspiration from the blazing hot pizza oven, producing exquisite Italian dishes influenced by Naples’ traditions.

The restaurant is located in an unusual spot.

It is very popular with the ladies and has a couple of televisions, so you can go there alone for a beer while watching your favorite game.

The pizza toppings are mature and flavorful, and the medium-thin crusts are perfectly cooked in the wood oven.

There is both indoor and outdoor seating available. The inside can be a little noisy when it’s busy, but the patio is fantastic on a nice evening.

Aside from offering imported ingredients to ensure the most authentic Italian dishes, there are also dairy-free and gluten-free options to meet the needs of any guest.

Address: 19 N Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

7. Q-BBQ

When one has the time, there are several BBQ brands that are great places to visit, but Q-bbq is one of the top BBQ downtown Naperville restaurants.

In fact, if you’re looking for some tasty BBQ in the Western suburbs, Q is the place to go.

Q-BBQ is an authentic BBQ restaurant with regional influences ranging from the Carolina backwoods to Texas meat markets to Memphis hole-in-the-walls.

Q BBQ brings to the table a delicious BBQ experience in the format of a Quick Service restaurant:

There are only three sauces available, all of which are made daily.

The location is ideal for stopping for a bite to eat while strolling around Naperville, and you can even order a glass of wine or beer to go with your meal.

Address: 103 S Main St, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

8. Jackson Ave Pub

Check out Jackson Ave pub if you want downtown Naperville restaurants to grab some burgers.

The cozy building is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Naperville. The pub has a great menu that serves the best burgers in town, made to order.

The salads are flavorful and filling; the truffle fries will have you licking your fingers.

Daily specials, such as the slow-roasted maple drumsticks, will turn you into a regular. With all of the options downtown, this is one restaurant you don’t want to miss.

The burgers are out of this world. They are thick and juicy and not your average burger.

The Buffalo Bleu, which includes blue cheese crumbles, bacon, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing, is delicious.

Address: 7 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

9. The White Chocolate Grill

The White Chocolate Grill serves a diverse classic American fare prepared from scratch.

A selection of house-made white chocolate and other desserts complements this offering.

This restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with low lighting and friendly service.

Rich wood and real stone are used in the restaurant’s design, creating an upscale, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired atmosphere.

Mixed drinks and specialty cocktails dominate the back side of the menu, followed by wine selections, six drafts, and a few more bottled beer selections.

Try the AZ rolls as an entrée. You will not be disappointed. Also, the white chocolate brownie is among the best in the area.

Address: 1803 Freedom Dr, Naperville, IL 60563, United States

Planning to go all around Naperville? Check out the best Restaurants in Naperville to dine in!

10. Santo Cielo

Located on the fifth floor of the Hotel Indigo, Santo Cielo is a great option if you are looking for downtown Naperville restaurants to have romantic dates.

You will fall in love with all the attention given to the decor and the showcasing kitchen.

The first impression upon entering is of a sparse interior with light-colored furniture, walls, and windows.

Though monochromatic, the atmosphere is a nice mix of plants and textures for the aesthetic. This, plus the generally chill music and large windows, makes for a cozy and romantic setting.

Additionally, this is an upscale place, so if you are looking for something more cost-effective- perhaps somewhere else.

The menu is divided into two sections; smaller shareable plates and larger meals.

The restaurant offers breathtaking views of downtown Naperville and the Chicago River.

The kitchen is also visible, giving you a good look at the preparations.

Furthermore, the way items are served at Santo Cielo is distinctive. Items are shared in a tasting setting rather than from appetizer to entrée as you would in a typical restaurant.

The alcohol selections at Santo Cielo’s “Sky Lounge” and throughout the restaurant are also extensive, ranging from craft beers to organic and sustainable wines to various cocktails.

Address: 123 Water St #509, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

11. Mesón Sabika

Meson Sabika is one of those downtown Naperville restaurants you do not want to miss, especially if you are a fan of Spanish foods.

Mesón Sabika, located just west of downtown Naperville, has served the community since 1990.

The restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind experience. It provides dining in the mansion as well as attractive outdoor settings.

The pristine four-acre estate and beautiful mansion, built in 1847, greet you before you reach the driveway.

The restaurant also offers a “small plate” dining experience in which you select multiple entrees to share.

The decor does not immediately conjure up images of Spain, but the meals do, and they are delicious.

Sunday brunch is an excellent time to try the restaurant. The selection is fantastic, and it includes a variety of dishes from their Tapas menu, so there is something for everyone.

A children’s buffet with chicken fingers and French toast sticks is available for picky adults and children.

You should dine outside when the weather is nice, and the patio is open.

Although there isn’t an abundance of vegetarian options, they do have a handful that you can choose from.

Whether you dine in one of the dining rooms decorated in traditional Spanish decor or on the patio, the cuisine of Spain and delectable drinks provide an unforgettable dining experience.

Address: 1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

12. Potbelly Sandwich Works

Potbelly Sandwich Works is a great place to go for salads and sandwiches.

This fast food joint has been a downtown Naperville fixture since 1977, serving up quality subs at a reasonable price.

The decor and photographs of downtown Naperville at the turn of the century pay homage to the city’s history.

Potbellys may be a midwestern chain, but it’s delicious.

The meals here are excellent. You can choose between regular or multi-grain bread and skinny bread if you prefer.

And the magic happens when they toast the bread and some ingredients on a moving belt, bringing out the toasted flavors.

You’ll enjoy their Tuna Salad Sandwich, Meatball Sandwich, Turkey Sandwich, Chicken Sandwich, Hummus with Feta Cheese Sandwich, and Pizza Sandwich.

The delicious thick Shakes and Malts, as well as the delicious cookies, are a must. You can also choose a bag of chips from various options to go with your sandwich.

13. Potter’s Place and Two-Nine Martini Lounge

Looking for downtown Naperville restaurants to hang out with friends, have a few beers, and listen to local bands? Check out Potter’s place.

This is a Mexican restaurant in the heart of downtown Naperville.

There is a bar outside to hang out at and plenty of tables for dinner. They frequently have live music. The food and drinks are both excellent.

Potter’s has been in Naperville for what seems like an eternity. The restaurant’s interior is small, but there is a large outside patio that is very popular during the summer months.

Guests enjoy ordering a variety of side dishes and drinking Mexican beer.

During the warmer months, outdoor dining becomes the main draw. The interior design is standard. On weekends, there is live music, which is also performed outside.

Address: 29 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

14. SixtyFour – A Wine Bar

Here’s one of the best downtown Naperville restaurants to grab some wines and delicious foods.

This place is very comfortable, with a view of the beautiful Naperville Riverwalk.

The layout is unusual, resembling a cross between a wine shop and a wine bar.

As you walk in, there are many wines for sale, as well as wine accessories and kitschy wine-related merchandise.

You are given a card, similar to a credit card, with which you can enter the kiosk of your choice and select the wine for a taste, splash, or glass-sized pour.

A taste costs one dollar, a 3 oz glass costs another, and a 6 oz pour costs a third. The nice thing is that you can sample all of these different types of wine, both red and white, in various price ranges.

SixtyFour – Wine Bar and Kitchen also has a full menu, craft cocktails, and an extensive craft and local beer list!

Address: 123 Water St #105a, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

15. Giordano’s Restaurant and Pizzeria

When you say ‘Chicago-style pizza,’ different people in Chicago think of a few different types, all of which are stuffed or deep-dish. Anything else is not authentically Chicago.

And you don’t even have to travel to Chicago to experience Chicago-style pizza; it’s right here in downtown Naperville!

Giordano’s is a Chicago institution for those who crave deep-dish pizza.

The restaurant’s ambiance is fantastic, with all the memorabilia on the walls; you could just wander around looking at the walls while waiting for your pizza.

The restaurant has a great seating area and a large carryout/delivery business.

Their stuffed/deep-dish pizza is delicious. It’s made with Giordano’s signature dough, cheese, and optional toppings.

Additionally, they have almost every conceivable Chicago pizza add-in.

They also leave their pizzas uncut for carryout, which retains the heat and fluids from the pizza.

Address: 119 S Main St, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

16. Quigley’s

If you want to be transported to Dublin, have a pint with friends by a nice fire, or maybe a bowl of potato leak soup, and craic with friends, this is the place.

Quigley’s Irish Pub in Naperville, Illinois, is a dog-friendly neighborhood Irish pub.

Quigley’s menu combines Irish and American fare, such as Irish lamb stew, corned beef and cabbage, Angus beef burgers, and Buffalo chicken sandwiches.

The restaurant has both outdoor and indoor seating.

The outdoor patio is ideal for lingering over lunch, but the well-decorated inside dining area is also appealing.

There is also plenty of parking on the premises and a very nice parking lot across the street.

Try their reuben rolls from the Starters section of the menu. Their fish and chips are both delicious and plentiful. Their menu is heavy on Irish flavors, but there are plenty of options for everyone. The fries are also fantastic, and they.

Although it is a little off the beaten path in comparison to other shops and downtown Naperville restaurants, you will love it.

Address: 43 E Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

17. Catch 35

Catch 35 is an excellent spot for lunch and dinner, especially if you like sitting at the bar.

The restaurant has a warm and elegant atmosphere and a menu with a variety of comfort food dishes such as sliders, sandwiches, tacos, and stir fry.

The atmosphere appears to be more vintage than Victorian.

Favorites here include pan-roasted Chilean Sea Bass, Georges Bank Scallop Surf & Turf, Atlantic Salmon, Braised Beef Shortrib, and more.

The martinis are delicious, as are the King Crab legs!

Address: 35 S Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

18. Rosebud Italian Specialties & Pizzeria

If you are interested in Italian cuisine, try rosebud.

Rosebud restaurants serve award-winning Italian cuisine and fantastic pizzas.

It is situated along the river that runs through downtown Naperville and serves a wide range of delectable traditional Italian cuisine.

They start you with warm, excellent bread and olive oil with Parmesan cheese.

Make sure to try the bruschetta, stuffed Mushrooms, and pasta.

There are also gluten-free options on the menu if you have an allergy.

Address: 22 E Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

19. Smokeshow

Smokeshow will leave you with a delectable All-American BBQ that the whole family will enjoy!

Chef Chris Frothingham brings you Smoke Show BBQ.

Chris is most well-known for his popular restaurant Great Road Kitchen in Littleton, where he is co-owner and Executive Chef.

The menu here includes smoked meats, sandwiches, platters, cocktails, and more, and the atmosphere transports you to an authentic, southern rock-inspired experience.

Address: 22 E Chicago Ave Suite #115, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

20. Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels is a fantastic restaurant for breakfast in Naperville.

They don’t have dine-in; however, they have outdoor seating for groups of 2-3 people, which is always nice.

There’s also a wide variety of bagels that are all delicious! Not only that, but they serve delicious and flavorful bagel sandwiches.

Stop by for a fresh-baked bagel and coffee to start your day off right. They also serve classic bagels like sesame and onion and flavors like French toast and Asiago.

If you’re looking for something with a lot of flavors, try their Gourmet Bagels, which include Cheesy Hashbrown, Jalapeo Cheddar, and Six-Cheese Gourmet.

Address: 22 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

21. Firecakes Craft Donuts

Firecakes specializes in small-batch donuts made from scratch with traditional recipes and creative twists.

The restaurant is known for its constantly changing menu of fried donuts made using a “safely guarded” family recipe.

Classic donuts, seasonal treats, and epic “hall of fame” donuts are among the flavors available.

A gluten-free and vegan donut is also available on a limited basis, and pre-ordering is recommended.

Address: 50 S Main St suite 136, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

Final Remarks

Eating in downtown Naperville restaurants is one of the best things you can do in Illinois.

Whether you want a Chicago-style pizza, Mexican meals, or even Italian cuisine, this downtown part of Naperville won’t disappoint.

Bon Appetite!