The Absolute Best Restaurants in Des Plaines [Updated 2025]

From cozy diners to upscale eateries, the culinary scene here is as diverse as its residents.

I’ve visited twelve outstanding establishments, each offering a unique taste of what Des Plaines has to offer.

Whether you’re craving authentic Italian, traditional American fare, or something a bit more exotic, you’ll find it all right here.

In this article, I’ll share my top picks, along with personal insights and recommendations, to help you explore the delightful flavors of our vibrant community.

Let’s dive into the delicious world of Des Plaines dining!

American WildBurger

Highlights
Friendly and attentive staff
Quality, flavorful burgers
Perfectly seasoned fries
Juicy and well-seasoned meat
Impressive hot sauce selection

American WildBurger is definitely a standout in Des Plaines. From the moment I walked in, the friendly and attentive staff made me feel right at home, treating every guest like a regular. I started my meal with their perfectly seasoned fries—just the right amount of crispiness to complement their flavor.

Then came the highlight: the burgers. Oh, the burgers! They were juicy and packed with flavor, showcasing the quality of their meat. Each bite was a delightful explosion of taste, satisfying even the most insatiable cravings. What impressed me the most was their extensive hot sauce selection—an adventure for the taste buds waiting to happen.

The ambiance is fun yet laid-back, making it an excellent spot for casual dining with friends or family. Whether you're a burger aficionado or someone who simply enjoys a good meal, American WildBurger promises not just a meal but a delicious experience. If you find yourself in Des Plaines, this gem is a must-visit. The combination of great service, mouthwatering food, and a tasteful atmosphere truly wins the day!

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The Choo Choo

Highlights
1950s Diner Atmosphere
Toy Train Food Delivery
Family-Friendly Dining
Classic Burger and Fries
Nostalgic Experience

The Choo Choo, a delightful gem nestled in Des Plaines, offers an immersive journey back to the 1950s. Upon entering, the vintage diner atmosphere sweeps you off your feet, complete with checkered floors and retro decor. One of the most whimsical elements is the toy train that delivers your food! Yes, you read that right—your meal arrives chugging along the tracks, making it a whimsical adventure for diners of all ages.

The menu is a treasure trove of classic diner fare, but I couldn't resist the signature burger and fries. Juicy, juicy, oh-so-juicy! The burger was cooked to perfection, and the fries were fresh and crispy—just the way I like them. It was truly the perfect meal to fuel my nostalgia.

What sets The Choo Choo apart is its family-friendly vibe; it's a place where kids' faces light up at the sight of the miniature locomotive. Each visit feels special, and I couldn't help but smile as I watched families share laughs and enjoyment over their meals. If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s as charming as it is delicious, I highly encourage you to hop aboard The Choo Choo!

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VIA ROMA

Highlights
Great Italian cuisine
Excellent and attentive service
BYOB with free corkage
Expansive yet well-tailored menu
Outdoor seating with great atmosphere

As I entered the restaurant, I was greeted with a warm and cozy atmosphere that instantly made me feel comfortable. The expansive yet well-tailored menu had me grinning from ear to ear, as I knew I was in for a treat.

I started off with the Caprese salad, which was nothing short of amazing. The tomatoes were fresh and juicy, while the mozzarella cheese was soft and creamy. For my main course, I decided to try their signature dish - the Linguine Frutti di Mare. It was great Italian cuisine at its finest! The seafood tasted incredibly fresh and the pasta was cooked to perfection.

The service at VIA ROMA definitely deserves a special mention - it was excellent and attentive. My water glass never went empty and my server made sure everything was to my liking.

One of the best parts about VIA ROMA is that it's BYOB with free corkage! So if you're looking for a great night out without breaking the bank, bring your own bottle of wine.

Finally, I'd like to talk about their outdoor seating area. It has a great atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or just enjoying a meal with friends on a beautiful summer evening.

Overall, VIA ROMA is one of Des Plaines' hidden gems when it comes to Italian cuisine. With its delicious food, excellent service, BYOB policy and beautiful outdoor seating area – it’s definitely worth checking out!

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Katie's Kitchen

Highlights
Cute decor
Lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes
Great service
Abundant food portions
Belgian waffles

Walking into the restaurant, I couldn't help but notice the cute decor that gave off a homely vibe. I was feeling pretty hungry so I ordered the lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes and let me tell you, they were worth every penny! The combination of flavors was delightful and the ricotta cheese added a unique twist to your typical pancake stack.

Aside from the food, I was impressed with their great service. The staff were friendly and attentive to my needs. Not only that, but they also gave me advice on what else to try on their menu.

Now, let's talk about the portions. If you're looking for a place where you get an abundance of food for your money's worth, then look no further than Katie's Kitchen! The servings were big enough that I had plenty left over to take home.

Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to their Belgian waffles which are also amazing. They're crispy on the outside while being fluffy in the middle - just how waffles should be.

Overall, Katie's Kitchen is definitely one of Des Plaines' best restaurants if you're looking for some good breakfast or brunch options. Don't miss out on this gem!

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Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House

Highlights
Classy atmosphere
Excellent service and food
Great cocktail selection
Perfect portion size
Large portion sizes

From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the classy atmosphere with dim lighting and sleek decor. The hostess greeted me with a warm smile and showed me to my table.

The excellent service continued throughout the entire meal. My server was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. Speaking of the menu, let's talk about the food! The portion sizes were just perfect - not too small, not too big - and each dish was cooked to perfection. My steak was juicy and tender, and my sides were flavorful without being overpowering.

What sets Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House apart from other restaurants in Des Plaines is their great cocktail selection. I couldn't resist trying a few different ones throughout my meal and each one was better than the last.

One thing to note is that if you're someone who likes to take home leftovers for later, be prepared for some hefty bags because they give you large portion sizes.

Overall, I highly recommend Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House for an upscale dining experience. It's definitely one of the best restaurants in Des Plaines that deserves a spot on any foodie's must-visit list!

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LongHorn Steakhouse

Highlights
Flavorful steaks
Delicious seafood
Friendly service

Firstly, let me just say that the aroma of the freshly cooked steaks was enough to make my mouth water. So naturally, I ordered their signature bone-in Outlaw Ribeye and boy, was it a treat! The steak was cooked to perfection - juicy and tender with a smoky flavor that left my taste buds tingling.

But LongHorn Steakhouse isn't only known for their steaks - their seafood is equally delicious. I tried the Crab Cake Filet and it did not disappoint. The crab cake had chunks of real crab meat and was perfectly seasoned, while the filet complemented it well.

What really stood out to me though, was the friendly service. The staff were attentive and made sure we were comfortable throughout our meal. Our server recommended some great sides as well such as the Parmesan Crusted Asparagus which was a delightful surprise.

Overall, LongHorn Steakhouse is definitely one of the best restaurants in Des Plaines. The flavorful steaks and delicious seafood coupled with their friendly service make for an unforgettable dining experience. If you're looking for a place to indulge in some steak or seafood, look no further than LongHorn Steakhouse.

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Sugar Bowl

Highlights
Fast service
High quality food
Nutella crepes
Vintage atmosphere

First of all, I was impressed with the fast service. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by friendly staff members who seated me quickly.

The menu offered a variety of options, but what stood out the most was the high quality food. Each dish looked like a work of art and tasted even better.

But let's talk about the star of the show: the Nutella crepes. These were simply divine! The crepes were thin and delicate, filled with a generous amount of Nutella and topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. It was like heaven on a plate!

To add to the experience, Sugar Bowl has a vintage atmosphere that takes you back in time. The decor is charming, with old-fashioned booths and vintage posters hanging on the walls.

Overall, my visit to Sugar Bowl was delightful. From the fast service to the high quality food and amazing Nutella crepes, this restaurant deserves its spot among Des Plaines' best restaurants. If you're looking for a place to satisfy your sweet tooth or just enjoy some good food in a cozy atmosphere, Sugar Bowl is definitely worth checking out!

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Dung Gia Restaurant

Highlights
Family-owned
Fresh spring rolls
Good broth in pho

First of all, what caught my attention was that this restaurant is family-owned. I always appreciate places that have a personal touch and this one definitely did. The owners were friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home.

Now let's talk about the food - oh boy! I ordered their fresh spring rolls and they were delicious. The vegetables were crispy and fresh, and the peanut dipping sauce was just perfect.

But the highlight of my meal was definitely the pho. As a pho enthusiast, I'm very picky when it comes to the broth, but Dung Gia Restaurant nailed it. The broth was flavorful and rich, with just the right amount of herbs and spices to make it stand out from other phos in town.

Overall, my experience at Dung Gia Restaurant was fantastic - great food with excellent service. If you're looking for a delightful Vietnamese meal in Des Plaines, look no further than Dung Gia Restaurant!

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Tiffany's Restaurant Cafe

Highlights
Wonderful breakfast
Reasonable prices
Excellent service
Fresh and tasty

Let me start by saying that Tiffany's serves a wonderful breakfast! The eggs were cooked perfectly and the bacon was crispy, just the way I like it. They also have a great selection of pancakes and waffles which tasted fresh and delicious.

The best part about Tiffany's is their reasonable prices. You won't break the bank here, but you'll still get a fantastic meal. Plus, the portion sizes are generous so you definitely won't leave hungry.

I also have to mention the excellent service I received at Tiffany's. The staff was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, which made for a pleasant dining experience.

Lastly, everything I ate at Tiffany's tasted fresh and tasty. It was clear that they use quality ingredients in their dishes.

Overall, if you're looking for a great breakfast spot with reasonable prices, excellent service, and fresh food - then look no further than Tiffany's Restaurant Cafe in Des Plaines!

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Jimmy's Restaurant

Highlights
Chill atmosphere
Delicious burger
Affordable prices
Great staff
Outdoor seating

Let me start by saying that this place has a chill atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. As soon as I arrived, the staff greeted me with a smile and showed me to my table. I immediately noticed the outdoor seating, which was perfect for enjoying the beautiful weather while savoring my meal.

Speaking of meals, let's talk about the food! I ordered their signature burger and it was simply amazing. The patty was cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful. The toppings were fresh and added just the right amount of crunch to each bite. It was definitely one of the best burgers I've had in a while.

Another highlight of Jimmy's Restaurant is their affordable prices. You can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank. Plus, the staff is incredibly friendly and attentive - they really made me feel like a valued customer.

Overall, if you're looking for a great burger joint with a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic service, Jimmy's Restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Dotombori

Highlights
Delicious sushi
Hot miso soup
Wide variety of dishes
Good service

The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the cozy ambiance, perfect for a date night or a casual dinner with friends. The menu had a wide variety of dishes to choose from, but since I'm a sushi fanatic, that's what I decided to go for. And let me tell you, the sushi was delicious - fresh and flavorful.

To start off my meal, I ordered some hot miso soup which was just what I needed on a chilly evening. It was seasoned perfectly and tasted amazing. As for the service, it was top-notch. The staff was friendly and attentive without being overbearing.

Overall, Dotombori is definitely one of the best restaurants in Des Plaines. Whether you're in the mood for sushi or something else entirely, there's something here for everyone. Plus, with such good food and service at reasonable prices, you won't break the bank either!

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At 7 Bar and Grill

Highlights
Delicious food
Great service
Nice atmosphere
Friendly staff
Wide beer selection

Let me start by saying that the food at At 7 Bar and Grill is nothing short of delicious. I ordered the steak and it was cooked to perfection; juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The presentation was also gorgeous, making it clear that the chefs take pride in their work.

But the food isn't the only thing that impressed me. The service was top-notch, with our server being attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. It's always nice to have someone who can make recommendations based on your preferences.

The atmosphere at At 7 Bar and Grill is another highlight. It has a cozy yet modern feel, making it perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner date.

And speaking of friends, the staff at At 7 Bar and Grill are incredibly friendly. They made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in, which really added to our overall experience.

Finally, let's talk about beer. At 7 Bar and Grill offers a wide selection of beers to choose from, including some local favorites. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or just enjoy an occasional brew, you'll find something here to satisfy your taste buds.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting At 7 Bar and Grill if you're looking for a great meal in Des Plaines. With delicious food, great service, a nice atmosphere, friendly staff, and a wide beer selection – what more could you ask for?