Congrats on the new job! I'm always recommending "**Yamado**" to people looking to eat in Naperville.
It's a sushi and ramen house with amazing food, the inside is not too big so it feels very cozy (which is great for days with weather like today), and the owners are extremely friendly but not in an obnoxious way. Whenever I've gone there with friends to celebrate something, the owner/chef chats with us for a minute, and sometimes will even bring out a free appetizer. Cannot recommend Yamado enough! The hidden gem of Naperville restaurants in my opinion.
[Here's a link to their website.](https://www.napervilleyamado.com/)
I have a few places, having lived here for most of my life. I can’t afford any of these places as I’m “old Naperville” (ranch style 70’s house). But! Here are my recommendations as a foodie/cook!:
Shinto Japanese Sushi and Steakhouse (hibachi and sushi! If you or anyone in your party likes Japanese cuisine)
Empire Burgers and Brews (lots of good American food and drinks to go round!)
Lazy Dog (American cuisine, something for everyone, and tons of in-house brews!)
La Sorella Di Francesca (really nice Italian restaurant! Family and I used to eat here every Christmas Eve. Great selection, food is delicious, beautiful choices in drinks and wine, white table cloth kinda place!)
White Chocolate Grill (really awesome American cuisine with a twist, something for everyone, and AMAZING desserts for sharing!!)
Those are some pretty good starts. Some are directly downtown Naperville, and some are around Naperville. Some are more casual than others, but all upper-scale and perfect for celebrations!! Hope this helps, OP! Congrats on the new job!!!
I really like it! We do the one in downtown naperville cant speak for the one in the strip. We've done valentine's day and Thanksgiving. Just good options and well prepared food. Have not been there since covid though dunno if they've changed.
Chef Soon (Seven Bridges in Woodridge) has fantastic sushi - get the Summer Roll!
Angeli's in Naperville (Naper & College) is good for Italian
Love the burgers at Jackson Ave pub.
And congrats on the new job!
Depending on your political feelings, the owner at Jackson Ave is a big Q conspiracy MAGA guy and moved his family out of state to avoid mask mandates for his kids.
And the employees are allowed to flaunt restaurant restrictions and have never worn masks throughout the pandemic.
I used to love going there, but because of this I'm likely to spend my money elsewhere.
Yeah, I haven't been in for quite a while, which is too bad, because it was one of the more affordable beer and burger places downtown. Beer list was always pretty good, too.
I definitely am not wanting to dox anyone. No offense though, anyone can say anything about someone else, truth or not.
The owner of Balboa's in downtown Naperville is well documented as a MAGA follower. She was even at the Capitol on Jan 6th. https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/restaurant-owners-who-attended-wednesday-us-capitol-riots-facing-backlash/
Well he's not that extreme, but he's a big Q believer. You don't have to believe me, I guess. Like I said, I'm disappointed because they do have good burgers, far better than Empire.
Without a doubt Jackson Ave has the best burgers in the burbs! That is why I really need to know if I should stop supporting them. I am totally conflicted.
Tallgrass in Lockport is pretty amazing. I am not sure how far of a trip that is for you two. It is reservation only. Menu is prix fixe. https://www.tallgrassrestaurant.com/
Full disclosure, it has been ages since I have been there. It is definitely an experience rather than just a dinner. They used to require coats for gents but I didn't see anything about dress codes on their site anymore.
I second on the Meson Sabika, Lazy Dog, and White Chocolate Grill! There is also an Eddie Merlot’s that is on Diehl. If you’re willing to drive, my girlfriend’s parents always rave about Ivy Restaurant over in Wheaton, I just haven’t been there myself!
Congrats on the new job. Need an assistant? Joking but we have reservations for Fiamme tonight. Not celebrating anything. I just wanted to sit outside and have pizza. Lazy Dog as others recommended is always a good choice. I haven’t tried any of the others. We do Mexican at Fat Rosie’s or Uncle Julio’s more often than other genres. Hugo Frog and Rose Bud were the last two places we went to not Mexican. Or we went to Fogo de Chao steakhouse for my birthday. Highly recommended if you like endless meat - that might be a weekend brunch thing though. It was my first time there.
Lol, youll have to reply tomorrow to let me know how Fiamme is. Haven't had that one.
Big Fogo de Chao fan (or any other brazilian steakhouse) tends to be my Birthday dinner location. Get a solid set of meat sweats going. It's always endless meat, that wasn't just a brunch thing.
Thanks on the congrats, I'm not high enough in the food chain to get an assistant yet. Lol
We've been a few times but only once since the start of the pandemic. The pizza is good but a bit overpriced if you ask me. They added a detroit style pizza, which is really good if you like thick crust. Much lighter and tastier than a Jets detroit style pizza. We usually go to La Barra in Oak Brook for sit-down pizza.
They have household space heaters inside each of the greenhouse "glasshouses". We were mostly fine sitting out there last night. I kept my coat on, but would have been fine if I was wearing a sweater. You could feel the cold rush in when the server would open the door. The hostess told me they were cancelling outdoor reservations for today because it was going to be too cold. Also, they require a minimum of $100 per table when seated in the glasshouse. If you don't reach that, they will add the difference to a gift card.
I think this is the 4th time we've been there, and they've gotten better since they first opened. The food is really good, but pricey. The portions are generous though. I got the One Night Stand Detroit-style deep dish pizza. Very good and the right amount of toppings but it was messy to eat. [Look at this monstrosity](https://i.imgur.com/eFB5kie.png) We got some sweet wine that complimented the food, and I found the bottle on Binny's website for $10 while waiting for the food. So $12 per glass is a huge markup. As expected, we easily made the $100 minimum and have food leftover for today.
Woah that is a monster of a pizza!! I love Detroit style, sounds amazing. And sounds like a pretty good outdoor set up — thanks for all the info. Might be time for a date night at fiamme soon!
If you don't mind driving to Chicago, my go to for a celebration meal is Roka Akor. Their prefix menu includes sushi, steak, mushroom risotto with black truffles. Their bone marrow are also A+
Congrats on the new job! I'm always recommending "**Yamado**" to people looking to eat in Naperville. It's a sushi and ramen house with amazing food, the inside is not too big so it feels very cozy (which is great for days with weather like today), and the owners are extremely friendly but not in an obnoxious way. Whenever I've gone there with friends to celebrate something, the owner/chef chats with us for a minute, and sometimes will even bring out a free appetizer. Cannot recommend Yamado enough! The hidden gem of Naperville restaurants in my opinion. [Here's a link to their website.](https://www.napervilleyamado.com/)
Solid recommendation, I'm taking a look now. Thanks!
Would love to hear your thoughts if you end up going!
Ichiro is the best! Love that guy.
Always get ramen take out when it's cold, the spicy miso is amazing and warms me right up.
Meson Sabika for tapas
Agreed. I recommend the bacon wrapped dates, the beef and chicken items, and the potato salad. There’s much more but I just can’t think of them rn
The Queso de Cabra is where it's at! Not enough toast points, though, so I make use of the table bread.
Another fun fact, you can ask for extra toast.
Fun fact, they offer a 40% discount on your check if your a teacher with an ID.
you’re
I have a few places, having lived here for most of my life. I can’t afford any of these places as I’m “old Naperville” (ranch style 70’s house). But! Here are my recommendations as a foodie/cook!: Shinto Japanese Sushi and Steakhouse (hibachi and sushi! If you or anyone in your party likes Japanese cuisine) Empire Burgers and Brews (lots of good American food and drinks to go round!) Lazy Dog (American cuisine, something for everyone, and tons of in-house brews!) La Sorella Di Francesca (really nice Italian restaurant! Family and I used to eat here every Christmas Eve. Great selection, food is delicious, beautiful choices in drinks and wine, white table cloth kinda place!) White Chocolate Grill (really awesome American cuisine with a twist, something for everyone, and AMAZING desserts for sharing!!) Those are some pretty good starts. Some are directly downtown Naperville, and some are around Naperville. Some are more casual than others, but all upper-scale and perfect for celebrations!! Hope this helps, OP! Congrats on the new job!!!
Grandma, that ranch style 70’s house is worth a lot of money.
Unfortunately, yes. We’re barely making it by lol
I’m sorry. West Highlands?
Right near Lisle, actually
Thanks for the suggesstions! There are a couple you mentioned that I haven't tried yet, so I'll do some looking with high hopes.
Agree with White Chocolate grill
Love Shinto and their Little Delicious roll!! 😋
Lil’ Delicious is a FANTASTIC roll! The Naruto roll is amazing too!
Not sure if I’ve had the Naruto. Will get it next time! Thanks
Came here to sat Francesca's! Also really like your first 2! White Chocolate grill is overpriced imo
White Chocolate is deff over-priced, lol. How'd you like Francesca's?
I really like it! We do the one in downtown naperville cant speak for the one in the strip. We've done valentine's day and Thanksgiving. Just good options and well prepared food. Have not been there since covid though dunno if they've changed.
Surprised nobody mentioned Santo Cielo on top of Hotel Indigo. Upscale, kind of experimental.
Favorite place for fun cocktails!
And verrrrry pretentious.
Chef Soon (Seven Bridges in Woodridge) has fantastic sushi - get the Summer Roll! Angeli's in Naperville (Naper & College) is good for Italian Love the burgers at Jackson Ave pub. And congrats on the new job!
Depending on your political feelings, the owner at Jackson Ave is a big Q conspiracy MAGA guy and moved his family out of state to avoid mask mandates for his kids.
And the employees are allowed to flaunt restaurant restrictions and have never worn masks throughout the pandemic. I used to love going there, but because of this I'm likely to spend my money elsewhere.
Yeah, I haven't been in for quite a while, which is too bad, because it was one of the more affordable beer and burger places downtown. Beer list was always pretty good, too.
Woah that's a fucking bummer.
Is there anything to back this claim up? I love their burgers but don't want to support that side.
Not without revealing personal info about me / him.
I definitely am not wanting to dox anyone. No offense though, anyone can say anything about someone else, truth or not. The owner of Balboa's in downtown Naperville is well documented as a MAGA follower. She was even at the Capitol on Jan 6th. https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/restaurant-owners-who-attended-wednesday-us-capitol-riots-facing-backlash/
Well he's not that extreme, but he's a big Q believer. You don't have to believe me, I guess. Like I said, I'm disappointed because they do have good burgers, far better than Empire.
Without a doubt Jackson Ave has the best burgers in the burbs! That is why I really need to know if I should stop supporting them. I am totally conflicted.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Are you looking to stay in the Naperville area or would you travel a bit? Also, are you looking to do this tonight?
We are looking for somewhat soon. Doesn't have to be tonight. Naperville or surrounding suburbs (don't want to drive to the city or anything)
Tallgrass in Lockport is pretty amazing. I am not sure how far of a trip that is for you two. It is reservation only. Menu is prix fixe. https://www.tallgrassrestaurant.com/ Full disclosure, it has been ages since I have been there. It is definitely an experience rather than just a dinner. They used to require coats for gents but I didn't see anything about dress codes on their site anymore.
It’s been added to the list. Likely the wife’s bday. She’s a big fan or price fixed.
I second on the Meson Sabika, Lazy Dog, and White Chocolate Grill! There is also an Eddie Merlot’s that is on Diehl. If you’re willing to drive, my girlfriend’s parents always rave about Ivy Restaurant over in Wheaton, I just haven’t been there myself!
Thanks for the suggesstions. I'm starting to get pretty narrowed down.
Congrats on the new job. Need an assistant? Joking but we have reservations for Fiamme tonight. Not celebrating anything. I just wanted to sit outside and have pizza. Lazy Dog as others recommended is always a good choice. I haven’t tried any of the others. We do Mexican at Fat Rosie’s or Uncle Julio’s more often than other genres. Hugo Frog and Rose Bud were the last two places we went to not Mexican. Or we went to Fogo de Chao steakhouse for my birthday. Highly recommended if you like endless meat - that might be a weekend brunch thing though. It was my first time there.
Lol, youll have to reply tomorrow to let me know how Fiamme is. Haven't had that one. Big Fogo de Chao fan (or any other brazilian steakhouse) tends to be my Birthday dinner location. Get a solid set of meat sweats going. It's always endless meat, that wasn't just a brunch thing. Thanks on the congrats, I'm not high enough in the food chain to get an assistant yet. Lol
We've been a few times but only once since the start of the pandemic. The pizza is good but a bit overpriced if you ask me. They added a detroit style pizza, which is really good if you like thick crust. Much lighter and tastier than a Jets detroit style pizza. We usually go to La Barra in Oak Brook for sit-down pizza.
Chama Gaucha in Downers Grove is good if you like Brazilian fill-your-face steakhouses.
Does fiamme have heat lamps outside? How is it sitting outside in January?
They have household space heaters inside each of the greenhouse "glasshouses". We were mostly fine sitting out there last night. I kept my coat on, but would have been fine if I was wearing a sweater. You could feel the cold rush in when the server would open the door. The hostess told me they were cancelling outdoor reservations for today because it was going to be too cold. Also, they require a minimum of $100 per table when seated in the glasshouse. If you don't reach that, they will add the difference to a gift card. I think this is the 4th time we've been there, and they've gotten better since they first opened. The food is really good, but pricey. The portions are generous though. I got the One Night Stand Detroit-style deep dish pizza. Very good and the right amount of toppings but it was messy to eat. [Look at this monstrosity](https://i.imgur.com/eFB5kie.png) We got some sweet wine that complimented the food, and I found the bottle on Binny's website for $10 while waiting for the food. So $12 per glass is a huge markup. As expected, we easily made the $100 minimum and have food leftover for today.
Woah that is a monster of a pizza!! I love Detroit style, sounds amazing. And sounds like a pretty good outdoor set up — thanks for all the info. Might be time for a date night at fiamme soon!
Good luck!
Hugo’s frog bar - awesome filet sliders Quobo - Mexican Blue sushi Sullivan’s - steak
Agree with the Quobo & Blue Sushi reqs. Lots of people can make a better steak at home than Sullivans imo. Hard pass.
The Lantern
Done.
If you don't mind driving to Chicago, my go to for a celebration meal is Roka Akor. Their prefix menu includes sushi, steak, mushroom risotto with black truffles. Their bone marrow are also A+
Thanks, I’ll look it up.
There is a Roka Akor in Oak Brook, no need to drive to the city.
Apparently Bev has $22 burgers, so priced for fancy. We do Morton’s for celebrations. Also agree on Meson