Best Restaurants in Champaign IL

1. Black Dog Smoke and Ale House

Located in a beautifully Downtown area of Champaign, Black Dog Smoke and Ale House as one of the best restaurants in Champaign IL comes highly recommended by locals alike. Tucked away but well worth the search, it offers a delightful blend of Southern hospitality and bold flavours. Upon entering, you’re greeted with a warm atmosphere and charming decor that pays homage to its historic roots. The menu is a celebration of barbecue classics with a twist, featuring a variety of meats and inventive sides. Perfectly complemented by a medium-heat mustard BBQ sauce, or the flavorful gumbo with just the right amount of kick. Each dish promises a memorable experience.
The people who like to drink beer will enjoy the diverse selection available. And you can perfectly paired with the hearty dishes on offer. From the crispy-skinned chicken to the tender pork, every dish here is cooked to perfection, reflecting a dedication to quality and taste. Whether you’re a local foodie or a passing traveller. This restaurant promises not just a meal, but a culinary journey worth repeating.

Address: 320 N Chestnut St, Champaign, IL 61820

Business Hours: 11 AM-9 PM Everyday

2. The Ribeye

The Ribeye is a charming steakhouse in Champaign, IL, at 1701 South Neil Street. Just a stone’s throw from some popular UIUC housing, The Ribeye is the first choice for students as the top restaurant in Champaign.
Begin your meal with a trip to the “unlimited salad bar,” a standout feature that boasts a wide variety of fresh garden vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and homemade pasta salads. At The Ribeye, the signature dish, the ribeye steak, takes centre stage. Whether you opt for the eight-ounce ribeye paired with sautéed mushrooms, shrimp, and a twice-baked potato, or prefer it with rice and sautéed onions, every bite is a testament to the commitment to quality. The baked potatoes are served piping hot, ensuring they are as delightful as the steak itself. For seafood lovers, our shrimp offerings are a perfect complement to our steaks. Don’t forget to indulge in the freshly baked bread, which pairs wonderfully with any meal. And to complete your dining experience, treat yourself to the irresistible desserts. The Peanut Butter Pie and New York-style cheesecake are the perfect sweet endings to a satisfying meal.

Address: 1701 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820

Business Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 AM-9:30 PM, Friday: 11 AM-11 PM, Saturday: 10 AM-11 PM, Sunday: 10 AM-9 PM

3. Sakanya

Sakanaya stands as one of the best restaurants in Champaign and offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends exquisite flavours with a chic, intimate ambience. From meticulously prepared sushi plates that delight the palate to the visually stunning Ellis Tower appetizer, each bite at Sakanaya is a testament to its dedication to quality. The sushi offerings, including favourites like the Playboy and Playgirl rolls, showcase not only freshness but also creativity in their combinations. While the Tonkatsu Ramen may not have resonated with every palate, the menu’s breadth invites exploration, with the promise of discovering new favourites such as the highly recommended Miso Ramen. The commitment to satisfying every guest extends beyond the kitchen to the warm hospitality of the servers. Whether indulging in thick-cut sashimi that seems to defy expectations or savouring a comforting bowl of Vegetarian Ramen on a chilly evening, every visit to Sakanaya promises to exceed expectations.

Address: 403 E Green St, Champaign, IL 61820

Business Hours: Monday Closed, Tuesday-Thursday: 3 PM-9 PM, Friday-Sunday: 11 AM-1:30 PM, 3 PM-9:30 PM

4. Farren's Pub Eatery

Farren’s Pub & Eatery in Downtown Champaign is a good choice for you to have a try on this one of the top restaurants in Champaign. When you’re in the mood for a hearty burger or a refreshing salad, the extensive menu has something to satisfy every palate. One standout dish is the Russell burger, a savoury delight topped with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, blue cheese sauce, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, and onion—a true testament to the commitment to quality and taste. The menu boasts a variety of options, from the robust Santa Fe chicken sandwich to the generously portioned strawberry chicken salad, there is always something to attract you to come to this best restaurant in Champaign Urbana. The craft beer selection, though priced at $6 a pint, proved to be a worthwhile indulgence, adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal.

Address: 117 N Walnut St, Champaign, IL 61820

Business Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 AM- 10 PM, Sunday Closed

5. The Original Pancake House

If you’re searching for a dining experience that combines exceptional service with delectable dishes, look no further. The Original Pancake House, one of the best restaurants in Champaign IL is renowned for its inviting atmosphere and outstanding menu of memorable meals.
The abundant menu offers a plethora of choices, ensuring there’s something for everyone. One of the standout dishes is the Scrambler, a hearty combination of biscuits and gravy, potatoes, cheese, and scrambled eggs. Available in both half and full portions, it’s perfect for any appetite. The full order is so generous that it often leaves even the heartiest eaters satisfied! For those with a sweet tooth, the Apple Pancakes are a must-try. Though they require a bit of time to prepare, the wait is well worth it. These pancakes are a symphony of flavours, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Another favourite is the Meat Scramble, packed with eggs, bacon, sausage, and ham, served with a side of fluffy pancakes that complement the dish wonderfully. The Corned Beef Hash, served with two poached eggs, is another popular choice.

Address: 1909 W Springfield Ave, Champaign, IL 61821

Business Hours: Monday-Friday: 6:30 AM-1:00 PM Saturday-Sunday: 7:00 AM-1:30 PM

6. Ko Fusion

Ko Fusion is one of the best restaurants in Champaign Urbana IL with a blend of traditional Asian cuisine. The menu features a diverse array of dishes, crafted with the freshest ingredients to satisfy a variety of palates. Among the standout offerings is the Unagi Maki, a delightful sushi roll filled with tender eel and a blend of flavours that leave a lasting impression. Also, the Coconut Shrimp and Mango Roll offers a refreshing and tasty combination that’s sure to please. Ko Fusion is also known for its impressive selection of rolls, including the visually stunning Flaming Phoenix Roll. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Spicy Korean Chicken is a favourite. Served on a bed of white rice, this dish packs a punch with its fiery spices, guaranteed to make your lips tingle with every bite. If you prefer something milder, the Shrimp Curry, made with rich coconut milk, offers a creamy and soothing alternative.

Address: 30 E Main St, Champaign, IL 61820

Business Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM-8:45 PM Friday&Saturday: 11:00 AM-9:30 PM

7. Seven Saints

Seven Saints is one of the best restaurants in Champaign IL nestled in downtown Champaign. For those seeking something unique, our dirty martinis have also been praised for their exceptional taste. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes that are sure to please any palate. The sliders are a must-try, particularly the Black Jack and Ribeye sliders, which have been described as amazing. The Black and Blue Salad is another favourite, known for its freshness and delicious flavours, while our Tomato Bisque, with its rich, layered flavours, is sure to make your day better. For a heartier meal, the blackened ribeye steak sandwich and Caesar salad combination is a winner. Moreover, The drunken pecan pie and oatmeal cake, both served a la mode, are scrumptious and the perfect end to any meal.

Address: 32 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820

Business Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM-11 PM Friday&Saturday: 11 AM-12 AM

8. Big Grove Tavern

Big Grove Tavern is one of the good choices of the top restaurants in Champaign Urbana IL. This restaurant is more than just a tavern—it’s a full-service restaurant that promises a delightful dining experience. Some popular dishes taking the mushroom risotto as an example, though light on mushrooms, were rich and satisfying, while the Southwest salad was fresh and flavorful. For appetizers, the pretzel served with mustard sauce and beer cheese dip was a must-try—the mustard sauce had a kick that cleared the sinuses, and the beer cheese dip was creamy and delicious. The fried chicken was particularly noteworthy, with one guest claiming it was the best he had ever eaten. The vegetable skewers were another hit, as was the creative and delicious pea frittata. In addition, the rosemary potato hash with poblano peppers, a dish bursting with flavour. The restaurant was also highly accommodating to the vegetarian guests, ensuring everyone’s preferences were met.

Address: 1 E Main St, Champaign, IL 61820

Business Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 AM-9:30 PM, Friday: 11 AM-11 PM, Saturday: 10 AM-11 PM, Sunday: 10 AM-9 PM

Why have these best restaurants in Champaign become popular recently?

1. Food quality
These best restaurants in Champaign IL focus on the freshness and quality of their ingredients. For example, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House is known for its high-quality barbecue, using the finest meats that are slow-roasted to ensure that each piece of meat is delicious and flavorful, while Sakanaya is known for its fresh sushi and other Japanese dishes, always ensuring that the freshest seafood is used.

2. Unique Flavors
The top restaurants in Champaign have their own unique flavours and signature dishes. Seven Saints has earned a wide range of favourites for its diverse burgers and extensive beer selection.

3. Quality of Service
These best restaurants in Champaign Urbana also put a lot of effort into their service. Warm, attentive service makes guests feel right. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular, you will enjoy a consistently high level of service.

4. Community Involvement
The active participation of these nice restaurants in Champaign IL in local community events and food festivals not only increases exposure but also strengthens their ties with community residents. For example, at the Champagne Food Festival, the restaurants showcased the signature dishes, which attracted many food lovers.

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FAQ about best restaurants in Champaign IL

What's the #1 restaurant in Champaign?

Recognized as the #1 restaurant in Champaign, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House is known for its authentic barbecue cuisine and relaxed atmosphere, which attracts countless diners to its unique selection of smoked meats and craft beers. This restaurant is not only a favourite among locals but has also become a must-visit culinary destination for tourists, showcasing Champaign’s rich culinary culture and unique dining experience.

Is Champaign a nice town?

Champaign is a livable town known for its friendly community atmosphere and diverse cultural activities. It is energized by the presence of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign while maintaining a cosy downtown and a quiet residential community. It boasts quality restaurants and stores, as well as many parks and recreational activities to live and enjoy.

What is the food festival in Champaign?

Champaign-Urbana Food Festival attracts many diners and food lovers each year and showcases the rich diversity of local and international cuisine. People can sample a variety of flavors, including traditional American dishes, international cuisine and innovative dishes. The festival also includes musical performances, a craft market and family entertainment, providing participants with a well-rounded cultural experience.