Champaign, Illinois has a great food scene, with diverse options ranging from Korean restaurants and BBQ spots to cozy cafes and wine bars. If you’re renting an apartment in Champaign, recently bought your first home in the city, or have been living there for a while, you might be on the hunt for a new restaurant to try. We’ve rounded up a list of 16 must-try restaurants in Champaign, IL, that you can grab a bite at in your neighborhood or explore a new area of town.
#1: Pekara Bakery & Bistro
Cuisine: Bakery
Address: 116 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Pekara Bakery & Bistro’s Website
Pekara Bakery & Bistro is a fabulous place to have a seasonal coffee drink, a breakfast sandwich, veggie crepe, or chicken pesto sandwich.
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#2: Seven Saints
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Cuisine: Cocktail bar and American restaurant
Address: 32 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820
Seven Saints’ Website
Serving craft cocktails and dishes like pretzel bites, cheese curds, sliders, and sandwiches, Seven Saints’s Champaign location is another option to add to your list of must-visit restaurants.
#3: Nando Milano Trattoria
Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 204 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Nando Milano Trattoria’s Website
An Italian restaurant, Nando Milano Trattoria has a lot of choices for anyone looking for a new place to grab a bite. With options like arancini, gnocchi, rigatoni alla beppe, and branzino, there’s something for everyone.
#4: Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
Cuisine: BBQ joint and American restaurant
Address: 320 N Chestnut St, Champaign, IL 61820
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House’s Website
You can find a variety of dishes at Black Dog Smoke & Ale House – anything from pulled pork sandwiches and catfish platters to cornbread and Texas caviar.
#5: Watson’s Shack & Rail
Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 211 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Watson’s Shack & Rail’s Website
Another stellar restaurant in Champaign, IL, is Watson’s Shack & Rail. You’ll find a variety of chicken, fish, and tofu sandwiches, as well as plates like gumbo and rice bowls at their location.
#6: Big Grove Tavern
Cuisine: New American restaurant
Address: 1 E Main St, Champaign, IL 61820
Big Grove Tavern’s Website
If you’re looking for a tavern serving New American classics like street corn, grilled ribeye, cheddar grits, and more, make sure to grab a bite at Big Grove Tavern.
#7: Farren’s Pub & Eatery
Cuisine: Restaurant
Address: 308 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL 61820
Farren’s Pub & Eatery’s Website
Maybe you’re on the hunt for a new place serving grilled scallops and fried pickles, but also burgers and chicken tacos? If so, head to Farren’s Pub & Eatery for a great meal.
#8: Pizzeria Antica
Cuisine: Pizzeria and Italian restaurant
Address: 10 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820
Pizzeria Antica’s Website
Another one of the numerous restaurants in Champaign, IL, you should consider grabbing a bite at is Pizzeria Antica. An authentic Neapolitan restaurant serving amazing pizza, salads, and gelato, there’s plenty to order off their menu.
#9: Maize
Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 110 N Chestnut St, Champaign, IL 61820
Maize’s Website
Maize has plenty of options for those looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant serving margaritas, tamales, fajitas, and enchiladas.
#10: KoFusion
Cuisine: Asian fusion restaurant
Address: 1 E Main St Ste 104, Champaign, IL 61820
KoFusion’s Website
KoFusion is a contemporary Asian fusion restaurant serving everything from miso soup and ramen to tempura fried cheese curds and ribeye.
#11: Peking
Cuisine: Chinese restaurant
Address: 206 N Randolph St Ste 1, Champaign, IL 61820
Peking Garden’s Website
Peking Garden is an excellent spot if you’re looking for a Chinese spot in Champaign. From pot stickers and hot and sour soup to Kung Pao tofu and BBQ pork lo mein, there’s always a new dish to try.
#12: Jet’s Pizza
Cuisine: Pizzeria
Address: 512 S Neil St Ste B, Champaign, IL 61820
Jet’s Pizza’s Website
If you’ve recently moved to Champaign and are searching for a pizzeria, you can find deep dish pizzas, thin crust pies, salads, and sides at Jet’s Pizza.
#13: Manzella’s Italian Restaurant
Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 115 S 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820
Manzella’s Italian Restaurant’s Website
Manzella’s Italian Restaurant is home to some delicious authentic Italian food like pasta Pomodoro, ravioli, minestrone, and much more.
#14: Hamilton Walker’s
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Address: 201 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Hamilton Walker’s Website
A steakhouse serving favorites like lamb chops, mussels, grilled salmon, and meatloaf, Hamilton Walker’s is the perfect place to grab a bite in Champaign.
#15: Golden Wok
Cuisine: Chinese and Thai restaurant
Address: 405 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820
Golden Wok’s Website
At Golden Wok, there are plenty of dishes to choose from – from beef with broccoli and empress chicken to yum talay and mussaman curry.
#16: Sakanaya Restaurant
Cuisine: Sushi restaurant
Address: 403 E Green St, Champaign, IL 61820
Sakanaya Restaurant’s Website
Sakanaya Restaurant is a fantastic eatery to grab a bite in Champaign. It’s a sushi restaurant with amazing options like seared albacore, agedashi tofu, spicy tuna and shrimp tempura rolls, and chicken katsu.
Favorite restaurants recommended by locals
1. Houlihan’s Restaurant and Bar
“Our all-time favorite is Houlihan’s-Champaign. The restaurant provides delicious food, great drinks, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu is crafted with care and features a range of options to suit every taste, from classic American dishes to more adventurous and globally-inspired flavors,” recommends I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center. “Try the famous stuffed mushrooms, loaded nachos, or pan-fried dumplings. For something heartier, Houlihan’s signature burgers and steaks are sure to satisfy, while salads and lighter options are perfect for those looking for something healthier. Houlihan’s features a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails, including our signature margaritas, craft beers, and seasonal drinks.”
2. Ko Fusion
“One of my favorite places to eat in Champaign is Ko Fusion, suggests Olio in Iowa. “This popular eatery serves up sushi alongside traditional Asian favorites with a contemporary twist in a sleek, modern interior. Both the Dol Sot Bi Bim Bob and pork dumplings were divine and would definitely be something I’d order again.”
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