The best restaurants in Aurora
197 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Two pinned places a day in Aurora — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
De Arcos Pizza
RestaurantsConverted house offering custom pizza pies & slices, plus salads, sandwiches & sides.
De Arcos Pizza
RestaurantsStix n Brix Pizza Cafe
RestaurantsWood-fired pies & sandwiches, plus draft beer & wine, served in an industrial, brick-lined space.
Stix n Brix Pizza Cafe
RestaurantsGiordano's
RestaurantsKnown for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
Giordano's
RestaurantsNaples Pizza
RestaurantsCasual restaurant offering pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and other comfort food, plus a slot machine.
Naples Pizza
RestaurantsGianna's Pizza
RestaurantsThis snug pizzeria specializing in NYC-style pies also offers pasta, wings, sandwiches & salad.
Gianna's Pizza
RestaurantsCocula Restaurant Commercial
RestaurantsRelaxed joint offering traditional Mexican fare & margaritas in a standard setting.
Cocula Restaurant Commercial
RestaurantsPalermo's of 63rd Pizza and Restaurant
RestaurantsFamily-friendly spot serving pizza & Italian-American dishes in old-school digs for 50+ years.
Palermo's of 63rd Pizza and Restaurant
RestaurantsNella Pizza e Pasta
RestaurantsNeapolitan pies from a special oven, pasta, antipasti & salads pair with cocktails & Cal-Ital wines.
Nella Pizza e Pasta
RestaurantsAlynia zushi & karaoke lounge
RestaurantsLow-key locale putting out sushi, oysters and other Japanese eats, plus karaoke.
Alynia zushi & karaoke lounge
RestaurantsAscione Bistro Hyde Park
RestaurantsTraditional & updated Italian fare is served in a relaxed dining room with full bar & a patio.
Ascione Bistro Hyde Park
RestaurantsCarmelo's Taco Place
RestaurantsComfortable, family-friendly restaurant with a kids' menu and playground, serving tacos and other Mexican dishes.
Carmelo's Taco Place
RestaurantsSit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar
RestaurantsSleek, stylish cafe featuring pizza, sushi & sandwiches plus a full bar, smoothies & coffee drinks.
Sit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar
RestaurantsFox's Restaurant & Pub
RestaurantsComfortable corner restaurant & bar serving thin-crust pizzas & American pub grub.
Fox's Restaurant & Pub
RestaurantsS & T Provisions
RestaurantsNeighborhood deli noted for its pizza sets (including thin-crust), plus a wide array of frozen pasta dishes.
S & T Provisions
RestaurantsTaqueria El Taquin
RestaurantsAuthentic Mexican staples like enchiladas and tacos served in casual surroundings.
Taqueria El Taquin
RestaurantsTacos Don "Memo"
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery offering familiar Mexican dishes such as tacos, tortas, and tamales.
Tacos Don "Memo"
RestaurantsOld Chicago Pizza Company
RestaurantsFamily-friendly chain restaurant featuring Italian entrees along with a wide beer selection.
Old Chicago Pizza Company
RestaurantsMr. Taco Mex
RestaurantsFriendly taco joint featuring crispy tortillas, steak and carnitas, among other staples.
Mr. Taco Mex
RestaurantsDanny's Pizza Place
RestaurantsBare-bones pizzeria with checkered tablecloths serving extra-large pies & classic Italian eats.
Danny's Pizza Place
RestaurantsChant Restaurant In Hyde Park
RestaurantsTrendy late-night eatery featuring creative, Asian-inspired global cuisine & a full bar.
Chant Restaurant In Hyde Park
RestaurantsBirrieria Ocotlan
RestaurantsCasual eatery popular for goat-meat birria and other Mexican comfort fare, plus consomé.
Birrieria Ocotlan
RestaurantsRoute 66 Pizza
RestaurantsLow-key Italian-American eatery turning out hand-tossed pizzas, pasta, burgers & more.
Route 66 Pizza
RestaurantsMaya's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual, family-owned restaurant offering homemade Chicago-style pizza and other comfort food until late.
Maya's Pizza
RestaurantsNaples Pizza
RestaurantsCounter-serve eatery serving Italian & American staples from deep-dish pizzas to burgers.
Naples Pizza
RestaurantsL & L Pizzeria
RestaurantsNeighborhood eatery for pizza and other comfort foods, plus friendly service.
L & L Pizzeria
RestaurantsThe Oven
RestaurantsCasual Italian eatery dishing up pizza and pasta, along with comfort staples.
The Oven
RestaurantsMedici On 57th
RestaurantsU of Chicago BYO hangout where pizza, burgers & sandwiches figure among the American eats.
Medici On 57th
RestaurantsSora Temakeria
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery serving straightforward Japanese dishes such as sushi and maki rolls, along with Latin-inspired fillings.
Sora Temakeria
RestaurantsJet's Pizza
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.
Jet's Pizza
RestaurantsFranconello
RestaurantsWhite-tablecloth Italian eatery serving stalwart classics like veal piccata & pasta Bolognese.
Franconello
RestaurantsPaisans Pizzeria - West Lawn
RestaurantsPizza & pasta, plus gourmet burgers, offered in a casual space that's part of a small local chain.
Paisans Pizzeria - West Lawn
RestaurantsSouth Kawa Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsA variety of sushi & other Japanese eats served in a stylish, modern space with a big-screen TV.
South Kawa Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsShinya Ramen House - Midnight Diner
RestaurantsJapanese noodle soups & skewered snacks in a classic izakaya with a chill vibe & outdoor seating.
Shinya Ramen House - Midnight Diner
RestaurantsWise Guy's Pizza
RestaurantsPopular pizzeria, with thin-crusted pies and slices.
Wise Guy's Pizza
RestaurantsConte's Pizza
RestaurantsLongtime pizzeria serving crispy-crusted pies, burgers and wings.
Conte's Pizza
RestaurantsCiao Ragazzi Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsVibrant restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas, plus beer and wine.
Ciao Ragazzi Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsTaco Madre
RestaurantsRestaurant serving tacos, fajitas, enchiladas & other Mexican dishes in a low-key environment.
Taco Madre
RestaurantsGiardino Trattoria & Pizzeria
RestaurantsCasual restaurant focused on Italian classics (pasta, pizza, chicken parm) and salads from the chef-owned kitchen.
Giardino Trattoria & Pizzeria
RestaurantsWaffle Pancake House
RestaurantsFamily-run breakfast spot specializing in traditional food staples, omelets, waffles and pancakes.
Waffle Pancake House
RestaurantsEl Jefe - Leña y Mar
RestaurantsVibrant choice with stylish decor dishing up Latin American meat & seafood dishes, plus cocktails.
El Jefe - Leña y Mar
RestaurantsSpartan Ale House
RestaurantsAn array of classic American bar fare & full drink menu in a relaxed, modern sports bar setting.
Spartan Ale House
RestaurantsRiverview Diner
RestaurantsTraditional American cuisine served morning-to-night in a spacious setting with light wood accents.
Riverview Diner
RestaurantsGray's Mill Estate
RestaurantsRiverfront-turned-event venue offering German fare and a beer garden.
Gray's Mill Estate
RestaurantsElotes Gomez
RestaurantsUnassuming corner market with many Mexican sweets & light bites, including corn & ice cream.
Elotes Gomez
RestaurantsA&W Restaurant
RestaurantsFast-food outlet serving up namesake root beer, plus burgers, chicken & fries.
A&W Restaurant
RestaurantsAsia Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsLarge, unfussy restaurant featuring unlimited portions of Asian & American comfort foods.
Asia Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsVito & Nick's Pizzeria
RestaurantsFamily-owned, South Side institution serving up thin-crust pizza & Italian favorites since 1932.
Vito & Nick's Pizzeria
RestaurantsBuona
RestaurantsLong-standing local chain eatery known for Italian beef sandwiches, plus pizza, burgers & salads.
Buona
RestaurantsDenny's Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
Denny's Restaurant
RestaurantsLa Catedral Cafe Little Village
RestaurantsEasygoing eatery offering brunch & European-inspired Mexican dishes in a snug, colorful dining area.
La Catedral Cafe Little Village
RestaurantsThe Soul Food Lounge
RestaurantsAiry eatery serving soul food staples in a vibrant tavern setting.
The Soul Food Lounge
RestaurantsRed Barrel Restaurant
RestaurantsFamily-friendly restaurant serving familiar American fare in a casual space with a bar and karaoke.
Red Barrel Restaurant
RestaurantsHome Run Inn Pizza
RestaurantsOld-school local chain serving an assortment of pizzas, pastas & burgers in casual environs.
Home Run Inn Pizza
RestaurantsUncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken
RestaurantsLongtime, casual spot serving soul food including signature sauce-laden fried chicken.
Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken
RestaurantsLacoco's Pizza & Wings
RestaurantsLocal joint serving a menu of pizza, pasta, American fare & homemade Italian ice, plus a full bar.
Lacoco's Pizza & Wings
RestaurantsTequila CS Cantina Grill
RestaurantsTacos, fajitas & Mexican seafood, plus tequila drinks, in lively digs with colorful arched walls.
Tequila CS Cantina Grill
RestaurantsEden
RestaurantsEden is all about seasonal, local flavors, with an on-site greenhouse feeding a menu of simple, clean dishes that actually taste like the…
Eden
RestaurantsEmpire Burgers + Brew
RestaurantsEmpire Burgers + Brew nails the elevated comfort thing with certified Angus burgers on pretzel buns, crispy fries, salads and a strong…
Empire Burgers + Brew
RestaurantsPasta Palazzo
RestaurantsMake it your move this week with Pasta Palazzo, the cozy Italian spot with handmade pastas, jalapeno gnocchi, and daily specials like…
Pasta Palazzo
RestaurantsCalogero's
RestaurantsWhen you want a low-effort, high-reward dinner this week, Calogero's comes through with old-world pizza, arancini, burrata, fresh bread,…
Calogero's
RestaurantsSapori Trattoria
RestaurantsSmall, cozy, and all about housemade pasta, Sapori Trattoria nails the classics with comforting sauces and the kind of plates that make you…
Sapori Trattoria
RestaurantsRoka Akor
RestaurantsUpscale Japanese restaurant & bar supplying steak, seafood & sushi in a contemporary setting.
Roka Akor
RestaurantsSullivan's Steakhouse
RestaurantsSteakhouse chain serving beef, seafood & cocktails in swanky surrounds with live music.
Sullivan's Steakhouse
RestaurantsLittle Goat Diner
RestaurantsStephanie Izard's diner serving a huge menu of creative, gourmet takes on comfort food classics.
Little Goat Diner
RestaurantsLe Colonial Chicago
RestaurantsUpscale French-Vietnamese fare in a Gold Coast row house with balcony seating & an outdoor patio.
Le Colonial Chicago
RestaurantsDave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsCasual, Nashville-style, chicken-focused chain serving tenders, sliders, fries, and crispy wings in a laid-back spot.
Dave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsLongman & Eagle
RestaurantsHipster spot with modern farm-to-table fare & nose-to-tail eats plus whiskey & craft cocktails.
Longman & Eagle
RestaurantsSushi Naper
RestaurantsAll-you-can-eat sushi meals, signature rolls & Japanese plates are the draw at this informal eatery.
Sushi Naper
RestaurantsDaNang kitchen
RestaurantsStraightforward Vietnamese storefront cafe with traditional fare including pho with coffee.
DaNang kitchen
RestaurantsFontinas Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsStrip-mall chain trattoria featuring hearty subs, familiar Italian fare & a casual vibe.
Fontinas Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsBoulevard Bistro
RestaurantsCasual place serving American breakfast standards, eggs and steaks amid a friendly atmosphere.
Boulevard Bistro
RestaurantsFioretta
RestaurantsItalian American steakhouse with world-class cocktails, a glamorous vibe, and live entertainment.
Fioretta
RestaurantsAlchemist
RestaurantsStylish bar whipping up craft cocktails and small plates with an emphasis on seafood like oysters and octopus dishes.
Alchemist
RestaurantsAllegory
RestaurantsCasual, brick-lined eatery serving farm-to-fork dishes with a Southern twist, plus craft cocktails.
Allegory
RestaurantsLazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsRelaxed, lodge-chic chain serving global comfort fare, including stir-fries, pot roast & pastas.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsSaigon Sisters
RestaurantsRelaxed Vietnamese mini-chain outpost serving a menu of banh mi sandwiches, bao buns & soups.
Saigon Sisters
RestaurantsSummer House Santa Monica
RestaurantsCalifornia fare & wines, plus homemade breads, served in a breezy, beach house-inspired space.
Summer House Santa Monica
RestaurantsCafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
RestaurantsSpanish tapas, paella & pitchers of sangria fuel a lively scene at this classic Chicago restaurant.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
RestaurantsChubby Cattle BBQ | Chicago
RestaurantsCasual all-you-can-eat eatery featuring premium Japanese and Australian Wagyu beef, plus sushi.
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Chicago
RestaurantsSmyth
RestaurantsRustic-chic venue offering tasting menus of inventive, high-end New American fare & wine pairings.
Smyth
RestaurantsCrisp
RestaurantsCounter-service eatery serving Korean fried chicken, burritos, and veggie bowls with a delivery option.
Crisp
RestaurantsSushi-san
RestaurantsStylish spot with a long sushi bar specializing in sashimi, plus cocktails served in soda cans.
Sushi-san
RestaurantsDave’s Hot Chicken
RestaurantsFast-casual chain featuring fried-chicken items such as tenders, sliders and sandwiches.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
RestaurantsThe Patten House Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsCajun fare served in a historic red-brick 1857 building with a spacious outdoor seating area.
The Patten House Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsTwin Peaks
RestaurantsSports-bar chain known for its waitresses, serving American comfort food in lodgelike surroundings.
Twin Peaks
RestaurantsBlue Door Kitchen & Garden
RestaurantsAmerican restaurant serving seasonal food & cocktails in an elegant, intimate setting with a patio.
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
RestaurantsEgg Harbor Cafe
RestaurantsCasual daytime dining chain serving American comfort food in family-friendly surroundings.
Egg Harbor Cafe
RestaurantsHawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsChain eatery whipping up Hawaiian plates, including chicken and pork, rice, macaroni salad and pineapple.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsOutback Steakhouse
RestaurantsBoisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.
Outback Steakhouse
RestaurantsShake Shack West Loop
RestaurantsHip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.
Shake Shack West Loop
RestaurantsRobert's Pizza and Dough Company
RestaurantsBi-level pizzeria and bar with a waterfront patio, offering thin-crust pies with creative toppings and global flavors.
Robert's Pizza and Dough Company
RestaurantsThe Izakaya
RestaurantsJapanese eatery specializing in burgers, pizza, sushi, sashimi and wings, as well as sake and cocktails.
The Izakaya
RestaurantsLively hub for wood-fired pizza, Italian sharing plates & full bar, plus seasonal outdoor seating.
Somerset
RestaurantsSwanky restaurant in the Viceroy Hotel with a yacht-club feel, seasonal fare & cocktails.
Somerset
RestaurantsEarly Morning Delight
RestaurantsCasual restaurant dishing up generous portions of breakfast and lunch offerings, including Mexican specialties.
Early Morning Delight
RestaurantsGiordano's
RestaurantsKnown for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
Giordano's
RestaurantsGino's East
RestaurantsEnduring chain for Chicago-style deep-dish & thin-crust pizzas, plus Italian sandwiches & salads.
Gino's East
RestaurantsPho Thien Vietnamese Kitchen - Naperville
RestaurantsLocal Vietnamese eatery in a strip-mall serving pho, banh mi & other classic fare in a casual space.
Pho Thien Vietnamese Kitchen - Naperville
RestaurantsSPACE 519 (Gold Coast)
RestaurantsRefined boutique for women's & men's clothing, beauty & grooming, with home decor & accessories.
SPACE 519 (Gold Coast)
RestaurantsProsecco
RestaurantsClassic, high-end Italian dishes in a romantic, art-filled dining room that reminds of Venice.
Prosecco
RestaurantsLittle Bad Wolf
Restaurants100+ beers, tons of whiskey & specialty cocktails are paired with comfort food at this relaxed bar.
Little Bad Wolf
RestaurantsGiordano's
RestaurantsKnown for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
Giordano's
RestaurantsNonnina
RestaurantsUpscale destination offering classic Italian specialties, small plates, pizza, and takeaway options.
Nonnina
RestaurantsPerfect Brunch Bros
RestaurantsCozy, casual restaurant serving a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites.
Perfect Brunch Bros
RestaurantsHonky Tonk BBQ / The Tonk
RestaurantsPlates of apple-and-oak-smoked pork & beef brisket plus sides flavor the menu at this rustic eatery.
Honky Tonk BBQ / The Tonk
RestaurantsBlue Sushi Sake Grill
RestaurantsModern, clubby restaurant featuring sushi & Japanese tapas, plus fancy mixed drinks.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
RestaurantsThe Oakville Grill & Cellar
RestaurantsNapa Valley-inspired spot serving upscale Californian fare such as grilled avocado, and deviled eggs, plus wine.
The Oakville Grill & Cellar
RestaurantsLotus Banh Mi - Naperville
RestaurantsVietnamese eatery with sandwiches and noodle bowls, plus pho.
Lotus Banh Mi - Naperville
RestaurantsProvare Chicago
RestaurantsBlack-owned eatery offering a menu of pasta and seafood dishes with Cajun and Creole influences in a stylish setting.
Provare Chicago
RestaurantsCandlelite Chicago
RestaurantsCasual, spacious sports bar & restaurant serving thin-crust pizzas, burgers & pub fare.
Candlelite Chicago
RestaurantsSALT burgers + fries
RestaurantsCasual burger joint with a menu focused on classic American fare and fries; burger fans say it’s similar to In-N-Out.
SALT burgers + fries
RestaurantsSharko's BBQ
RestaurantsContemporary BBQ spot for smoked meats & sandwiches with rustic-modern decor & outdoor seats.
Sharko's BBQ
RestaurantsWill's Northwoods Inn
RestaurantsBar, patio & haven for Wisconsinites with cheese curds & other pub grub plus TVs tuned to the game.
Will's Northwoods Inn
RestaurantsPho 777
RestaurantsHot noodle soups, clay pots & other Vietnamese classics served in easygoing surrounds.
Pho 777
RestaurantsQuartino Ristorante
RestaurantsBustling, bi-level space where groups go for small & large plates plus cocktails & carafes of wine.
Quartino Ristorante
RestaurantsBriny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar
RestaurantsSeaside-themed smokehouse and oyster bar featuring Carolina-style BBQ, seafood dishes and cocktails.
Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar
RestaurantsZarella Pizzeria & Taverna
RestaurantsCasual pizzeria serving traditional tavern-style pies, alongside Italian entrees and cocktails.
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
RestaurantsBeatrix
RestaurantsModern, all-day venue combining an American eatery, wine & cocktail bar & a bakery/cafe.
Beatrix
RestaurantsJake Melnick's Corner Tap
RestaurantsBBQ & bar fare plus lots of brews & keg cocktails in a laid-back, sports-pub setting with a patio.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
RestaurantsSmashburger
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.
Smashburger
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