The best restaurants in DeKalb
182 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
Browse another shelf: all of DeKalb’s best · Beauty · Nightlife · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Bakeries & Sweets · Shopping · Entertainment · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Home & Garden · Arts & Culture · Parks & Outdoors · Health & Wellness · Pets
Pinned in DeKalb today
This spot is open today.
Two pinned places a day in DeKalb — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
Stix n Brix Pizza Cafe
RestaurantsWood-fired pies & sandwiches, plus draft beer & wine, served in an industrial, brick-lined space.
Stix n Brix Pizza Cafe
RestaurantsNaples Pizza
RestaurantsCasual restaurant offering pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and other comfort food, plus a slot machine.
Naples Pizza
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
RestaurantsCarmelo's Taco Place
RestaurantsComfortable, family-friendly restaurant with a kids' menu and playground, serving tacos and other Mexican dishes.
Carmelo's Taco Place
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
RestaurantsDanny's Pizza Place
RestaurantsBare-bones pizzeria with checkered tablecloths serving extra-large pies & classic Italian eats.
Danny's Pizza Place
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
RestaurantsSora Temakeria
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery serving straightforward Japanese dishes such as sushi and maki rolls, along with Latin-inspired fillings.
Sora Temakeria
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
RestaurantsWaffle Pancake House
RestaurantsFamily-run breakfast spot specializing in traditional food staples, omelets, waffles and pancakes.
Waffle Pancake House
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
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
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
RestaurantsNat's On Maple
RestaurantsWhen you want something cozy that still feels a little fancy, Nat's on Maple serves trendy comfort food for lunch or dinner, plus private…
Nat's On Maple
RestaurantsPizza Beer Whiskey
RestaurantsWhen your week needs a proper upgrade, Pizza Beer Whiskey has Detroit and New York-style pies that hit the spot, an eclectic beer rotation…
Pizza Beer Whiskey
RestaurantsCherry Valley Cafe
RestaurantsCherry Valley Cafe is the kind of spot you slide into when you want hearty breakfasts, comforting classics, and rotating daily specials…
Cherry Valley Cafe
RestaurantsThe Dirty Bird
RestaurantsThe Dirty Bird backs up the craveable hype, voted best chicken in DeKalb County since 2020, with hand-cut, hand-battered strips made for…
The Dirty Bird
RestaurantsCatering Made Simple
RestaurantsGot a meeting or backyard bash this week? From quick drop-offs to fully staffed shindigs, Catering Made Simple keeps things delicious,…
Catering Made Simple
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
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
RestaurantsMolly's Eatery & Drinkery
RestaurantsRestaurant and bar popular with college students specializing in burgers, pizza, wings and beer.
Molly's Eatery & Drinkery
RestaurantsFrench Toast Pancake House
RestaurantsSung, family–owned spot offering standard breakfast fare, plus sandwiches & soups in comfy digs.
French Toast Pancake House
RestaurantsDaNang kitchen
RestaurantsStraightforward Vietnamese storefront cafe with traditional fare including pho with coffee.
DaNang 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
RestaurantsCafe Roma
RestaurantsWood-trimmed Italian trattoria with stone-oven pizzas, pasta & sandwiches plus daily soups.
Cafe Roma
RestaurantsThe Village Squire (South Elgin)
RestaurantsRustic English tavern-inspired bar & grill serving hearty pub fare, plus beer, wine & cocktails.
The Village Squire (South Elgin)
RestaurantsBarb City Bagels
RestaurantsSpacious, locally owned eatery featuring bagels (including those with cream cheese) for breakfast and sandwiches at lunch.
Barb City Bagels
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
RestaurantsBurger Naan
RestaurantsIndian fare and American favorites such as burgers and fries.
Burger Naan
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
RestaurantsBlue Door Kitchen & Garden
RestaurantsAmerican restaurant serving seasonal food & cocktails in an elegant, intimate setting with a patio.
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
RestaurantsHawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsChain eatery whipping up Hawaiian plates, including chicken and pork, rice, macaroni salad and pineapple.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
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
RestaurantsEgg Haven Pancakes & Cafe
RestaurantsStraightforward, easygoing diner serving sandwiches & American breakfast favorites like omelets.
Egg Haven Pancakes & Cafe
RestaurantsThe Izakaya
RestaurantsJapanese eatery specializing in burgers, pizza, sushi, sashimi and wings, as well as sake and cocktails.
The Izakaya
RestaurantsSomerset
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
RestaurantsGrumpy Goat Tavern
RestaurantsComfy haunt at the Highlands Golf Course with Cajun & Creole-inspired dishes & an ample whisky list.
Grumpy Goat Tavern
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
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
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
RestaurantsSteak 'n Shake
RestaurantsChain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.
Steak 'n Shake
RestaurantsPizza Villa
RestaurantsEstablished, kid-friendly pizza & Italian food destination with a lower-level arcade & party rooms.
Pizza Villa
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
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
RestaurantsWhite Pearl Restaurant
RestaurantsDown-to-eatery eatery serving familiar Thai, Vietnamese & Laotian eats such as pho & Laos sausages.
White Pearl Restaurant
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
Restaurantsmoto imōto
RestaurantsCasual eatery offering Pan-Asian fare, plus happy-hour specials, and half-price sushi rolls on Tuesdays.
moto imōto
RestaurantsZarella Pizzeria & Taverna
RestaurantsCasual pizzeria serving traditional tavern-style pies, alongside Italian entrees and cocktails.
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
RestaurantsBaba’s Famous Steak and Lemonade - Dekalb
RestaurantsFast-food joint featuring chicken, steak, fish, shrimp, and an extensive menu.
Baba’s Famous Steak and Lemonade - Dekalb
RestaurantsBeatrix
RestaurantsModern, all-day venue combining an American eatery, wine & cocktail bar & a bakery/cafe.
Beatrix
RestaurantsMaciano's Pizza & Pastaria
RestaurantsItalian restaurant serving pizza, pasta & panini in relaxed, modern surroundings.
Maciano's Pizza & Pastaria
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
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsZana’s Wood Fire Pizza
RestaurantsCasual option for pizza and pasta dishes in a family-friendly setting.
Zana’s Wood Fire Pizza
RestaurantsButcher & The Burger
RestaurantsUpscale customizable burgers & breakfast too in a retro counter-service BYOB with a butcher shop.
Butcher & The Burger
RestaurantsUmai
RestaurantsSushi bar & Japanese standards, plus a full bar, in an airy, loftlike room. Delivery available.
Umai
RestaurantsOsteria Via Stato
RestaurantsClassic Italian dining in archway-enhanced environs with adjacent pizzeria offering thin-crust pies.
Osteria Via Stato
Restaurantsavec Restaurant
RestaurantsInventive small & large plates served in a cozy, minimalist space with communal seating.
avec Restaurant
RestaurantsLou Malnati's Pizzeria
RestaurantsFamily-owned local chain for Italian classics & Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzas with buttery crusts.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
RestaurantsTweet
RestaurantsCasual American comfort & gluten-free fare, plus a full bar in art-filled surrounds with a patio.
Tweet
RestaurantsSam's Fish Chicken & Sandwiches
RestaurantsFamily-operated joint serving up chicken, seafood, sandwiches, and more for lunch and dinner.
Sam's Fish Chicken & Sandwiches
RestaurantsBBQ on Wheels
RestaurantsBarbecue, hot dogs, chicken and burgers caterer, delivering barbecue and other foods cooked on-site for small outdoor weddings, picnics and…
BBQ on Wheels
RestaurantsCM Chicken
RestaurantsInformal restaurant serving fried chicken wings in various hot sauces such as garlic and chili-paste variations.
CM Chicken
RestaurantsPaul's Family Restaurant
RestaurantsHomey all-day diner for ample servings of comfort fare, such as breakfast, soups & desserts.
Paul's Family Restaurant
RestaurantsPizza Pro's Bar and Grill
RestaurantsStraightforward restaurant offering a menu of typical pizzas like pepperoni, plus accompaniments.
Pizza Pro's Bar and Grill
RestaurantsWilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern
RestaurantsBar for locally sourced BBQ standards like ribs and chicken wings.
Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern
RestaurantsBub City
RestaurantsSprawling, buzzy BBQ eatery & bar with a country-western theme, live music & a comfort food menu.
Bub City
RestaurantsTapa La Luna
RestaurantsGlobally inspired tapas & wines delivered in a trendy, polished dining room & in a bar with TVs.
Tapa La Luna
RestaurantsChina House
RestaurantsRelaxed buffet establishment offering Chinese favorites & sushi, plus made-to-order hibachi.
China House
RestaurantsJuRin
RestaurantsRelaxed, contemporary Japanese eatery serving teppanyaki dishes & sushi plus wine & beer.
JuRin
RestaurantsChicken Salad Chick
RestaurantsChain outlet specializing in many different types of chicken salads, plus sandwiches, soups & sides.
Chicken Salad Chick
RestaurantsGordon Ramsay Burger - Chicago
RestaurantsTrendy, celebrity-chef venture dishing up hefty, creative hamburgers with vegan options.
Gordon Ramsay Burger - Chicago
RestaurantsThe Grove Tavern
RestaurantsModern tavern with a large bar, lounge area, and patio pouring craft beers, cocktails, and bourbon.
The Grove Tavern
RestaurantsAda Street
RestaurantsNew American meals & craft cocktails served in a chic candlelit space with patio.
Ada Street
RestaurantsTorchio Pasta Bar
RestaurantsHousemade pastas at this intimate Italian eatery & bar with a patio.
Torchio Pasta Bar
RestaurantsNothing matched that. Know a spot we’re missing? Tell us →
Showing the 120 most recent of 182. See what changed this month →
Listed here?
You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →
New spots land in the newsletter first
Free, every morning — this list is what we've already told DeKalb about.
One email a day. Unsubscribe anytime.