Growing up in Park Ridge, I had my favorite spots to grab something to eat: Perry’s for pizza on Sunday night, What’s the Scoop for ice cream after a game or dance recital, Canton Tea Garden for a Chinese feast at home with my family, and of course, Wally’s for cheese fries.
While I’m sad to see some of those childhood favorites are no longer around, when I drive through Park Ridge now, I can’t believe how the food culture has grown. This lovely, little northwest suburb of Chicago offers a variety of delicious food options, for any time of day. No matter your taste preferences or dietary restrictions, there’s something tasty waiting for you.
I still love the old favorites, but in the past several years, the booming foodie culture has certainly expanded my list of go-to restaurants. If you’re not hungry already, this list is sure to change that!
1. Mac’s Restaurant
Mac’s Restaurant is a Park Ridge restaurant staple. Open since 1959, it is known for having the best breakfast around. They have perfected the basics from pancakes to omelets. And their lunch menu keeps customers coming well into the afternoon.
Located right off the Cumberland highway exit and across the street from the Cumberland Blue Line station, the location is super convenient for everyone; including someone getting off of third shift, a young party-goer just ending a night out, or families looking to fill bellies before heading downtown for the day.
Who doesn’t love a hearty breakfast?
Mac’s Restaurant · 812 W Higgins Rd · (847) 696-2950
2. Lola’s Diner
Number two brings us to another breakfast and lunch favorite. Lola’s gives hungry patrons a 1950s diner experience, complete with a checkerboard floor and padded, teal seats, stools, and booths. When you eat at Lola’s you know your food is prepared with fresh ingredients and a lot of love.
My son would like to give a shout-out to the rainbow crunch french toast! Great food, generous portions, and reasonable prices will keep you coming back again and again.
Lola’s Diner · 920 Busse Hwy · (847) 518-5226
3. Blue Ridge Korean BBQ
Let’s dive into uptown Park Ridge restaurants with Blue Ridge Korean Barbeque. The space is small, but the flavor is BIG. This is a great place to grab a quick lunch or carry out for a mouth-watering meal at home. The menu is concise, and so each item is clearly thought-out and cooked to perfection.
Never had Korean barbeque? Regular favorites include dumplings, bulgogi, and Korean pancakes.
Blue Ridge Korean BBQ · 49 Summit Ave · (847) 696-7752
4. Sonny’s Express
Another lunchtime and carryout favorite is Sonny’s Express. Growing up, “Sonny’s” was a short walk from my house, and across from my elementary school. I have fond memories of special lunch dates, eating the best pizza, with my mom or dad, while watching the kids at school during recess.
Well, these popular owners have switched names and locations a few times, but Sonny’s (Express) remains a favorite of the locals. Like many families, we love that they now offer family specials that you can customize to include pizza, pasta, and salad.
Sonny’s Express · 141 Vine Ave · (224) 585-6145
5. Daniel’s Charcueterie
While Sonny’s was a long-time favorite, this next one is one of the newer hotspots in town. Let’s be honest, everybody loves charcuterie these days. Daniel’s makes it easy to impress and enjoy with hand-crafted charcuterie boards, plus sandwiches, salads, and sommelier-selected wines to go with it all.
With many international imports, you know that they are serving each item with a purpose.
Daniel’s Charcuterie · 15 S Fairview Ave · (224) 585-6100
6. Thaleiva’s Indian Kitchen
So far we’ve hit Italian and Korean. Next up; Indian. Thaleiva’s delivers mouth-watering smells (that drift down the block), spicy flavors, and a great lunch special for both vegetarians and meatatarians!
This is your place for authentic, South Indian cuisine. We’re talking idli, biryani, paneer… all the good stuff. It’s clear that this family is giving you a piece of their home.
Bonus: it’s BYOB!
Thaleiva’s Indian Kitchen · 116 Main St · (224) 585-6034
7. Pennyville Station
Let’s head next door to Pennyville. At first look, I love this place for its mismatched, and beautiful, tables, chairs, and tableware. It makes you feel like you are entering someone’s home.
Pennyville isn’t just nice to look at though. This farm-to-table, new American restaurant has an exciting rotating menu. Their thoughtfully and responsibly crafted food and drink options are a hit with any crowd.
Pennyville Station · 112 Main St · (847) 720-4841
8. The Harp and Fiddle
Heading just one more door down, we join our Irish neighbors at The Harp and Fiddle. Here, you can find everything you want in a neighborhood joint. Comfort food (with an upscale flare), an outdoor patio, live music, and plenty of beer!
If you’re looking for an Irish spot with shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and a proper Guinness pour, this is it. If you’re looking for an upscale American bar/restaurant with grilled artichokes, baked salmon, and a cocktail, this is also it!
The Harp and Fiddle · 110 Main St · (847) 720-4466
9. Hay Caramba
Welcome to another Park Ridge staple. Hay Caramba has been serving margaritas, enchiladas, tacos, and more for almost 40 years. We love it for the table-side guacamole cart, the strong family vibes, and of course, the food.
In addition, there’s a good amount of outdoor seating where you have a view of uptown and the passers-by, as well as an upstairs area for private events.
Hay Carumba · 122 S Prospect Ave · (847) 518-0747
10. Shakou
If you’re looking for urban vibes in the ‘burbs, check out Shakou. Along with the upbeat music and sophisticated decor, this restaurant serves up a wide variety of Asian classics, and plenty of classics with a twist.
Choose from colorful salads, fresh sushi, seared meats and fish, and more. With such an extensive menu, you’ll be planning your next visit before you leave.
Personally, I love the bento boxes which give a sampling of several of their specialties.
Shakou · 130 S Prospect Ave · (773) 441-9900
11. Holt’s
Looking for another uptown, alfresco dining option? Look no further than Holt’s. On nice days, you’ll find that the outdoors is brought in, with big, open windows.
Aside from fresh air, they offer great food and drinks too. They take sandwiches, salads, and pizzas, and make them all unique and amazing. Don’t get me wrong, you can get the basics, like a pepperoni pizza or a cheeseburger. But you can also take it up a notch with options like elote pizza, a steak sandwich, and a meatball salad.
Holt’s · 43 S Prospect Ave · (847) 720-4484
12. Pazzi Di Pizza
I’ll be honest, when the Pickwick Restaurant closed, I had a moment of mourning. But I couldn’t help but be pleased when Pazzi Di Pizza moved into the space. They had me at warm bread and wine, but the homemade pasta and family vibes were more than appreciated.
This is also a great spot for a group with an easy-access private party menu and space.
Pazzi Di Pizza · 1 S Prospect Ave · (847) 696-7744
13. Silvers Bar and Grill
Fairly new in town, Silvers has quickly become a go-to place for my family. The clean, casual environment and great prices make this the perfect spot for our crew of little minions as well as adults with good taste!
Favorites in our family include the salmon BLT and Grecian chicken. Oh, and we’ve been known to thoroughly enjoy the complimentary bread basket!
Silvers Bar and Grill · 104 Euclid Ave · (847) 268-2010
14. Zaza Cucina
Step foot into Zaza’s, and you’re immediately welcomed with open arms, often by the owner herself. This is a place to bring family or friends to enjoy hearty Italian cuisine. But you’ll also find that they deliver excellent handcrafted cocktails.
And my favorite part? Housemade desserts! You’re sure to leave with a full belly and a warm heart.
Zaza Cucina · 608 W Touhy Ave Unit C2 · (224) 585-6155
15. More Than Pasta
I know what you’re thinking… “another Italian place?” But More than Pasta offers a unique twist on your pasta experience. Think, Chipotle, but with pasta instead of burritos.
Start by picking from homemade pasta or risotto, then add your sauce and other sumptuous toppings like mushrooms or mini meatballs.
Folks, this is some high-quality fast food right here!
More Than Pasta · 105 S NW Hwy · (847) 720-4447
16. Blufish Sushi Bistro
Sushi is popular, so I thought it appropriate to add one more sushi option to our list. Blufish prides itself on being a blend of traditional and modern. You’ll find this in both the atmosphere and the menu.
Dimly lit with elegant decor, beautifully presented food, and of course, both traditional and modern flavors, Blufish makes for a lovely date spot or an impressive place to take friends.
Blufish Sushi Bistro · 550 W Touhy Ave · (847) 720-4479
17. Panino’s Pizzeria
I would be remiss if I didn’t include a favorite local pizza joint on this list. Don’t get me wrong, Panino’s offers other Italian and American entrees, paninis, and pastas. But when I think of Panino’s I picture several large, thin-crust pizzas, displayed on the kitchen counters of close friends or family with plenty of smiling people all around.
This is absolutely a go-to for your carryout pizza nights.
Panino’s Pizzeria · 28 S Fairview Ave · (847) 823-3450
18. Shawarma Inn
Well, we have finally moved away from our Uptown favorites. Welcome to the South side of town and to another favorite spot for our family. Shawarma Inn is a family-owned, authentic Middle Eastern restaurant, known for its excellent prices, excellent food, and excellent portions.
The men in my family flock to the meat combination plate, while I devour the vegetarian combination. It all includes rice, salad, and incredible soup.
Need to feed a party? We know from experience that their catering is a crowd-pleaser.
Shawarma Inn · 715 E Devon Ave · (847) 692-7772
19. Easy Street Pizza
Second of our trio on Devon Avenue is Easy Street Pizza. Easy Street took the place of a beloved Park Ridge favorite, Perry’s. Perry’s regulars continue to hit up this location for the new pizza in town. But don’t let the name fool you; Easy Street offers more than just pizza. Add a fun appetizer, loaded salad, or savory sandwich to your order. And don’t leave out the fried Oreos for dessert!
Ok, maybe not the best place for your diet, but a great place for good food with family and friends.
Easy Street Pizza · 711 Devon Ave · (847) 823-4422
20. Canton Tea Garden
To finish our south side trifecta, I introduce Canton Tea Garden. Everybody needs a good go-to Chinese restaurant, and for as long as I can remember, that’s exactly what Canton Tea Garden has been for my family.
While the dine-in experience has benefits too, we love to order a bunch of food to put in the middle of our kitchen table and serve family-style. We’ve tried most of the menu, but we always have to add egg rolls, the Hunan Combo, and House Egg Foo Young to our order.
Canton Tea Garden · 805 Devon Ave · (847) 823-2818
21. Nonna Silvia’s
Last, but certainly not least, is Nonna Silvia’s. On the contrary, it just might be my #1 Park Ridge restaurant. With so much good Italian in the neighborhood, this one stands out for the warm environment, sense of community, and of course, the authentic Italian food. Each item is prepared with fresh ingredients, is full of flavor, and will be presented to you with a smile.
We love to come here for all occasions; date night, dinner with friends or family, and special events, like an engagement party or a baby shower.
You can’t go wrong with Nonna Silvia’s!
Nonna Silvia’s · 1400 Canfield Rd · (847) 292-9970
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We did it. We made it through my top 21 Park Ridge, IL restaurants. I sure hope that something on my list piques your interest… or your taste buds.
Now, if you want something quick and familiar instead, Park Ridge can offer that too: Chipotle, Panera, Five Guys, subway, etc. But if you have the time, pick a local favorite from this list for a truly special, and yummy, experience. See you there!
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