Wheaton and Glen Ellyn boast several good restaurants, and the surrounding area teems with quality dining options.
Following is a listing of restaurants that have been recently reviewed in the Chicago Tribune. Restaurants with star ratings have been visited at least twice by a Tribune restaurant critic; restaurants with fork ratings have been visited once by a Tribune staffer.
Credit card abbreviations are: A, American Express; DC, Diners Club; DS, Discover; M, MasterCard; V, Visa.
Wheaton and Glen Ellyn restaurants
CAB’S, 434 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, 630-942-9463. The name is short for cabernet, so not surprisingly, this new restaurant is serious about its wine. But the imaginative American food is worth a look too. Recommended: Chorizo-stuffed mushrooms, smoked salmon corn cakes, chocolate torte. Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat. Entree prices: $10-$18. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Strongly recommended. Other: Wheelchair accessible. Three forks
GLEN ELLYN BREWING CO., 433 Main St., Glen Ellyn, 630-942-1140. This microbrewery goes way beyond basic pub grub with an ambitious hit-and-miss menu. Beers are well-crafted. Recommended: Broccoli-cheese soup, roasted-garlic-and-Beer-Nut-goat-cheese appetizer, steak salad. Open: Lunch, dinner daily. Entree prices: $6.95-$17.95. Credit cards: A, M, V. Reservations: Accepted. Noise: Conversation-friendly. Two forks
KI’S, 705 North Ave., Glen Ellyn, 630-469-4757. This pleasant restaurant has survived 68 years at this location. Recommended: Raspberry shrimp, walleye pike, ice brandy. Open: Lunch, dinner daily. Entree prices: $11-$19.95. Credit cards: A, DC, M, V. Reservations: Recommended lunch and weekends. Other: Live music Fridays and Saturdays. One fork
LES DEUX GROS, 462 Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn, 630-469-4002. The name–roughly translated, the Two Fat Guys–is a reference to girthsome owners Tom and Michael Lachowicz, who own and operate this sunny gem. Michael is the well-traveled chef; he delights patrons with indulgent ingredients cooked with considerable style. A well-thought-out wine list and understated professional service are big pluses. Recommended: Crab-salmon parfait, lobster-scallop ravioli, bouillabaisse, grilled quail. Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun. Entree prices: $19-$25. Credit cards: A, DC, M, V. Reservations: Recommended. Noise: Conversation-friendly. Other: Wheelchair accessible, smoking in bar only. (star) (star)
MYKHA’S RESTAURANT, 476 Forest Ave., Glen Ellyn, 630-469-6243. An appealing, moderately priced Vietnamese-French restaurant highlighted by the culinary artistry of owner Mykha Trinh. Recommended: Crisp asparagus with avocado sauce, Vietnamese eggrolls, crispy duck, grilled scallops, creme brulee. Open: Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Entree prices: $9.75-$18. Credit cards: M, V. Reservations: Recommended. Other: Wheelchair accessible. Three forks
REDFISH, 51 Town Square, Wheaton, 630-588-9158. This Cajun/Creole restaurant affects a New Orleans look and sound; the menu, despite the occasional miss, generally rings true as well. Recommended: Crabcakes, Cajun meatloaf, collard greens, catfish fry. Open: Lunch, dinner daily. Entree prices: $9.95-$17.95. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Accepted. Other: Wheelchair accessible. Two forks
Area restaurants
ANTHONY’S ITALIAN CHOP HOUSE, Hyatt Regency Oakbrook, 1909 Spring Rd., Oak Brook, 630-472-6100. Like its calm, geometric decor, the Italian-accented menu isn’t bold or innovative, but it’s a capable business-lunch alternative for the area. Recommended: Stuffed eggplant, grilled swordfish. Open: Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Entree prices: $8.75-$29.50. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Accepted. Other: Wheelchair accessible. Two forks
BISTRO BANLIEUE, 44 Yorktown Convenience Center, Lombard, 630-629-6560. This charming bistro has reopened after a summer-long remodeling and expansion. The dining room has been redone in warm yellows and handsome wood trim. The menu remains essentially unchanged, and still includes petite-portioned entrees for smaller appetites. Recommended: Potato-leek soup, pheasant-quail salad, poached pear, pumpkin roll. Open: Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Entree prices: $10.95-$21.95. Credit cards: DS, M, V. Reservations: Recommended on weekends. Other: Wheelchair accessible. (star) (star)
BUCA DI BEPPO, 90 Yorktown Rd., Lombard, 630-932-7673. Expect abundant, made-to-share portions at this big, boisterous eatery serving Italian favorites. Part of a chain, this location boasts nine dining rooms; if you want to be in the epicenter of the bustle, request the kitchen booth. Recommended: Bruschetta, Buca chicken vesuvio, pastas, cannoli. Open: Dinner daily. Entree prices: $14.95-$19.95. Credit cards: A, DC, M, V. Reservations: Accepted. Noise: Conversation-challenged. Other: private party rooms, carryout. Three forks
CAFE PARISIEN, 696 W. North Ave., Elmhurst, 630-279-3310. This venerable French restaurant (though Continental describes the menu better) has been pleasing diners for 25 years. Recommended: Duck flambe, beef stroganoff, strawberries flambe. Open: Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Entree prices: $9-$22. Credit cards: A, DC, M, V. Reservations: Recommended. Other: Wheelchair accessible. One fork
CARZZ GRILLERIA, 216 S. Washington St., Naperville, 630-778-1944. Sizzle and salsa are the themes at this fine addition to Naperville’s burgeoning dining scene. While Cajun is the predominant influence, the unusual salsas that accompany many of the dishes add a Carribean kick. Recommended: Grilled, chilled shrimp, blackened amberjack, grilled salmon, peanut butter pie. Open: Lunch Tues.-Fri., dinner Tues.-Sun. Entree prices: $9.95-$16.95. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Accepted for four or more on weekends. Three forks
CHINN’S 34TH STREET FISHERY, 3011 W. Ogden Ave., Lisle, 630-637-1777. The nephew of the legendary Bob Chinn demonstrates that seafood expertise runs in the family–Stan Chinn even copies his uncle’s habit of displaying the day’s bills of lading to advertise his seafood’s freshness. Recommended: Garlic shrimp, grilled ahi tuna. Open: Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Entree prices: $9.95-$38.95. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Accepted Sun.-Thurs. Other: Wheelchair accessible. Two forks
COPA CUBANA, 224 S. Main St., Naperville, 630-983-2672. A converted laundromat has become a stylish storefront where chef Michael Munoz creates captivating Cuban cuisine. His dishes are traditional, distinguished more by textures and intense aromas rather than heat; spice is a subtle layer rather than a dominant force. Recommended: Congri, lobster paella, empanadas de langosta, ropa vieja. Open: Lunch, dinner Tues.-Sun. Entree prices: $10.25-$21.95. Credit cards: A, V, M, DS, DC. Reservations: Recommended. Noise: Conversation-friendly. Other: Wheelchair accessible. Four forks
COSTA’S, 1 S 130 Summit Ave., Oakbrook Terrace, 630-620-1100. Very good cooking and extremely friendly service characterizes this Greek spot, whose spacious dining room is done in terra-cotta and white tones with oak trim; other niceties include white tablecloths and live piano music. Recommended: Stuffed calamari, shrimp piperates, taramosalata, whole sea bass, Athenian chicken, ek-mek katafi. Open: Lunch, dinner daily.. Entree prices: $9.75-$26.95. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Recommended. Other: Wheelchair accessible, live piano music Wed.-Sat., free valet parking. (star) (star)
DAVID’S FRENCH COUNTRY BISTRO, 10 W. Jackson St., Naperville, 630-548-3333. Formerly at Montparnasse, chef David Olan now has his own place, a worthy addition to a very competitive local dining landscape. Recommended: Gary’s onion soup, oven-dried pear risotto. Open: Lunch Tues.-Fri., dinner Tues.-Sun. Entree prices: $16-$24. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Recommended. Noise: Conversation-friendly. Other: Catering. Two forks
DEL DEBBIO’S, 908 Ogden Ave., Lisle, 630-960-4542. A moderately priced charmer with a usual-suspects menu enhanced by interesting specials. Recommended: Veal vesuvio, spinach ravioli, angel-devil cheesecake. Open: Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Entree prices: $6.95-$16.50. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Recommended on weekends. Two forks
GIANNOTTI’S STEAK HOUSE WEST, 17 W 400 22nd St., Oakbrook Terrace, 630-833-2700. This Italian steakhouse is traditional, comfortable–and usually packed. Recommended: Stuffed artichoke, pork chops, prosciutto-stuffed veal. Open: Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Entree prices: $11.95-$27.95. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Strongly recommended. Two forks
HOUSE OF EMPEROR, 1212 S. Naper Blvd., Naperville, 630-983-8284. The variety of dishes, especially seafood, is served with a breadth, sophistication and attention to service that many Chinatown establishments lack. Recommended: Stuffed crab claws, Emperor’s Special, Peking pork chop. Open: Lunch, dinner daily. Entree prices: $7-$24. Credit cards: A, M, V. Reservations: Accepted. Other: Wheelchair accessible, carryout available. Four forks
J. ALEXANDER’S, 1410 16th St., Oak Brook, 630-573-8180. A chain that breaks the chain mold, this American concept impresses from its attentive service to its far-beyond-ordinary food. Recommended: House salad, grilled salmon, lime chicken, Very Best chocolate cake. Open: Lunch, dinner daily. Entree prices: $10.95-$25. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Not accepted. Other: Wheelchair accessible. Four forks
JOE’S CRAB SHACK, 1461 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove, 630-960-2033. This popular seafood chain (there also are Schaumburg and Chicago locations) attracts diners’ attention with colored lights, silk tropical plants, funky decorative touches–and the food. There is lots of crab on the menu, plus everything from coconut shrimp to pastas. Bargain-priced specials are a big draw. Recommended: Shrimp quesadillas, snow crab, king crab. Open: Lunch, dinner daily. Entree prices: $8.99-$26.99 Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Not accepted. Other: Wheelchair accessible. Two forks
KERRY PIPER IRISH PUB, 7900 Joliet Rd., Willowbrook, 630-325-3732. Like a shamrock in a meadow of grass, the Kerry Piper is a welcoming addition to a dining scene crowded with generic chain restaurants. Hidden on a frontage road, it beckons with warmth, fun and satisfying food and drink. Recommended: Bacon and cheddar collops, meatloaf with Irish whiskey sauce, shrimp cocktail steamed in ale, Shepherd’s pie, smoked salmon, Gaelic steak, flourless chocolate cake, Bailey’s cheesecake. Open: Lunch, dinner daily. Entree prices: $10-$14. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Not accepted. Noise: Conversation-friendly. Three forks
KEY WESTER FISH & PASTA HOUSE, 1975 Glacier Park Rd., Naperville, 630-778-8700. Palm trees, manmade lagoons with swans, illuminated geysers–and that’s just the outside of this 500-seat, glitzy seafood shanty, whose menu has predictable Caribbean influences, but also Cajun and straightforward American touches. Recommended: Rosa del mar, gumbo, blackened tuna, chocolate basket. Open: Lunch, dinner daily. Entree prices: $9.95-$32.95. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Accepted. Other: Wheelchair accessible. Three forks
LA SORELLA DI FRANCESCA, 18 W. Jefferson St., Naperville, 630-961-2706. The dining room is crowded and extremely noisy. The waits–no reservations are accepted–on weekends are 90 minutes or more. And yet people flock to this restaurant, principally because Scott Harris’ food–big-portioned, low-priced and generally quite good–is worth a little wait, and because downtown Naperville is a pleasant enough place to wait around in. Recommended: Bruschetta, asparagus salad, quattro stagioni pizza, sauteed grouper, vitello sassi. Open: Dinner daily. Entree prices: $8.95-$19.95. Credit cards: M, V. Reservations: Not accepted. Other: Wheelchair accessible (rear entrance via ramp). (star) (star)
LAS BELLAS ARTES, 112 W. Park Ave., Elmhurst, 630-530-7725. After years of serving dinner as a once-a-month, then a weekend-only event, this fine-dining Mexican has blossomed into a full-service operation–good news for lovers of serious Mexican food, a rare commodity in the western suburbs. It’s not cheap, but the prix-fixe dinner ($32, five courses) is a good value. Recommended: Smoked-shrimp beignets, black bean soup, mole Amarillo, shrimp-scallops tower, apple crisp, dessert trio. Open: Dinner Tues.-Sat., brunch Sun. Entree prices: $14.50-$27. Credit cards: A, DS, MC, V. Reservations: Strongly recommended. (star) (star)
MAGNUM’S STEAK & LOBSTER, 777 E. Butterfield Rd., Lombard, 630-573-1010. Despite the macho name, this steakhouse is sophisticated and civilized. The decor is stylish, service is knowing (if a bit by-the-numbers) and the steaks are first rate. Do be prepared to deal with noise: It’s deafening on weekends. Recommended: Ribeye steak, Kansas City strip steak, lamb chops, veal chop. Open: Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Entree prices: $15.95-$75. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Other: Wheelchair accessible, valet parking available. (star) (star)
THE MELTING POT, 17 W 633 Roosevelt Rd., Oakbrook Terrace, 630-495-5778. Fondue dining is flourishing here in an intimate atmosphere. Recommended: Kirschwasser cheese fondue, Classic fondue dinner for two, chocolate fondue. Open: Dinner daily. Entree prices: $12.99-$22.99. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Noise: Conversation-friendly. Reservations: Recommended on weekends. Other: Private parties. Three forks
MESSINA’S, 30 S. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills, 630-655-9917. From the tasteful decor to the well-prepared pastas, Messina’s establishes itself as a serious restaurant. You won’t find cutting-edge cuisine here, rather compelling renditions of Italian favorites. Recommended: Grilled calamari, pastina, veal cannelloni, tiramisu. Open: Dinner daily. Entree prices: $7.95-$18.95. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Recommended. Other: Wheelchair accessible. Two forks
PARKERS’ OCEAN GRILL, 1000 31st St., Downers Grove, 630-960-5701. A strikingly handsome seafood restaurant with mahogany-clad walls, hardwood floors and white linen-topped tables. The globally influenced menu offers few surprises, but most dishes are capably executed, and the service is attentive and well trained. Recommended: Crab cakes, cedar-roasted sturgeon, cioppino, chocolate gateau. Open: Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Entree prices: $17-$31. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Recommended. Noise rating: Conversation-friendly. Other: Wheelchair accessible, no smoking in dining room, complimentary valet parking. (star) (star)
SALBUTE, 20 E. 1st St., Hinsdale, 630-920-8077. A tiny (25 seats) BYOB Mexican restaurant with boldly seasoned food, Salbute is fun, brash, and definitely something different for Hinsdale. Recommended: Seabass with blackberry sauce, chazumba, salbute, porto-chipo. Open: Lunch, dinner Mon.-Sat. Entree prices: $9.50-$19.95. Credit cards: A, DS, M, V. Reservations: Strongly recommended. Other: BYOB, carryout available. Four forks
TOMMY R’S, 114 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, 630-789-6900. Bright fuchsia and turquoise color the walls and ceilings of this casual Italian eatery, featuring pizza, pasta and family specialties. Recommended: Tomato-gorgonzola salad, Italian quesadillas, chicken angel hair. Open: Lunch, dinner daily.. Entree prices: $3.95-$10.95. Credit cards: A, M, V. Reservations: Accepted. Other: BYOB, carryout available. Two forks
TRATTORIA AURORA, 837 S. Westmore Ave., Eastgate Shopping Center, Lombard, 630-261-8500. Classic trattoria recipes are the basis for this surprisingly quaint cafe, where teal stucco walls showcase vintage Italian art and the tunes of Frank Sinatra hang in the air. Recommended: Pizza quattro formaggio appetizer, ravioli with red pepper sauce, linguini with red clam sauce, rack of lamb Vesuvio, cannelloni. Open: Lunch, dinner Tues.-Sat. Entree prices: $9.50-$16.50. Credit cards: A, M, V. Reservations: Recommended. Other: Carryout available. Two forks
TUSCANY, 1425 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, 630-990-1993. This is the largest of Phil Stefani’s three Tuscany restaurants (the others are in Chicago). But even with four dining rooms, if you don’t have reservations you’ll spend a lot of time at the bar. Recommended: Shrimp with polenta, rack of lamb Vesuvio, veal scallopini, fruitta di bosco. Open: Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Entree prices; $8.75-$26.95. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Recommended. Other: Wheelchair accessible. Three forks
VIVALDI TRATTORIA, 5141 Main St., Downers Grove, 630-434-7700. An inviting spot with the feel of a neighborhood trattoria and the look of a sophisticated city spot. The menu won’t win points for originality, but most everything is capably rendered. The unfailingly attentive and personable service adds to the experience. Recommended: Fried calamari, bruschetta, asparagus salad, linguini Toscana, veal medallions. Open: Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner daily. Entree prices: $11.95-$20.95. Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V. Reservations: Accepted for parties of 6 or more Fri.-Sat. Other: Wheelchair accessible. (star) (star)
ZANDER’S CAFE, 2241 Maple Ave. Downers Grove, 630-435-9520. The homestyle dishes created here go way beyond the usual definition of homestyle. And there’s no scrimping on ingredients or portions. Recommended: Chicken Vienna, whitefish with artichoke hearts, roasted vegetable quesadillas, bananas foster. Open: Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tues.-Sat. Entree prices: $5.95-$12. Credit cards: A, M, V. Reservations: Not accepted. Other: Wheelchair accessible, carryout available, catering. Four forks
