10 Best Peoria Restaurants
The top restaurants in Peoria include The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern, Jonah’s Seafood House, Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer, Connected, Sugar Wood Fired Bistro, One World Cafe, Jim’s Steakhouse, Avanti’s Italian Restaurant, Hacienda El Mirador, and Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery. The city is a destination for classic Midwestern fare, including the Horseshoe sandwich, which is a specialty in the state of Illinois. Long-standing establishments like Jim's Steakhouse have defined the local dining culture for decades.
Peoria’s food offerings are concentrated in areas like the downtown Riverfront district and the village of Peoria Heights. These districts feature a mix of casual taverns, barbecue joints, and upscale bistros. The best restaurants in Peoria IL showcase cuisines like American steakhouse, Italian, and barbecue, reflecting the city's culinary traditions. The general atmosphere is grounded in hearty, unpretentious comfort food.
Peoria is located in Central Illinois, situated along the Illinois River. This location provides a scenic backdrop for several restaurants. Among the top places to eat in Peoria, The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern stands out for its creative barbecue, unique depot location, and popular duck fat fries. A top fast-food choice is the regional favorite Culver's, known for its ButterBurgers. For those seeking the best places to eat in Peoria IL for fine dining, Connected is a premier option, offering classic Italian food and live piano music in a formal setting.
10 Best Peoria Restaurants are listed below.
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1
Thyme Kitchen and Craft BeerThyme Kitchen and Craft Beer is a contemporary American restaurant with a focus on seasonal, chef-driven dishes and a large selection of craft beers. The atmosphere is upscale-casual and modern, with an open kitchen design.- Item Prices 91
- Average Item Price $15.66
Type of Restaurant:Contemporary American, Gastropub
Type of Food:Modern American
Signature Dishes:The menu is seasonal, but staples include the Thyme Burger, Pan-Seared Scallops, and unique flatbreads.
Location:736 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606
Special Feature:The restaurant features an extensive, curated list of craft beers available on tap and in bottles, selected to complement the food menu.
What Makes It Special:The kitchen emphasizes from-scratch cooking using high-quality, fresh ingredients, resulting in an elevated and inventive menu that changes throughout the year.
What Sets It Apart:Thyme combines a fine-dining approach to its food menu with the relaxed, accessible atmosphere of a craft beer bar.
Operating Hours:Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMSaturday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Price:Sandwiches range from $15 to $18 per person
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2
Connected RestaurantConnected Restaurant is a fine-dining establishment in Peoria, IL, known for its upscale Italian and American steakhouse cuisine. Signature menu...- Item Prices 33
- Average Item Price $16.70
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining, Italian Steakhouse
Type of Food:Italian, Steak
Signature Dishes:Garbage Salad, Bone-In Ribeye, Veal Parmesan, Homemade Pastas
Location:3218 N Dries Ln, Peoria, IL 61604
Special Feature:The restaurant features a pianist who performs nightly, contributing to its classic, sophisticated ambiance.
What Makes It Special:Connected is a destination for special occasions, offering a traditional fine-dining experience with attentive, professional service and a menu of well-executed Italian-American classics.
What Sets It Apart:It maintains an old-school, formal dining atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the Peoria fine-dining scene for many years.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:Price ranges from $15 to $60.
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3
Sugar Wood Fired BistroPizzaSugar Wood Fired Bistro is a restaurant centered around its wood-fired oven, which is used to cook the majority of its menu items. The interior is cozy and rustic, with a menu that includes pizzas, sandwiches, and entrees.- Item Prices 78
- Average Item Price $13.12
Type of Restaurant:Bistro, Pizzeria
Type of Food:American, Pizza
Signature Dishes:Margherita Pizza, Fig and Prosciutto Pizza, Wood Fired Salmon, Meatloaf
Location:826 SW Adams St, Peoria, IL 61602
Special Feature:The centerpiece of the restaurant is its large, blue-tiled wood-fired oven, which is visible to guests and imparts a distinct smoky flavor to the food.
What Makes It Special:The dedication to the wood-fired cooking technique provides a unique flavor profile across a menu that extends well beyond just pizza.
What Sets It Apart:Sugar Wood Fired Bistro is one of the few restaurants in the area that applies the wood-fired method to a full range of American bistro fare, from appetizers to desserts.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:$11 to $30 per person
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4
One World CafePizza Burgers Coffee Takeout Lunch Breakfast Pickup American (New) Sandwich Breakfast & Brunch Family Friendly Group FriendlyOne World Cafe is a long-standing Peoria eatery with a casual, eclectic, and artsy atmosphere. It is known for its large and diverse menu that draws inspiration from global cuisines, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.- Item Prices 516
- Average Item Price $9.42
Type of Restaurant:Cafe, Casual Dining
Type of Food:Global, American, Eclectic
Signature Dishes:The Pile (breakfast dish), Zorba the Greek Sandwich, Gado Gado Salad, Black Bean Burger
Location:1245 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606
Special Feature:The menu is exceptionally large, offering hundreds of items and catering to a wide range of dietary needs, including many vegetarian and vegan options.
What Makes It Special:For decades, One World has been a counter-culture hub in Peoria, beloved for its laid-back vibe and a menu that guarantees something for everyone.
What Sets It Apart:Its combination of a massive, globally-inspired menu, a funky and relaxed environment, and its status as a local institution makes it a unique fixture in the city.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PMFriday - Saturday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PMSunday: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Price:Entrees range from $14.99 to $24.99 per person
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5
Hacienda El MiradorHacienda El Mirador is a Mexican restaurant located in Peoria Heights, perched on a bluff overlooking the Illinois River valley. It serves traditional Mexican cuisine in a festive atmosphere with both indoor dining and a large outdoor patio.- Item Prices 250
- Average Item Price $9.37
Type of Restaurant:Mexican, Casual Dining
Type of Food:Mexican
Signature Dishes:Molcajete, Fajitas, Carne Asada, Margaritas
Location:5805 N. Humboldt Ave., Peoria, IL 61614
Special Feature:The restaurant's main draw is its expansive outdoor patio, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and river valley.
What Makes It Special:It combines authentic, family-recipe Mexican food with one of the most scenic dining views available in the Central Illinois area.
What Sets It Apart:The view is its defining characteristic. No other Mexican restaurant in the region offers the same combination of food and a dramatic, elevated perspective of the landscape.
Operating Hours:Sunday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price:$11 to $30 per person
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6
The Blue Duck Barbecue TavernThe Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern is located in the historic Peoria Depot building in the city's riverfront district. It serves barbecue with creative twists, moving beyond a single regional style. The atmosphere is casual and rustic, fitting its tavern name and location.Type of Restaurant:Barbecue, Gastropub
Type of Food:American Barbecue, Comfort Food
Signature Dishes:Brisket, Burnt Ends, Duck Fat Fries, Pork Belly Poutine
Location:212 SW Water St, Peoria, IL 61602
Special Feature:The restaurant is known for its Duck Fat Fries, which are blanched and then fried in rendered duck fat for a distinct flavor and crispness.
What Makes It Special:The menu is chef-driven, offering unique interpretations of barbecue classics and incorporating Asian and other culinary influences into its side dishes and specials.
What Sets It Apart:Instead of adhering to one style like Texas or Kansas City BBQ, The Blue Duck creates its own unique flavor profiles and offers a menu that changes with seasonal ingredient availability.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:House specialties range from $11.95 to $14.95 per person
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7
Jonah’s Seafood HouseJonah’s Seafood House is a long-standing restaurant in East Peoria situated on the banks of the Illinois River. It features a main dining room and an attached oyster bar with a more casual, market-style feel. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and river views.Type of Restaurant:Seafood, Steakhouse
Type of Food:Seafood, American
Signature Dishes:"The Whale" (Jumbo Breaded Pork Tenderloin), Oysters on the Half Shell, Fresh Grouper, Crab Cakes
Location:2601 N Main St, East Peoria, IL 61611
Special Feature:The attached Jonah's Oyster Bar offers a fresh selection of oysters from different regions, served raw or steamed in a casual, first-come, first-served setting.
What Makes It Special:For over 40 years, Jonah's has built a reputation for flying in fresh seafood daily, providing a consistent seafood dining experience in Central Illinois.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of a traditional seafood and steakhouse dining room with a separate, authentic oyster bar and a prime riverfront location makes it a unique destination.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:Oyster bar range from $11.90 to $37.80 per person
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8
Jim’s SteakhouseJim's Steakhouse is a classic, traditional American steakhouse that has been operating in downtown Peoria since 1960. The restaurant has a dark, intimate, and formal atmosphere with wood-paneled walls and private booths.Type of Restaurant:Steakhouse, Fine Dining
Type of Food:American, Steak
Signature Dishes:Filet Mignon, French Onion Soup, Steak de Burgo, Twice Baked Potato
Location:110 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61602
Special Feature:The restaurant maintains its original mid-century, old-school steakhouse decor and ambiance, offering a glimpse into a past era of fine dining.
What Makes It Special:Jim's is one of Peoria's original fine dining establishments, known for its consistency, professional service, and high-quality steaks.
What Sets It Apart:It delivers the quintessential, traditional American steakhouse experience, unchanged by modern trends, making it a historic and reliable choice for classic fine dining.
Operating Hours:Monday - Saturday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$18 to $37 per person
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9
Avanti’s Italian RestaurantAvanti's Italian Restaurant is a family-owned, casual dining establishment that has been a Peoria institution since 1966. It is known for its simple, consistent Italian-American fare, particularly its sandwiches served on sweet, freshly baked bread.Type of Restaurant:Casual, Family-Style
Type of Food:Italian-American
Signature Dishes:Gondola Sandwich, Lasagna, Pizza Bread
Location:407 S. Main St., Normal, Peoria, IL 61761
Special Feature:The restaurant is famous for its homemade sweet bread, which is baked fresh daily and is the foundation of its popular sandwiches.
What Makes It Special:Avanti's has served the Peoria community for over 50 years, making it a nostalgic and beloved spot for generations of local families and Bradley University students.
What Sets It Apart:The unique, slightly sweet flavor of its signature bread, combined with a simple and affordable menu, distinguishes Avanti's as a foundational Peoria dining experience.
Operating Hours:Monday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:Pasta and Pizza range from $11.15 to $24.30 per person
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10
Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery and EateryObed and Isaac’s is a microbrewery and restaurant housed in a beautifully restored and repurposed historic church. It serves a menu of elevated American pub fare alongside its own craft beers.Type of Restaurant:Brewpub, Gastropub
Type of Food:American, Pub Fare
Signature Dishes:Horseshoe Sandwich, Scotch Eggs, Beer Battered Fish and Chips, The Steeple Burger
Location:321 NE Madison Ave, Peoria, IL 61603
Special Feature:The restaurant is located inside a historic stone church, and its grounds feature an expansive, dog-friendly outdoor beer garden with bocce ball courts and other games.
What Makes It Special:The grand and unique setting of the historic church, with its stained glass and high ceilings, provides a memorable backdrop for dining.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of the unique architectural setting, an on-site microbrewery, and a large, activity-focused beer garden makes it a destination unlike any other in Peoria.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:$14 to $18 per person
What Food is Peoria Famous For?
Peoria is famous for Avanti's Gondola sandwich, pizza, and Horseshoe sandwich, a signature dish of Central Illinois. The dish is an open-faced sandwich made with thick-sliced toasted bread, a meat patty, French fries, and a cheese sauce. While not invented in Peoria, it is a staple of the local diet. The food Peoria IL offers is also defined by its classic Midwestern steakhouses and taverns. The location on the Illinois River means that some long-standing restaurants, like Jonah's Seafood House, specialize in seafood. The overall Peoria food identity is grounded in hearty American comfort food traditions.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Peoria?
A meal for one person at an inexpensive restaurant in Peoria costs between $15 and $20. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is between $60 and $90.
What are the Most Popular Fast-food Restaurants in Peoria?
Peoria's most popular fast-food restaurants include major national brands and strong regional chains like Culver's and Portillo's. These establishments are go-to spots for quick burgers, hot dogs, and frozen treats. A list of the most popular fast-food spots in Peoria is below.
- Culver's: A Wisconsin-based chain popular for its ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard, and cheese curds.
- Portillo's: A Chicago-area favorite known for its Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and chocolate cake shakes.
- Chick-fil-A: A top choice for its chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and milkshakes.
- Taco Bell: A destination for fast, Mexican-inspired items like tacos and burritos.
- McDonald's: A global standard for burgers and fries, with numerous locations in the area.
- Wendy's: Known for its square-patty burgers, chili, and Frosty desserts.
- Arby's: Popular for its roast beef sandwiches and curly fries.
- Steak 'n Shake: Famous for its thin, smashed-style Steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Peoria?
The following list of new restaurants in Peoria IL includes fresh local concepts and new locations for established eateries:
- The Balanced Bee: A health-focused cafe offering smoothies, acai bowls, salads, and wraps.
- Dac's Smokehouse at The Heights: A new, larger location for a local barbecue favorite, serving smoked meats and comfort food sides.
- Donnelly's Irish Pub (New Location): A long-standing Peoria pub that moved to a new, larger location, continuing to serve pub fare and drinks.
- Z-Fusion: A restaurant in Washington, IL, near Peoria, offering a menu that combines Asian and Latin American cuisines.
- The A-Frame: A new bar and grill in a distinctive A-frame building, serving burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers.
Are There Casual Restaurants in Downtown Peoria?
Yes, there are many casual restaurants in downtown Peoria. The area around the riverfront and the main business district offers a number of relaxed places for a meal. The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern, located in the Peoria Depot, provides a casual tavern atmosphere with a menu of creative barbecue. Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery, housed in a historic church, has a laid-back brewpub environment and a large beer garden. These and other downtown Peoria restaurants offer accessible options for lunch or a casual dinner.
Do Peoria Restaurants Require Reservations?
Yes and no, as reservation policies in Peoria depend entirely on the restaurant. Upscale fine-dining establishments like Connected and Jim's Steakhouse either require or strongly recommend reservations, especially for weekend evenings. Many popular mid-range food places Peoria IL also suggest calling ahead for larger groups or during peak hours. Most casual restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Peoria do not require reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is a Good Place to Get Dinner in Peoria?
For an upscale Italian dinner in Peoria IL, Connected is a top choice, known for its classic dishes, steaks, and live piano music in a formal setting. Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer is another of the best places to eat in Peoria IL for dinner, offering a modern, upscale-casual atmosphere with a menu of inventive, seasonal American food. For a more relaxed dinner, The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern serves chef-driven barbecue in a rustic tavern on the riverfront.
What Restaurants in Peoria Serve Vegan Food?
Peoria has restaurants that serve vegan food, including One World Cafe, The Balanced Bee, and Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer. One World Cafe has a large, eclectic menu with a dedicated section for vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as a black bean burger and tofu scrambles. The Balanced Bee is a health-focused cafe with many naturally vegan smoothies, acai bowls, and salads. Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer, an upscale-casual spot, offers inventive, chef-driven vegan options on its seasonal menu. Some Mexican and Thai restaurants in the area also provide vegetable-based dishes that can be prepared vegan upon request.
What Restaurants in Peoria Serve Gluten-Free Food?
Restaurants in Peoria that serve gluten-free food include Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer, The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern, and Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano. Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer clearly marks gluten-free options on its modern American menu and can make accommodations. The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern's smoked meats are gluten-free, and they offer several gluten-free side dishes. Biaggi's, an Italian chain, provides a separate gluten-free menu with a selection of pastas and entrees. Many other local restaurants can also accommodate gluten-free diets if notified.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in Peoria?
Peoria's most famous cuisines are American steakhouse and classic pub fare. The city's dining is rooted in Midwestern traditions of hearty, satisfying meals. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Peoria.
- American (Steakhouse & Tavern): Peoria has a long history of classic steakhouses like Jim's Steakhouse and taverns serving American comfort food. These establishments are known for high-quality steaks, burgers, and traditional entrees.
- Barbecue: The city has a strong barbecue presence, with restaurants like The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern and Dac's Smokehouse offering their own take on smoked meats, from brisket to ribs.
- Italian: Peoria has a number of Italian restaurants, ranging from fine-dining establishments like Connected to casual, family-friendly places serving pizza and pasta.
- Mexican: There is a solid selection of Mexican restaurants in the area, from casual taquerias to larger establishments like Hacienda El Mirador, known for its classic dishes and scenic views.
- Seafood: Due to its location on the Illinois River, Peoria has long-standing seafood restaurants. Jonah's Seafood House has been a destination for fresh fish, oysters, and other seafood for decades.
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