Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, from the warm simplicity of comfort food to high-class cuisine in the finest of restaurants. It has the power to create beautiful memories and bring people together under a common love shared by all those that appreciate a hearty meal. Take a foodie getaway near Starved Rock and enjoy everything the area has to offer with wonderful restaurants, bakeries, and breweries. Read on for our exclusive guide to some of the best eateries around with our personal recommendations, that way you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying delicious delights.
Breakfast & Pastries
Nonie’s Bakery & Café – A Utica staple, Nonie’s is the place to be for a little bit of everything, from fresh baked goods and fluffy Belgian waffles to succulent sandwiches and lunch wraps.
Ottawa Bakery – If you’re looking for the best baked goods in Ottawa then you’ve come to the right place! Everything is made in-house, including their coffee, and they even have gluten-free treats available for those with allergies.
Sunfield Diner – Enjoy a chill atmosphere with a wide variety of menu items and some of the best breakfasts in Ottawa. Includes an extensive selection with classics like biscuits and gravy, steak and eggs, full stacks of pancakes, omelets, and more!
Joy & Ed’s – Looking for a quick fix in Utica? Savory pub food and good vibes abound at Joy & Ed’s, a traditional American eatery with great breakfast and burgers.
Jeremiah Joe’s – For the best coffee in Ottawa look no further than Jeremiah Joe’s. The place to be for coffee aficionados, they are absolutely dedicated to the perfect cup and their coffee truly needs to be tasted to be believed.
Casual Eateries
Aces & Eight’s – One of Tonica’s coolest bars, you can kick back and enjoy a fun and vibrant atmosphere with juicy burgers, salty french fries, and other pub classics.
Flo’s On Pulaski – Grab some tasty BBQ, try one of their Instagram-worthy cocktails, and “go with the flo” at one of the best places to eat in Peru, IL.
Jake’s Pourhouse – Known for their incredible cheesesteaks, this is a great spot in LaSalle to grab a beer, check out a game, and dig into a nice rack of ribs.
Bianchi’s Pizza – A classic pizzeria in every sense of the word, they deal exclusively in pizza but you won’t find a better slice in Ottawa, or anywhere else nearby for that matter! Cash is king at Bianchi’s, so make sure and stop by an ATM as they don’t take anything else.
Tangled Roots – Local craft beer made with care and brewed “farm to foam” with all hops and barley sourced from their own farm in Ottawa. Their food is farm-to-table as well featuring pub-style cuisine with a refined presentation.
B.A.S.H. Burger and Sushi House – A quirky fusion of American and Japanese cuisine with an extensive cocktail menu and chill vibes.
Garzanelli’s Supper Club – Open Wednesday and Thursday evenings, this is the perfect place to grab a delicious plate of comfort food like fried chicken or hearty pasta.
Unique Dining Destinations
Cheese Shop ‘N’ Deli – Stock up on supplies for a picnic or grab lunch with a retro ambiance and great food.
Boba Lukes Beef & Pizza – If you happen to be headed to Illini State Park then we highly recommend a visit to Boba Lukes in nearby Marseilles for Chicago-style pizza, sandwiches, and more.
Cajun Connection – The best authentic Cajun joint around with many of the recipes coming from the owner’s family that grew up in the swamps of Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Nina’s Market Taqueria – A unique Mexican supermarket with fantastic Mexican food, perfect for a picnic or a lunch on the go.
Hank’s Farm – A delicious combination of Italian and American cuisine, Hank’s offers a relaxing atmosphere with home-cooked style comfort food and the best Sunday brunch buffet in Ottawa.
A Cozy Cabin Stay
Kishauwau Cabins has everything you need for a fantastic vacation at our Illinois cabins near Starved Rock with comfortable accommodations and a rustic charm. Settle in with snug king and queen beds, relax in one of our whirlpool tubs, and watch the sunset from a covered porch. For even more culinary excitement you can book with our Romantic Dining Package and receive a bottle of wine, two keepsake wine glasses, a box of chocolates from Roxie’s Sweet Confections here in Utica, and a $50 gift card to Garzanelli’s Supper Club. We hope you’ve found this guide helpful in getting your foodie getaway off to a great start and look forward to seeing you soon!
Book Now