I take food extremely seriously. I mean, why waste your time and calorie allotment on a mediocre, globalized chain restaurant? These are some my favorite places in the Western and Southern suburbs of Chicago.
1. Fuji's Steakhouse - Orland Park, IL
This is hands down my favorite restaurant in all of Illinois. Comparing this teppanyaki place to Benihana is an insult. Try the Habachi Steak with a side of golden sauce. I've been trying to replicate that sauce forever.
2. Labriola Cafe - Lombard, IL
This place can satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. There's something on this menu for everyone. And by God, does it satisfy everyone. Try the Labriola Signature Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza or the Richie Burger on a Pretzel Bun.
3. Woow Sushi - LaGrange, IL
My best friend and I visited this well-decorated sushi joint pretty much once a week for the past couple of years. I can try something new if I'm feeling it, but I usually get the exact same thing every time. I am seriously never disappointed. My personal favorite is the all-too-simple spicy tuna roll, but the fried rice is also dynamite.
4. Davanti Enoteca - Western Springs, IL
5. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - pretty much anywhere in Chicago
You can find this famous deep dish pizzeria in a variety of places in the Chicagoland area, but it continuously is my go-to pizza place. Despite its perfection of the deep dish, I still prefer its cheese thin crust.
6. Portillo's - Chicago Area in General
This was the first restaurant I took my friend from Maryland to when she visited Chicago for the first time. I ran into a high school friend who was having it as their last meal in Chicago before they headed back to college.
My mom had my order ready for me in the car when she picked me up from the airport for winter break. Do I need to say more about how incredible this Chicago classic is/how obsessed everyone is? You can't go wrong with a hot dog or an Italian beef sandwich. (From Maryland friend: "I've literally never been to anywhere like this.")
7. Meatheads - Willowbrook, IL
This is like a local Five Guys, except in my opinion, way better. The cajun fries are DOPE.
8. Citrus Diner - Westmont, IL
My friends and I are actually on the website because we are there SO often. It's my favorite breakfast place in town (that's us!!!). The bacon pan skillet is the most satisfying skillet in the world.
9. Nabuki - Hinsdale, IL
I remember hearing somewhere that this sushi place in downtown Hinsdale is rated one of the best sushi spots in Illinois? The U.S.? I can't remember. Either way, it's super modern and semi expensive, but SO worth it. Try the kicker roll.
10. Oberweis Ice Cream - Western Springs, IL (and all over Illinois, really)
If you're from Illinois, you've definitely been to Oberweis. It's like a normal ice cream shop, but the ice cream is probably a million times creamier and infinitely worse for you than any other ice cream place. But, as mentioned before, it's SO WORTH IT. I can't suggest one ice cream product because they're all amazing.
11. Cafe La Fortuna - Hinsdale, IL
This place has the friendliest staff and provides real coffee that you don't feel so guilty about, like if you were to go to Starbucks. The restaurant has literally had a family-owned plantation since 1908 that is used for coffee grounds.That's about as legit as it gets. I always get a latte but with Cajeta (a Mexican caramel).
