The Absolute Best Dinner in Naperville [Updated 2024]

I've tried out 12 different restaurants, each with its unique style and taste. From upscale dining to casual eateries, I've got the lowdown on where to find the best dinner in Naperville, IL.

I've tasted everything from juicy steaks to fresh seafood dishes and indulgent desserts. So, whether you're looking for a romantic night out or a fun time with friends or family, keep reading to discover my top picks for the best dinner spots in Naperville!

The White Chocolate Grill

Highlights
Large drink selection
Tasty and generous food
Warm and kind service
Amazing cocktails
Delicious cheesecake

Firstly, let me start by saying that the drink selection at The White Chocolate Grill is huge! They have everything from beer to wine to cocktails, and they are all amazing. I was particularly impressed with their cocktail menu; the bartenders really know how to mix up a tasty drink.

Now, onto the food. The portions were generous and tasted absolutely delicious. I ordered the grilled salmon and it was cooked to perfection - flaky on the inside, crispy on the outside, and seasoned just right. My partner ordered the ribs which were fall-off-the-bone tender and smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce. We also had a side of their famous mashed potatoes which were creamy and flavorful.

The service at The White Chocolate Grill was warm and kind. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and made some great recommendations for us. He even brought us extra napkins without us having to ask - now that's attention to detail!

And last but not least, we had dessert - because who can resist cheesecake? Not us! And let me tell you, it was worth every calorie. Creamy, rich, and topped with fresh strawberries.

Overall, The White Chocolate Grill exceeded my expectations with its large drink selection, delicious food, warm service, amazing cocktails, and delectable cheesecake. It's definitely one of the best places for dinner in Naperville!

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

CityGate Grille

Highlights
Impeccable drinks and food
Amazing bartender/server (Daniella)
Stunning table setup
Extraordinary service (Miguel)

Firstly, I have to say that the drinks and food were absolutely impeccable. I tried the shrimp scampi pasta which was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of garlic and butter. The drinks were just as impressive, with a wide selection of cocktails to choose from.

But what really made my experience stand out was our amazing bartender/server, Daniella. She was friendly, attentive, and had great recommendations for both food and drinks. Not only that, but our table setup was also stunning, creating a great ambiance for our dinner.

Lastly, I must give a shoutout to our server Miguel, who provided us with extraordinary service throughout the night. He constantly checked on us to make sure everything was up to par and even gave us some insider tips about other great spots in Naperville.

Overall, my experience at CityGate Grille was truly memorable thanks to their amazing staff and delicious food. If you're looking for a fancy dinner spot in Naperville with exceptional service, then CityGate Grille is definitely worth checking out!

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Naperville

Highlights
great atmosphere
excellent service
birthday perks
wine club
diverse menu

Firstly, the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. It had a cozy yet sophisticated feel with dim lighting and a beautiful decor that made me feel like I was in a vineyard in Tuscany. The staff there provided excellent service, which only added to the overall experience.

The best part of my visit was when they found out it was my birthday! They offered me some special birthday perks which included a free dessert and wine tasting. I felt extremely special and appreciated as a customer.

If you're into wine, don't forget to check out their wine club. It offers great deals and benefits for loyal customers.

Now let's talk about the food. The menu is incredibly diverse and there's definitely something for everyone. I went with the steak, which was cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. My partner tried the salmon, which was equally delicious.

Overall, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Naperville is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience. With its great atmosphere, excellent service, birthday perks, wine club, and diverse menu options, it's no surprise why it's one of the best dinners in Naperville!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House

Highlights
Excellent service and food
Personalized attention
Efficient and friendly staff
Must-try key lime pie

First off, I have to say that the service at Hugo's is absolutely top-notch. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and personalized attention that made me feel like royalty. The staff is incredibly efficient and friendly, making sure everything runs smoothly without ever feeling rushed.

Now let's talk about the main event- the food. Every dish that arrived at our table was cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. I highly recommend trying their seafood dishes as they are always fresh and expertly prepared. However, what truly stole my heart (and stomach) was their must-try key lime pie. It had just the right amount of tartness balanced out by a sweet graham cracker crust that left me craving for more.

Overall, my experience at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of excellent service and delectable food makes it one of the best dinner spots in Naperville. Don't just take my word for it though - go check it out yourself!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

Santo Cielo

Highlights
Wonderful ambience
Incredible food
Fantastic service
Fabulous cocktails
Beautiful views

First of all, let me just say that the ambience at Santo Cielo is absolutely wonderful. The decor is modern and chic, with plenty of natural light and greenery. It's perfect for a romantic date or even a night out with friends.

But let's talk about the food. Oh my goodness, the food is simply incredible! Every dish I tried was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. I especially enjoyed the grilled octopus appetizer - it was cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with the accompanying sauce.

And what's great about Santo Cielo is that they have fantastic service as well. Our server was attentive without being overbearing, and had great recommendations on both food and cocktails.

Speaking of cocktails, Santo Cielo has some truly fabulous options on their menu. From classic margaritas to unique creations like their "Smoke Show" cocktail made with mezcal, lime, jalapeño syrup and activated charcoal - there is something for everyone.

Last but not least, the view from Santo Cielo is simply beautiful. You can see downtown Naperville from their rooftop patio while enjoying your meal or drinks.

Overall, if you're looking for a memorable dinner experience in Naperville, look no further than Santo Cielo. With its wonderful ambience, incredible food, fantastic service, fabulous cocktails and beautiful views - it's easily one of the best dinner spots in town!

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Sullivan's Steakhouse

Highlights
Pricey but worth it
Good variety of steak options
Delicious and unique appetizers
Great service
Plenty of parking

Firstly, I must say that this restaurant is a bit on the pricey side, but let me tell you, it's absolutely worth every penny. The menu offers a good variety of steak options to cater to different preferences and appetites.

But before we got to the main course, we indulged in some amazing appetizers. The delicious and unique selection of appetizers truly set the tone for the rest of our meal. I definitely recommend trying their bacon-wrapped sea scallops - they were divine!

What impressed me most was the great service that we received throughout our dining experience. The waitstaff was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu offerings which made us feel welcomed.

And lastly, for those worried about parking in Naperville - fear not! There is plenty of parking available at Sullivan's Steakhouse.

Overall, if you're looking for a fancy night out with mouth-watering steaks and excellent service, then Sullivan's Steakhouse is definitely worth checking out. Just make sure you bring your wallet!

You might also want to check out the best steak in Schaumburg.

La Sorella di Francesca

Highlights
Authentic Italian cuisine
Classic atmosphere for extra comfort
Great service even with large parties
Delicious pork loin dish

First of all, the atmosphere was absolutely classic and made me feel like I was dining in Italy. The ambiance was perfect for a romantic night out or even just a family dinner.

Now onto the most important part - the food! As an Italian cuisine enthusiast, I can confidently say that La Sorella di Francesca offers some of the most authentic dishes in Naperville. From the mouthwatering pasta to their signature pork loin dish, everything tasted fresh and full of flavor.

To add to this great dining experience, the service was impeccable. Even with a large party at our table, our waiter was attentive and ensured that we had everything we needed throughout the meal.

Overall, if you're looking for a true taste of Italy in Naperville, La Sorella di Francesca is definitely worth checking out. Don't forget to try their delicious pork loin dish - it's definitely a highlight of their menu!

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Catch 35 Naperville

Highlights
Fresh seafood
Variety of menu
Friendly service
Complimentary dessert
Indoor/outdoor seating

First of all, let me just say that the seafood at Catch 35 is fresh like a cool sea breeze. The variety of the menu made choosing what to eat feel like a game of culinary roulette, but in the best way possible. I ended up selecting the Chilean Sea Bass and it was cooked to perfection with a side of asparagus that was crisp and delicious.

The service was friendly and attentive, without being overbearing. Our server made great recommendations and even brought us a complimentary dessert! Who doesn't love free food?

The atmosphere was delightful and inviting with both indoor and outdoor seating available. It's perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

Overall, I would highly recommend Catch 35 Naperville for anyone seeking an exquisite seafood dinner experience. It won't disappoint!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Naperville.

Angeli's

Highlights
Great for events
Outstanding food
Attentive staff
Professional service

From the moment I walked into Angeli's, I was impressed. The ambiance was perfect for a cozy date night or an intimate family dinner. To start off the meal, I ordered their famous caprese salad which was absolutely scrumptious with fresh mozzarella and juicy tomatoes. Then came the main course and let me tell you, it definitely lived up to its reputation of outstanding food. I had their signature dish - Chicken Vesuvio - which was cooked to perfection and filled with flavor that left me wanting more.

What really made my experience at Angeli's exceptional was their attentive staff. The servers were knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable throughout our visit. It's clear that they take pride in providing professional service.

Although Angeli's is great for events, it's also perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family gathering. With its charming atmosphere, outstanding food, attentive staff, and professional service, Angeli's is definitely one of the best dinner spots in Naperville. So if you're looking for a restaurant that hits all the marks, look no further than Angeli’s!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Schaumburg.

VAI's Italian Inspired Restaurant Kitchen + Bar

Highlights
Great patio seating
Deliciously crispy proteins
Extensive drink menu
Best pasta ever
Amazing affogatos

First of all, let me just say that their patio seating is to die for. I felt like an Italian queen dining al fresco under the twinkling lights. Now let's talk about the food. The proteins were so crispy, it was like biting into a cloud of flavor. Is that even possible? Apparently at VAI's it is.

But let me tell you, the real star of the show was their pasta. I don't know how they do it, but it was hands down the best pasta I've ever tasted. It was cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with the sauces and meats. Plus, their drink menu is extensive and impressive - they have something for everyone.

And just when I thought my dinner experience couldn't get any better, they brought out the affogatos. Oh my goodness - those were amazing! The espresso paired with vanilla ice cream was divine.

Overall, VAI's Italian Inspired Restaurant Kitchen + Bar blew me away with their amazing food and drinks. If you're looking for a deliciously playful yet professional dinner experience in Naperville, VAI's is definitely worth checking out.

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Schaumburg.

Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

Highlights
Great Italian food
Nice ambiance
Crafted nonalcoholic drinks
Upscale atmosphere
Excellent service

Firstly, let me start by highlighting that the Italian food served at Biaggi's is simply amazing. I tried their signature dish - the pasta carbonara, and it was cooked to perfection. The sauce was creamy with a hint of spiciness that tantalized my taste buds. Every ingredient used in the dish was fresh and of high quality.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the ambiance of the restaurant. It has a nice upscale atmosphere that complements the tasty food. The decor is modern yet cozy, which makes it perfect for a romantic dinner or a get-together with friends.

Now let's talk about drinks. Biaggi's crafted nonalcoholic drinks are worth trying even if you're not abstaining from alcohol. Their selection of mocktails includes unique flavors such as blackberry basil lemonade and peach iced tea. These drinks are so refreshing that you'll want to order another round.

The service at Biaggi's is excellent as well. The staff members were friendly and attentive throughout my visit, ensuring that I had everything I needed to enjoy my meal.

Overall, I would highly recommend Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano for anyone looking for a great dinner experience in Naperville. With its delicious food, upscale atmosphere, crafted nonalcoholic drinks, and excellent service, this place has everything you need for an unforgettable night out!

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Fresh and wholesome
Attentive service
Delicious small plates
Phenomenal meatloaf
Fast food preparation

Firstly, I was impressed by the attentive service provided by the staff. They were friendly and made sure my dining experience was comfortable.

The menu had a variety of dishes, but what stood out were the delicious small plates that were perfect for sharing with friends. The food was fresh and wholesome, which is always a plus in my book.

I also tried their phenomenal meatloaf which was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth. This dish alone is enough reason for me to return.

What's more impressive is that despite having so many customers, the food came out quickly because their fast food preparation skills are unmatched.

Overall, my experience at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar exceeded my expectations. It's perfect for any occasion whether it's a date night or dinner with friends. If you're looking for a place that serves fresh and delicious food with attentive service, then Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar should be on your list of restaurants to try in Naperville.