Naperville's Best Lunch [Updated 2024]

I've sampled countless restaurants and cafes over the years, and I've finally narrowed down my top 12 picks for the best lunch in Naperville. Whether you're in the mood for a light salad or a hearty sandwich, there's an eatery on this list that will satisfy your cravings.

From hidden gems to well-known favorites, these spots have consistently impressed me with their delicious food and friendly service. So, without further ado, let's dive into the best lunch spots in Naperville, IL!

The White Chocolate Grill

Highlights
Great drink menu
Generous portions
Warm service
Amazing desserts
Nice interior

From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a warm and friendly staff, which set the tone for my entire visit. The interior of the restaurant was beautifully designed with cozy seating areas and modern decor.

I started off with one of their signature cocktails from their extensive drink menu, and let me tell you, it was a real treat! Refreshing and flavorful, it was the perfect start to my meal.

For lunch, I ordered a delicious sandwich that came in generous portions - I couldn't even finish it all. But what really stole the show were the desserts. Oh my goodness! The chocolate cake was amazing! It was so rich and decadent that I couldn't resist ordering another one to take home.

But what truly made this experience memorable was the service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that everything was perfect throughout my entire visit.

Overall, The White Chocolate Grill is definitely one of Naperville's best lunch spots. With its great drink menu, generous portions, warm service, amazing desserts, and nice interior - it's no wonder why this place is always packed during lunchtime!

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

Buttermilk

Highlights
Delicious food
Friendly service
Big portions

As soon as I walked in, the delicious aroma of freshly cooked food hit my nose and my taste buds were already excited. The menu had a great variety of options to choose from and I was impressed by the number of vegetarian dishes they had, which is always a plus for me.

I ordered their pancake flight which came with three different pancake flavors, all fluffy and full of flavor. The portion size was huge and definitely worth the price. I also tried their avocado toast which was beautifully presented with fresh avocado slices on top of a perfectly toasted bread.

The service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. My waiter made some great recommendations and even suggested some local attractions to visit after lunch.

Overall, I highly recommend Buttermilk for its delicious food, friendly service, and big portions. It's a great spot for brunch or lunch with friends or family. If you're looking for an exceptional meal that will leave you feeling satisfied, this is the place to be!

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

SUDOOKU RAMEN

Highlights
Soft shell crab
Build your own bowl
Vegan options
Chicken buns

First of all, let me just say, their soft shell crab is out of this world! The texture and flavor were both on point. I was also impressed with their build your own bowl option, which allows you to customize your ramen exactly how you like it. As someone who likes to have control over my meal, this was a major plus.

For my vegan friends out there, SUDOOKU RAMEN also offers several options that cater to a plant-based diet. It's nice to see restaurants expanding their menus to accommodate different dietary needs.

One thing I couldn't resist trying was the chicken bun. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the bun was perfectly steamed.

Overall, if you're looking for a delicious lunch spot in Naperville, SUDOOKU RAMEN is definitely worth checking out. With its diverse menu and high-quality ingredients, it's clear that they take pride in their food. Plus, who doesn't love a good punny name?

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

Everdine's Grilled Cheese Co.

Highlights
Variety of options
Best grilled cheese
Nice staff and team

Upon entering the restaurant, I was greeted by a friendly staff that made me feel right at home. The menu featured a wide range of options for all types of grilled cheese lovers. From classic grilled cheese to more adventurous options like the "Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese," there was something for everyone.

But let's talk about what really matters - the grilled cheese itself. All I can say is, WOW. Everdine's Grilled Cheese Co. has truly mastered the art of making the best grilled cheese in Naperville. Each bite was filled with cheesy goodness and perfectly toasted bread that had just the right amount of crunch.

As someone who takes their lunch seriously, I appreciated the attention to detail and care put into each sandwich. It's clear that the team at Everdine's Grilled Cheese Co. takes pride in their work and it shows in every aspect of their restaurant.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a delicious lunch option in Naperville, look no further than Everdine's Grilled Cheese Co. The variety of options, best-grilled cheese sandwiches in town, and friendly staff make this restaurant a must-try for any foodie or grilled cheese lover out there!

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

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Naperville

Highlights
Friendly staff
Wonderful atmosphere
Great food and drinks
Birthday celebrations are memorable
Free truffles offered at exit

First off, the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made me feel like a VIP from the moment I walked in. The atmosphere is absolutely wonderful - modern, chic, and cozy all at once. It's the perfect place for a business lunch or a casual meet-up with friends.

Now let's talk about the most important part - the food and drinks! Cooper's Hawk has an extensive menu with plenty of options to choose from. I went for their famous chicken potstickers which were absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. To top it off, I ordered one of their signature cocktails - the Blackberry Sangria, which was a refreshing blend of wine and fruit juices that paired perfectly with my meal.

If you're celebrating a birthday or special occasion, Cooper's Hawk is definitely the place to be. Their birthday celebrations are memorable and will leave you feeling like royalty. Plus, when you exit they offer free truffles as a sweet little bonus!

Overall, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Naperville is definitely one of the best lunch spots in town. Between the friendly staff, wonderful atmosphere, great food and drinks, and memorable celebrations, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has such high reviews from its customers.

You might also want to check out the best tacos in Elgin.

Fire It Up Naperville

Highlights
Delicious Tacos
Great Lunch Special
Unique Flavors
Good Food Bundle Deal

First of all, their tacos are a must-try! They are so delicious that I feel like I'm in food heaven every time I take a bite. The unique flavors they offer are impressive too. From the spicy chicken to the savory steak, each taco was bursting with flavor.

I also had their lunch special which was a great deal and perfect for me as a busy person on-the-go. It satisfied my cravings without breaking the bank. Plus, they have a good bundle deal for those who come with friends or family.

The atmosphere was cozy and friendly, making it an ideal place to hang out with friends or colleagues during lunchtime. The staff were accommodating and attentive to my needs, which added to the overall positive experience.

Fire It Up Naperville is definitely one of the best places for lunch in Naperville. The combination of delicious food, unique flavors, great deals and cozy ambiance makes it stand out from other restaurants in town. So if you're looking for an exciting lunch spot that's sure to satisfy your cravings, I highly recommend giving Fire It Up Naperville a try!

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Nature's Best Cafe

Highlights
Neighborhood feel
Brick oven pizza
Smooth coffee
Healthy and fresh
Friendly staff

As soon as I walked in, I was struck by the cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The cafe had a neighborhood feel to it, which made me feel right at home. The staff was incredibly friendly and greeted me with smiles.

After perusing the menu, I decided on their brick oven pizza, which did not disappoint. It was cooked to perfection with a crispy crust and fresh toppings that made my taste buds dance with joy. They clearly take pride in serving healthy and fresh food options that are simply delicious.

To accompany my pizza, I had a cup of their smooth coffee, which helped to wash down every bite of this magnificent meal. I felt like I had found a hidden gem with Nature's Best Cafe.

Overall, my experience at Nature's Best Cafe exceeded my expectations. From the friendly staff to the delicious food options, there's no doubt that this place is one of the best lunch spots in Naperville. If you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy some brick oven pizza or other healthy options, then this cafe is an absolute must-try!

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

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Fresh and wholesome food
Attentive and nice service
Phenomenal meatloaf
Quick service
Amazing drinks

First and foremost, the food was incredibly fresh and wholesome. As someone who values wholesome meals, I was impressed with their range of options that catered to my dietary preferences. The service was also top-notch, with attentive staff members who were always on hand to assist me with any questions or requests.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the phenomenal meatloaf! It was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth like butter. I've never tasted anything quite like it before! And while the food was absolutely amazing, what really stood out for me was how quick the service was. I had a tight schedule that day and needed to be in and out quickly, which they did without compromising on quality.

To top it all off, their drink selection is simply amazing. From classic cocktails to creative twists on old favorites, there's something for everyone.

Overall, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar exceeded my expectations and left me feeling satisfied and happy with my lunch choice. It's definitely a place I would recommend to anyone looking for a delicious lunch experience in Naperville.

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

Egg Harbor Cafe

Highlights
Build-your-own skillet, tortilla soup
Delicious coffee and omelette
Friendly and helpful service

First off, let's talk about the food. The build-your-own skillet is a must-try. With a variety of fresh ingredients to choose from, you can customize your skillet exactly to your liking. I opted for eggs, spinach, mushrooms and feta cheese - it was divine! Another standout dish was their tortilla soup. The flavors were so robust and perfectly balanced. It's the perfect comfort food on a chilly day.

But let's not forget about the coffee - wow! It was definitely one of the best cups of coffee I've had in Naperville. And if you're an omelette lover like me, make sure to try theirs. It was fluffy and packed with flavor.

Now on to the service - I have to say, it was exceptional! From the moment I walked in, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They made great recommendations and ensured that my experience was enjoyable from start to finish.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a delicious lunch spot in Naperville with great service and an inviting atmosphere, Egg Harbor Cafe should be at the top of your list!

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

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House

Highlights
Excellent service
Great seafood
Knowledgeable staff
Welcoming environment

First of all, I must say that the service at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House was excellent. The staff was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the menu which made my experience even better.

Now let's talk about the food. As a seafood lover, I was excited to try out their selection and I wasn't disappointed. The seafood tasted fresh and delicious. It was evident that they took great care in selecting their ingredients and preparing their dishes.

But what really stood out for me was the welcoming environment at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House. From the moment I walked in, I felt comfortable and relaxed. The ambiance is perfect for a lunchtime break from work or meeting up with friends.

Overall, if you're looking for a place to have an enjoyable lunch with great seafood in Naperville, Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House is definitely worth checking out!

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

Allegory

Highlights
Great selection and vibes
Helpful and kind servers
Fishy, fishy dish is divine
Tasty chicken and waffles
Quirky, rustic and charming atmosphere

Firstly, I was impressed by the quirky and rustic atmosphere of the restaurant. The decor transported me to a different era altogether. The helpful and kind servers were an added bonus as they made my experience even more enjoyable.

As for the food, Allegory has a great selection of dishes to choose from, but I particularly enjoyed their fishy, fishy dish which had a divine taste that left me craving for more. The chicken and waffles were also a great choice with their perfect blend of flavors.

What really stood out for me was the overall vibe of this place - it's just so charming! Whether you're dining alone or with a group of friends, Allegory is definitely worth checking out.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a restaurant with great vibes and delicious food in Naperville, then Allegory is definitely one to try. Their unique atmosphere coupled with their tasty dishes make it one of my top picks for lunch in Naperville!

The Lucky Penny Diner and Deli

Highlights
Vegan menu available
Local art on the walls
Delicious food
Friendly atmosphere

Walking into the diner, I was immediately struck by the artistic flair of the place. Local art decorated the walls, adding a touch of uniqueness to the atmosphere. As I perused the menu, I was pleased to see that they catered to all dietary needs, with a vegan menu available. Score one for inclusivity!

But let's get to the important part: the food. And boy, was it delicious! The Lucky Penny Diner and Deli definitely did not disappoint in this department. From their mouth-watering sandwiches to their crisp salads, every bite was a flavor explosion in my mouth.

What really stood out for me though, aside from the food, was how friendly and welcoming everyone was. It truly added to the experience and made me feel like a valued customer.

Overall, The Lucky Penny Diner and Deli is definitely one of my top picks for lunch in Naperville. With its delightful menu options, inclusive mindset towards different dietary needs, playful decor and friendly atmosphere - what's not to love? If you haven't been there yet, it's time to give it a try!