16 Must-Try Restaurants in Champaign, IL: Where the Champaign Locals Eat

Redfin • Jan 26, 2023

Champaign, Illinois has a great food scene, with diverse options ranging from Korean restaurants and BBQ spots to cozy cafes and wine bars. If you’re renting an apartment in Champaign , recently bought your first home in the city, or have been living there for a while, you might be on the hunt for a new restaurant to try. We’ve rounded up a list of 16 must-try restaurants in Champaign, IL, that you can grab a bite at in your neighborhood or explore a new area of town.

Cuisine: Bakery
Address: 116 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Pekara Bakery & Bistro’s Website

Pekara Bakery & Bistro is a fabulous place to have a seasonal coffee drink, a breakfast sandwich, veggie crepe, or chicken pesto sandwich.

Cuisine: Cocktail bar and American restaurant
Address: 32 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820
Seven Saints’ Website

Serving craft cocktails and dishes like pretzel bites, cheese curds, sliders, and sandwiches, Seven Saints’s Champaign location is another option to add to your list of must-visit restaurants.

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 204 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Nando Milano Trattoria’s Website

An Italian restaurant, Nando Milano Trattoria has a lot of choices for anyone looking for a new place to grab a bite. With options like arancini, gnocchi, rigatoni alla beppe, and branzino, there’s something for everyone.

Cuisine: BBQ joint and American restaurant
Address: 320 N Chestnut St, Champaign, IL 61820
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House’s Website

You can find a variety of dishes at Black Dog Smoke & Ale House – anything from pulled pork sandwiches and catfish platters to cornbread and Texas caviar.

Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 211 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Watson’s Shack & Rail’s Website

Another stellar restaurant in Champaign, IL, is Watson’s Shack & Rail. You’ll find a variety of chicken, fish, and tofu sandwiches, as well as plates like gumbo and rice bowls at their location.

Cuisine: New American restaurant
Address: 1 E Main St, Champaign, IL 61820
Big Grove Tavern’s Website

If you’re looking for a tavern serving New American classics like street corn, grilled ribeye, cheddar grits, and more, make sure to grab a bite at Big Grove Tavern.

Cuisine: Restaurant
Address: 308 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL 61820
Farren’s Pub & Eatery’s Website

Maybe you’re on the hunt for a new place serving grilled scallops and fried pickles, but also burgers and chicken tacos? If so, head to Farren’s Pub & Eatery for a great meal.

Cuisine: Pizzeria and Italian restaurant
Address: 10 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820
Pizzeria Antica’s Website

Another one of the numerous restaurants in Champaign, IL, you should consider grabbing a bite at is Pizzeria Antica. An authentic Neapolitan restaurant serving amazing pizza, salads, and gelato, there’s plenty to order off their menu.

Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 110 N Chestnut St, Champaign, IL 61820
Maize’s Website  

Maize has plenty of options for those looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant serving margaritas, tamales, fajitas, and enchiladas. 

Cuisine: Asian fusion restaurant
Address: 1 E Main St Ste 104, Champaign, IL 61820
KoFusion’s Website

KoFusion is a contemporary Asian fusion restaurant serving everything from miso soup and ramen to tempura fried cheese curds and ribeye.

Cuisine: Chinese restaurant
Address: 206 N Randolph St Ste 1, Champaign, IL 61820
Peking Garden’s Website

Peking Garden is an excellent spot if you’re looking for a Chinese spot in Champaign. From pot stickers and hot and sour soup to Kung Pao tofu and BBQ pork lo mein, there’s always a new dish to try.

Cuisine: Pizzeria
Address: 512 S Neil St Ste B, Champaign, IL 61820
Jet’s Pizza’s Website

If you’ve recently moved to Champaign and are searching for a pizzeria, you can find deep dish pizzas, thin crust pies, salads, and sides at Jet’s Pizza.

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 115 S 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820
Manzella’s Italian Restaurant’s Website

Manzella’s Italian Restaurant is home to some delicious authentic Italian food like pasta Pomodoro, ravioli, minestrone, and much more.

Cuisine: Steakhouse
Address: 201 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Hamilton Walker’s Website

A steakhouse serving favorites like lamb chops, mussels, grilled salmon, and meatloaf, Hamilton Walker’s is the perfect place to grab a bite in Champaign.

Cuisine: Chinese and Thai restaurant
Address: 405 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820
Golden Wok’s Website  

At Golden Wok, there are plenty of dishes to choose from – from beef with broccoli and empress chicken to yum talay and mussaman curry.

Cuisine: Sushi restaurant
Address: 403 E Green St, Champaign, IL 61820
Sakanaya Restaurant’s Website

Sakanaya Restaurant is a fantastic eatery to grab a bite in Champaign. It’s a sushi restaurant with amazing options like seared albacore, agedashi tofu, spicy tuna and shrimp tempura rolls, and chicken katsu.

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