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15 Best Restaurants in Aurora, IL

Vanessa Rodriguez

Oct 16, 2022 • 12 min read

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If food tripping is your main reason for traveling, Aurora is the perfect destination.

Despite being incorporated into Kane County, its city limits have grown to include parts of DuPage, Kendall, and Will counties.

Aurora earned the moniker "City of Lights" in 1908 because it was one of the first American communities to install an electric lighting system.

Formerly a medium-sized manufacturing city, Aurora has expanded since the 1960s.

This beautiful city in Illinois is home to some of the best restaurants to satisfy your cravings.

Aurora has everything from fine dining restaurants to casual eateries, evident in its downtown area's dining offerings.

Here are the best restaurants in Aurora, Illinois:

Pomegranate Restaurant

If you are into breakfast, brunch, and lunch food items, head to Pomegranate Restaurant on Commons Drive.

Among their most delicious breakfast menu items are their pancakes with crispy bacon.

If you go there after breakfast, don't worry, as they also have a great lunch menu.

Once done eating, you can pass the time by visiting Pomegranate Restaurant's Game Room and trying to win prizes.

Pomegranate Restaurant also boasts a banquet hall that fits 85 to 100 people, perfect for events and parties.

Two Brothers Roundhouse

A whole day will not be enough when you visit the Two Brothers Roundhouse on North Broadway, as it will let you experience great food, drinks, and live music.

The halls of this 70,000-square-foot venue are alive with enthusiasm for beer, a love of eating, and a respect for architectural beauty.

It can accommodate many guests while providing an exclusive, distinctive culinary encounter in yet another setting, thanks to its spacious dining area, adjoining pub, and fireplace.

To cater to Aurora on the Chicago and Aurora Railroad, the restaurant was built in 1856, made of limestone from Batavia, Illinois, which was locally mined and used to create the building's foundations.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest limestone structure in the country.

The Two Brothers Roundhouse can accommodate many guests while providing an exclusive, distinctive culinary encounter in yet another setting, thanks to its spacious dining area, adjoining pub, and fireplace.

Basils Greek Dining

Located along Fox Valley Center Drive, Basils Greek Dining is a chic yet friendly Greek and Mediterranean restaurant with an outside deck and a spacious, transparent kitchen.

The restaurant was named after basil, the "royal" herb, as it delivers the exquisite harmony and coziness of Greek comfort food to its contemporary dining table.

Visitors can savor delectable meals and cocktails in the elegant gourmet area or the coziness of the roomy lounge.

Try out their Saganaki, a Greek dish made of fiery cheese presented by Basil's Greek Dining with kid-friendly showmanship, as it is set aflame right before your eyes.

You can also indulge in Basils Greek Dining's Loukoumades Chips, made of fried dough soaked in honey and sprinkled with walnuts and powdered sugar.

These chips are the perfect way to finish your meal or snack on something sweet while enjoying the company of friends.

Basils Greek Dining is proud to combine old-world culture with gastronomic panache and innovation; that is why it is one of Chicago's top Greek establishments.

Feast your eyes on the stunning decors of Stolp Island Social on Galena Boulevard as you dine in the upscale, casual restaurant that serves American fare.

The menu includes starters, salads, burgers, pasta, steaks, seafood, and more.

The restaurant offers various beverages, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail with your meal.

Stolp Island Social also features banquet rooms, which you can use for private events.

The Green Room, for instance, has built-in booths to provide a private, welcoming ambiance; it is ideal for smaller groups, and there is no passing traffic.

For a bigger venue, you can use The Dining Room or the entire restaurant, which overlooks the Fox River.

You will not be disappointed with Stolp Island Social's food, service, and atmosphere.

Spartan Ale House

Perched on Prairie Street, Spartan Ale House is the place for you if you are into watching games while eating delicious food.

This bar serves American dishes like wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Spartan Ale House also has a wide selection of beer and beverages you can drink while watching a game on one of their high-definition televisions.

You'll enjoy the sports bar's homey ambiance as you partake in the Spartan House Kabob or Seared Salmon.

You can also feast on their boneless wings with Sweet Asian or Barbeque sauces.

Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant

For an authentic Irish pub experience, Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant is the place to be.

This buzzing pub is situated directly on the lake across from Downtown Aurora.

It features gorgeous patio seating, where you can dine and relax while taking in the breathtaking view of the river.

Live music is also being played on certain days, so you can enjoy good food and music while spending time with your friends.

The Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant menu includes traditional Irish dishes, such as shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and American favorites, like burgers and wings.

You can also order from their fine selection of wine, beer, and cocktails.

SYRUP

If you want to try living large, you can try eating at SYRUP, a farmhouse-turned-restaurant serving American fare.

This restaurant uses quality ingredients with its delicious fares, cage-free eggs, Cheddar Cheese, and fresh meats.

The menu includes waffles, crepes, French toast, and omelets.

Feast on their S'Moreo Pancakes, made of marshmallows and Ghirardelli chocolate with Oreos.

SYRUP also offers a choice of salad for those healthy eaters; you can try the Cobb Salad, tossed in smoked bacon and gorgonzola, or have a taste of the Berry Citrus Salad of mixed greens and chicken or shrimp.

La Quinta de los Reyes

Mexican food lovers will love La Quinta de Los Reyes, where they can taste authentic Mexican dishes.

The restaurant is nestled in Downtown Aurora, a few steps away from Hollywood Casino, and boasts a menu filled with Mexican staples, such as ceviche, Camarones, enchiladas, and fajitas.

What makes La Quinta de Los Reyes stand out is its use of fresh ingredients to give the diners a truly memorable experience.

Barbecue ribs, Pollo Encremado, and Mole Rojo are some house specialties you can order.

You can also try their selection of liquors, such as Amaretto, Grand Marnier, or their choices of wine.

La Quinta de Los Reyes' offerings are also reasonably priced, so you can enjoy a good meal without breaking the bank.

Pie Boss

Pie Boss offers South African-style pies that are perfect for those who are always on the go.

Ty, the owner of Pie Boss, combines meats and veggies to produce the genuine flavors of his South African heritage.

They prepare their dough and seasonings for their pies every day; for visitors with a sweet craving, Pie Boss also offers dessert choices.

Savory and sweet options are available at Pie Boss, and you can give a few pies a try to find your favorite.

Try the sirloin steak pie, wrapped in the softest, butteriest pie crust and served with a homemade black pepper sauce.

For dessert, savor the tiny cherry pie, made with juicy cherries mixed with sugar and spices.

Altiro Latin Fusion

Tapas lovers will rejoice in the choices offered by Altiro Latin Fusion, which serves Spanish, Mexican, and South African dishes.

This restaurant in the heart of Downtown Aurora is perfect for those who want to try something new.

Altiro Latin Fusion offers a wide variety of tacos, salads, and all tapas, and their paellas are a must-try.

You can partner your meals with the drinks from their full bar, which serves wine, beer, and cocktails.

You can look forward to Tapas Thursdays and Taco Tuesdays for more fun and food.

If you want to try something new, head to Altiro Latin Fusion and enjoy a great meal.

El Jefe

Located on North Lake Street, El Jefe is a restaurant focusing on grilled Mexican food.

This restaurant is ideal for those who want to have a quick meal or for those who want to try something new.

It offers a cozy environment ideal for dining with loved ones and friends.

Their menu includes specialties, such as its Pescado Frito, a scrumptious deep-fried red snapper served with vegetables and rice.

Weekends at El Jefe feature dancing and live music from local bands, making it the perfect place to unwind and relax.

Their Sundays are extra special with tortes ahogadas, which are tortas smothered in sauce.

La Quebrada Restaurant

La Quebrada Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant serving Mexican favorites.

Established in 1998, it boasts tortillas and parrilladas that are made fresh with every order.

Bagre a la Diablo is a well-loved dish made of catfish and La Quebrada's diabla sauce.

Indulge in Ceviche Tostadas with a fish cocktail or revel in Coctel de Camaron, this time made of shrimp cocktail.

This place is casual and perfect for those who want to have a quick meal or if you want to try something new.

La Quebrada Restaurant is perfect for those who want to have a quick meal or for those who want to try something new.

Calla Lily Tearoom

The exquisite Calla Lily Tea Room is situated in Aurora's charming downtown, perfect for when you get tired of exploring the area.

This Victorian-style tearoom is excellent for relaxing with tea and some scones.

You will have a fantastic event experience and excellent meals at Calla Lily Tea Room.

Their croissants, sweets, and mini sandwiches are all baked from scratch.

Salad ingredients are produced just before serving with products from the market, and soups are served hot off the stove with only the finest ingredients.

Chupacabra Puerto Rican Kitchen

Borne out of love for cooking, Chupacabra Puerto Rican Kitchen is a restaurant in Downtown Aurora that serves delicious Puerto Rican cuisine.

It was inspired by the owner's family, who always cooked delicious Puerto Rican and American food whenever they could get together.

Some of their must-try dishes include the El Jibarito Cubano, which resulted when their supplier failed to deliver an essential ingredient.

Pollo Guisado is another bestseller at Chupacabra Puerto Rican Kitchen.

You can also try the Pastellio de Guyana, a guava cheese pastry that is flaky and creamy on the inside.

Society 57

Society 57, a stunning gathering place established to bring individuals from various walks of life together artistically, is housed in Aurora's iconic Pocus building on South River Street.

On top of a changing selection of coffee from some distinctive and unique roasters nationwide, this restaurant presents coffee from beloved community coffee shops.

In addition to innovative seasonal drinks like their chili-infused Honey Spice Latte, cold brew coffees are available on tap.

You can never go wrong with drinking your coffee with Society 57's breakfast sandwich, made more delicious by the crispy bacon and veggies, or with their pastries which are all produced in-house.

Make your dining experience more memorable by buying merchandise like coffee, tea, and a cute tumbler to take home.

Final Thoughts

The metropolitan area of Chicago includes the ideal foodie city.

Aurora has everything that will pique your appetite, from traditional comfort foods to more elaborate fares.

The city also has various food options, and you can choose from one of the posh restaurants, pubs, lounges, and steakhouses that dot the cityscape.

Try the best restaurants in Aurora, Illinois, and you'll find that the city is undoubtedly the ideal location for a grand culinary expedition.

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