1. A Taco To A-Maize
Maize Mexican Grill
60 E Green St
(217) 355-6400
Yelp: 4 stars, 194 reviews
Prepare to have your expectations of what a real Mexican restaurant should be. Yes, it’s that good. You’ll be greeted with fresh chips alongside two different kinds of hot sauce. Real Mexican sodas like Jaritos and Coco Cola made from cane sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup will remind you why you ever started liking soda as a kid.
And the tacos might be the best tacos you’ll ever have this side of Mexico. It doesn’t hurt that everything—yes, everything—is made in house at Maize, which makes more of a difference than you might think it could. When you’re questioning whether or not the bowl of deliciousness you’re eating is a salsa or a gazpacho, you know you’ve struck gold.
2. Sakanaya Is How Sushi Rolls
Sakanaya
403 E Green St
(217) 344-1400
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 58 reviews
Student diets are notorious for being heavy on the ramen. But when you’ve got Sakanaya nearby, it doesn’t have to mean the packaged kind that you bought on sale 10 for $1. This Japanese restaurant specializes in noodles that will change the way you view your ramen. If you were skeptical before, prepare to change your mind.
And if you already liked it, you’re going to fall in love. Sakanaya also offers some of the best sushi rolls in the area, with creative combos and fresh ingredients. Although it’s nothing fancy, the restaurant itself is modestly upscale and very clean, which makes ordering sushi confidently much easier.
3. Escobar’s Brings A Little Latin To Spice Up Your Life
Escobar’s
6 E Columbia Ave
(217) 352-7467
Yelp: 4 stars, 105 reviews
With one of the more interesting menus in the area, Escobar’s leaves little room for boredom. American food heavily influenced with Latin flare, the flavors here are as bold as the flashy plates and warmly colored walls. Go for the duck confit taquitos. You only get two, so order them as an appetizer, otherwise you’ll be left wishing for more.
But you’ll want to leave room for the filet mignon and Andouille sausage kabobs, which probably don’t even need reviewing because they’re as delicious as they sound. The tender beef offset with just the right amount of fat, salt, and spice together create the perfect meaty combo.
4. Big Grove Is A Tavern That Cares
Big Grove Tavern
1 E Main St
(217) 239-3505
Yelp: 4 stars, 109 reviews
With a mission to utilize local and farm-fresh ingredients in their menu as much as possible, Big Grove tavern sets a precedent in the area to create delicious food, but to also support the community while doing it.
As is standard for farm to table restaurants, the menu at Big Grove does frequently change up depending on seasonal options and what is available. But there is always something good to find, no matter what time of day or year – even for brunch, which runs every weekend until 2:30. Whatever meal you stop in for, though, definitely give the chicken and waffles a go.
5. The Golden Gate To Authentic Chinese At The Golden Harbor
Golden Harbor Authentic Cuisine
505 S Neil St
(217) 398-8988
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 149 reviews
Some Chinese restaurants are so Americanized, it feels like their claims to Asian cuisine are meant to be taken ironically. But that’s not the case at Golden Harbor. Everything about the restaurant, from the décor to the food found on the hand-written menus feels authentic.
Don’t miss out on the crispy tofu, which is the way tofu should always be done. The fried rice is also how it’s meant to be – perfectly seasoned but not overdone, which basically describes everything about Golden Harbor.
6. Papa Del’s Got Your Crust
Papa Del’s Pizza
206 E Green St
(217) 359-7700
Yelp: 4 stars, 197 reviews
Get your fork and knife ready and prepare yourself for a workout as you dive into one of these massive Chicago-style creations. Whether you go for the deep dish or the stuffed, you’re going to work to get through your pizza, but it’s worth every single bite. The good thing about Papa Del’s, though, is that they also serve thin crust if deep dish isn’t your thing.
Of course, not liking deep dish is considered to be blasphemy in this region, but that’s between you and your chef. All you need to know is that the pizza here is good, whichever crust you pine for.
7. Dine The Fine Way At Bacaro
Bacaro Restaurant
113 N Walnut St
(217) 398-6982
Yelp: 4 stars, 94 reviews
One of the finest dining establishments in Champaign, Bacaro melds an upscale presentation with a lounge vibe and what it translates into is perfection. The wine selection is impressive, especially considering how affordable yet delicious many of the options are.
If you’re up for the whole experience, definitely go for the chef’s tasting menu. You’ll be overwhelmed with a vast selection of delicious and immaculately plated food, giving you a run for your money. If you’re looking for something more simple but still want to get the best bang for your buck, order the New York Strip steak.
8. Discover What Your Plate Has Been Missing At K Bowl
K Bowl
39 E Green St
(217) 344-6022
Yelp: 4 stars, 24 reviews
If you remain unexposed to the world of Korean cuisine, you’re in for the best culinary surprise of your life, along with possibly a great disappointment when you realize how many years you’ve wasted not enjoying it. K Bowl is the perfect, authentic Korean restaurant for you to dive in head first.
Order the bi bam bap – a staple, and for good reason – along with a bowl of the spicy and savory tofu soup with seafood. And don’t worry too much about being able to pronounce the traditional names of each dish, as each one is explained very plainly on your menu. But you’ll become a pro in pronunciation in no time, since you will undoubtedly be returning again and again.
9. DESTIHL Champaign: Beer Batter All The Things!
DESTIHL
301 N Neil St
(217) 356-0301
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 193 reviews
This review could end with three words and still have you grabbing your wallet and heading out the door: beer battered bacon. See? I told you. Even though that’s enough, that’s not all that makes DESTIHL such a find.
You’ll also find beer battered asparagus, so if you were never big on clearing your plate of the green spears, now’s your chance to brag to mom. DESTIHL also boasts gems like a sake lemon drop martini, ruben filled egg rolls, beer and cheddar soup, bacon blue cheese pizza, and beer battered fish. And if you come for brunch, don’t skip the Bloody Mary.
10. Gyros That Get You Going At Zorba’s
Zorba’s
627 E Green St
(217) 344-0710
Yelp: 4 stars, 43 reviews
Zorba’s helps fill the Greek dining void in Chambana. And once you eat here, you’ll forget there even was one. What you’ll get when you come here is one of the best gyros in the area. Maybe even in all of Illinois, which is a pretty high bar already.
Made up of a soft pita stuffed with tender meat and loaded with all the goodies, you’ll never have to look elsewhere. The service at Zorba’s is equally as superb as their gyros, too, with a friendly staff who are eager to serve you a delicious meal. What more could you ask for?
11. Now That’s Real Amore At Biaggi’s
Biaggi’s
2235 S Neil St
(217) 356-4300
Yelp: 4 stars, 97 reviews
Italian cuisine is arguably what makes the world go round. And Biaggi’s is the perfect way to celebrate your love for a good Italian meal in Champaign. There isn’t a bad thing on the menu, which includes the expected pastas and staples like butternut squash ravioli, pan seared scallops over risotto, and a variety of well-seasoned fish.
But you can also order up a steak or lobster pizza, which are just as equally as impressive as the experienced fare. Round your meal off with the lemon tower cake garnished with fresh strawberries before licking your plate clean and exclaiming, “that’s amore!”
12. This Little Piggy Will Never Stay Home Again Once He Tries L’il Porgy’s
L’il Porgy’s
1917 W Springfield Ave
(217) 398-6811
Yelp: 4 stars, 49 reviews
A lot of places claim to be able to do barbecue right, but are often mediocre at best or a massive let down at worst. But Champaign is one of the few non-southern cities that can say they have a decent selection of barbecue available and L’il Porgy’s makes the top of that list.
If you love barbecue, you probably either really love the smoked meats, or you really love the tangy or spicy sauces. Lucky for you, this unassuming yet surprising barbecue joint nails both. Rib tips, pork sandwiches, the half chicken… Everything on the menu will meet and probably exceed your expectations.
13. The Best Burger In Town At Farren’s
Farren’s
308 N Randolph St
(217) 359-6977
Yelp: 4 stars, 116 reviews
Looking for a classic tavern with the perfect fish and chips? Farren’s is your huckleberry. You’ll also find fresh veggies with even fresher hummus, deliciously crisp fries, and some of the biggest and best burgers in town. You can get them topped with a variety of unique options, but definitely try it with the side of bleu cheese.
With a variety of draft beers in a modest but nice room full of people just like you, don’t worry about anything pretentious here. Come for the food, come for the beer, come for the good conversation. But just come.
14. Discover What Makes Mirabelle’s Pastries So Fine
Mirabelle Fine Pastry
124 W Main St
(217) 384-6460
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 75 reviews
A chocolate croissant for breakfast. The artichoke focaccia with an almond horn for lunch. Some cheesecake for dinner and a chocolate coconut macaroon to end the day. Who ever said that you couldn’t make a diet out of dessert? Nobody.
Mirabelle is, hands down, one of the best bakeries in Chambana. You’ll also find some crazy good fresh baked breads and baguettes that would turn the Pillsbury Dough Boy green with envy. So, the next time you’re in Urbana, stop by and pick up a bear claw or one of the many mini fruit pies. Don’t worry about the indulgence, either. Everyone knows that calories from dessert don’t count.
Feature Image Source: Escobar’s Restaurant Facebook
What’s your go-to for grub in Champaign-Urbana? Tell us in the comments below!
