Location: Des Plaines
Top Restaurants in Des Plaines
Top Things to do in Des Plaines
Most Popular Restaurants in Des Plaines
Des Plaines /dɪsˈpleɪnz/ is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 58,364. It is a suburb of Chicago and is just north of O'Hare International Airport. It is located on, and named for, the Des Plaines River, which runs through the city just east of its downtown area.
Things to do in Des Plaines
1. Boston Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By hippoguy - Chicago, Illinois
They sell seafood meals here but even better is the fresh seafood that they sell retail. The selection of top quality seafood is impressive. We ate lunch there. The only negative is ,no coffee. Not a huge problem for a place that sells wine with the meal. I had the grouper, grilled sandwich. It was very good. The price may seem high but considering the price of top quality seafood like I had, it is very fair. If you want to impress you inlaws or parents with how well you cook sea food, get the meat here.
2. Carlucci Rosemont
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 713 reviews
Consistently among Chicago's top Italian dining destinations and a Chicagoland area hot spot, Carlucci proudly celebrates over 25 years in the restaurant and private dining industry. With close proximity to O'Hare airport, area hotels, and Rosemont's thriving Convention and Theater district, Carlucci has mastered the dining experience, enabling guests to dine and entertain deliciously within their schedule. Experience dining rooms with gracious Tuscan ambiance featuring white linen tablecloths, painted murals and rich wood trim. Served with utmost precision by seasoned wait staff, the menu is equally refined whether business lunch or social dinner. Fresh greens, simmered sauces, pasta al dente and masterful main courses celebrate flavors that embody Italian tradition. Complement the meal with a celebration of wine from Carlucci's Wine award-winning wine list by Wine Spectator featuring labels from both Italy's and California's finest vineyards. A comfortable full-service bar features lively entertainment on select Friday and Saturday nights. Seasonal Alfresco outdoor dining, beautiful dining rooms and an exceptional wait staff make Carlucci a destination not to be missed. Valet parking is complimentary and a Courtesy Shuttle is available upon request to and from area hotels and venues. PRIVATE DINING DESTINATION FOR PERSONAL OR BUSINESS: Private rooms are available for impeccable events for 10-300 guests, perfect for business or personal affairs with experienced private dining managers to assist in planning every detail. Our theater-style auditorium featuring state of the art sound system with AV equipment and WIFI can accommodate groups as large as 300, the perfect setting for your next corporate meeting. Offsite catering is also available.
Reviewed By llpupa - Beaufort, South Carolina
I never mind an Old School Italian eatery as after I moved from Chicago I have rarely got to experience this kind of nostalgic type of dining. I was ready for some carb overload so I ordered the campanelle pasta, but instead of shrimp, I asked for chicken. Why? Living in SC, where we get these crustaceans fresh from local waters minutes after being harvested, I didn’t dare order them here. The pasta came with fresh spinach in a tomato chive cream sauce.
The dish certainly had potential but in the end it was just too heavy. Italians never drown their pasta in sauce, but know how to expertly dress the noodles to reach the right balance. This dish suffered from too much liquid and as a result became a mish mash rather than a coherent symphony of ingredients. The pasta became gummy and eventually completely unappetizing. Would we return? Doubtful.
3. Retro Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Hello! We are a family owned Bistro! We have been in Mount Prospect for 26 years And recently opened another Retro Bistro in Crytstal Lake IL! Along with our son CJ ! Next generation! Hope you check us out! We are a "nicer" place without the higher pricing and stuffiness! Fun bar! Happy hour specials everyday!
Reviewed By MidwestFred - United States
This was our first-time visit to this store-front restaurant, and were we ever pleasantly surprised! We stopped in for lunch.and were promptly greeted by very friendly staff and seated.
The ambiance is what one would expect from a French bistro - simply-decorated, hardwood floors, and french music.
There are daily specials, and a price-fixe menu at lunch for $25. We split a pear salad, and both had the specials - a beef skewer, and chicken breast. Both had delicious sauces and were accompanied by fresh-cut vegetables.
There is an extensive wine list and dessert elections, which unfortunately we did not partake becasue this was a quick lunch for us. But we will definitely return, and recommend Retro Bistro for authentic French dining in Chicago's northwest suburbs!.
4. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
Reviewed By Chris M - Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Lou Malnati was a pioneer in creating Chicago deep dish pizza. A fantastic butter crust, fresh toppings and great service! Great for families, as well as couples.
We frequently visit the one in Schaumburg. Located on the corner of two busy intersections and in a building that was once a very large home. Unique in its atmosphere and decor.
A nice relaxing bar area while waiting for your order, or waiting for friends.
Just a great place for a great dinner, spent with great friends!
5. Paradise Pup
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By Jkarr11 - Park Ridge, Illinois
Super fresh. Great fries, awesome hotdogs with all the fixings. Great burgers. Tiny little place that's a huge hit with local businesses. Great place to take the kids for lunch on a Saturday. Fresh, hot, quick fast food for when the bug hits you!
6. Portillo's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Home to America's favorite Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, burgers, salads, and chocolate cake.
Reviewed By Allen21096 - Chicago, Illinois
Portillo's offers a rib special of a 1/2 slab of ribs when you purchase a full slab of ribs and a drink. It is hard to pass that deal up, as the ribs are tasty and they are prepared the way that I like them - fall off of the bone. The restaurant has a great ambiance and the staff seems friendly and is definitely efficient. Besides the ribs, there are many other good things on the menu, including desserts. Definitely worth a stop!
7. Portillo's Hot Dogs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Home to America's favorite Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, burgers, salads, and chocolate cake.
Reviewed By Ron780 - Sydney, Australia
Wow...what a place. Wonderful atmosphere and very good fast food! I would highly recommend trying this restaurant. I look forward to returning on my next visit. Happy to know they are finally expanding throughout United States. Thank you!
8. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ADM_TX - Waco, Texas
Enjoyed a fantastic evening at Gibson's with six co-workers. We started out as "that group" when two of our party ordered non-traditional, not-on-the-menu cocktails; both our waiter and the bartender rolled with it, and came up with fantastic options! Of course the steaks were out of this world amazing, and importantly, all served exactly to the temperature requested!! Sides were delicious, especially the brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes. Desserts--"as big as your head"--seriously! Great service, great food, great cocktails, great desserts--all add up to a fantastic evening!
9. Via Roma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Phone number is 847-768-7461, zip code 60016
Reviewed By Hans M - Niles, Illinois
Very cozy family run Italian restaurant. No reservations accepted. True BYOB meaning $0 corkage. They hand you an opener and you do the work. Four of us went, all had excellent meals. Your choice of pastas, fresh fish, meats all cooked Italian style.Thank you for dining with us we are very pleased to hear you and your guests enjoyed your meals and our byob policy. look forward to serving you again soon Grazie!
10. Cafe Lucci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By J8403TXtimothyc - Cincinnati, United States
We were working a big photo/video shoot in the area. It involved industrial cooking equipment and one of the in house chefs recommended Cafe Lucci. Her friend was the head chef and he didn't disappoint.
The service was impeccable and the food was fantastic. You keep a crew happy through their stomach and the crew was very happy. The bread basket and oils were tasty as well. I would definitely go back for another visit.
