A Gourmet Guide to the Best Restaurants in Galena
Take a minute to think about your favorite vacation over the past years and now, tell us what made it special. Chances are there were three elements that made it shine, the sites you visited, your vacation accommodations, and the food you devoured in the midst of your adventures. The best vacations offer the best foods and although we at Farmers Guest House have touched on this topic before, we feel we can never give our guests enough opportunities to enjoy good food and this guide to restaurants in Galena is guaranteed to take your Illinois vacation experience to the next level of wonderful.
Galena, Illinois, is a great place to visit, not only known for its small-town charm and gorgeous scenery but also its delicious culinary scene. With nearly 30 different restaurants to choose from, we know how hard it can be to decide where to eat when you stay with us. Just steps from our historic bed and breakfast, you’ll find a wide variety of downtown restaurants in Galena, IL, to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for something casual or you’re after a fine dining experience, any of these restaurants will satisfy your cravings. Of all the great options you’ll find as you wander down Main Street, here are a few of our best recommendations!
Find out more about the great things to do in our area, like dining at the best restaurants in Galena, IL today. Then, check out our complimentary Vacation Guide for more amazing things to do while visiting Galena.
Our Favorite Restaurants in Galena, IL for A Delectable Adventure
Emmy Lou’s Café
11347 Oldenburg Lane, Closed Mondays
Everyone likes to find that restaurant that makes them feel a part of the family, especially when it comes to breakfast, and Emmy Lou’s Café, is one such spot. Offering a menu filled with your favorite breakfast dishes, this homey restaurant opens at 7:30 and closes at 2:00, making it ideal for a repeat visit at lunch. And just like its surroundings, the meals served here are homey and hearty as well, making guests feel that they have stopped in at their grandma’s house and she is insisting they look too thin and need to eat her homemade chicken fried steak, with biscuits and sausage gravy thrown in for good measure.
Bread & Vine Galena
217 S Main Street, Open Daily at 9:00 AM
The best part of Illinois living is that most people understand the importance of breakfast, and as such most restaurants open early enough to be considered great breakfast spots as well. And although we are talking about lunch in this moment, Bread & Vine is one of our favorite spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so if your lunch of burgers or even tacos appeals, consider coming back for their quiche Lorraine at lunch or their Prince Edward Mussels at dinner. This charming spot located in the heart of downtown Galena, is known for their international meal choices, including Moroccan, French, and Italian.
Vinny Vanucchi’s
201 S Main Street, Open Daily 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
The restaurants in Galena never cease to amaze and the taste of Italy you will enjoy at Vinny Vannuchi’s is a prime example. The streets of Galena are cobbled in front of this special restaurant, furthering the illusion that you stepped out of your car and into the romantic country of Italy, and when the door opens, letting the heavenly aromas surround you, that sense of other worldliness will continue even more. Walls painted to look like Venetian plaster, red checked tablecloths, and dishes heaping with your favorite Italian meals will urge you to “mangia, mangia!” Offering a kid’s menu as well, this Galena restaurant will be favored by everyone in your traveling party, especially when you taste Nana Lu’s Meat Lasagna!
Campeche Mexican
After a long day exploring Galena, a great margarita and a big bowl of queso are the perfect remedies. You’ll find both, plus so much more, at this authentic Mexican restaurant in the heart of Galena. Campeche Mexican boasts warm hospitality, delicious food, and a fun and casual environment you’re sure to love.
Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub & Grille
When you’re in the mood for a Guinness and the best Irish fare, make your way to Frank O’ Dowd’s Irish Pub. Enjoy a delicious and traditional Shepard’s Pie. Then, complement your meal with the best beers on tap. And, on Fridays and Saturdays, you can dance around to the best live music in town!
Fritz & Frites
When you can’t decide which type of cuisine you’re craving, head to Fritz & Frites in Galena, IL, where you’ll find French and German classics. This wonderful European-style bistro offers a wide variety of “a little French and a little German”, plus an exquisite wine menu to complement your meal.
Log Cabin Steakhouse
One of our personal favorites, Log Cabin Steakhouse is Galena’s oldest and longest-running dining establishment. Since opening its doors in 1937, Log Cabin has continuously served wonderfully prepared steakhouse favorites and Greek specialties with a “with a smile and a handshake” to everyone. Check out our specials to see how you can eat there for free!
Big Bill’s Sandwich Shop and Coffee Bar
Visit the historic Logan House building and try Big Bill’s Sandwich Shop and Coffee Bar. Then, indulge in a fancy coffee drink with a mouthwatering sandwich, soup, or salad for the ideal lunch to get you through your explorations around downtown Galena.
Goldmoor Restaurant
If you’re looking for a romantic fine dining experience, make your reservation at the Goldmoor Restaurant. This beautiful establishment sits high on a hill overlooking the Mississippi River and Galena’s rolling hills below. Dining at the elegant Goldmoor is an experience in and of itself, but the fantastic seasonally crafted menu is what makes the trip.
Little Tokyo
In the mood for sushi? Head to Little Tokyo for delicious Japanese cuisine. This incredible restaurant serves authentic dishes including signature sushi rolls, Japanese steak dishes, and plenty of perfectly prepared tempura choices. It’s also conveniently on Main Street, so you can stop by for a lunch break while exploring downtown Galena!
Market House
For a meal that feels homemade, head to Market House where you’ll find a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and house entrees to choose from. In addition to burgers, chicken sandwiches, and entrees that range from fish to pasta, Market House also offers daily specials and great vegetarian selections. Plus, you’ll love the easygoing atmosphere and beautiful stone wall as a backdrop to your meal!
Gobbie’s Sports Pub & Eatery
Another fantastic addition to Main Street is Gobbie’s Sports Pub and Eatery. We know that pizza isn’t the first thing to come to mind when you hear “Gobbie’s Sports Pub & Eatery,” but when you’re in the mood for a delicious slice of pizza, this is the best place to go! With a menu that features gourmet Chicago-style pizza, plus a wide variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and pub favorites, you can’t go wrong with this laidback dining option.
Stay with Us and Walk to These Great Restaurants in Galena, IL!
Located just steps from Main Street and the best places to eat in Galena, IL, the Farmers Guest House offers premier bed and breakfast accommodations in the heart of downtown. A Top 10 U.S. Bed and Breakfast that serves one of the best breakfasts in North America, Farmers Guest House is unlike any other place to stay in Galena, IL.
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