Visitor Must-Stops

These stand-out spots are more than culinary delights, they're truly exceptional experiences.

Caprae

Located at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Champaign, Chef Garron and the Caprae team showcase their own farm flavors as well as regional growers in a beautiful setting.

The Yard on Broadway

A collection of second locations for some of Champaign-Urbana's favorite restaurants, complete with yard games, family activities, and ample TVs to keep up on the Big Ten fun. Find it in downtown Urbana.

Farren's at the Inman

What started as a hot spot for burgers has grown into an upscale bar & grill in a unique downtown Champaign setting. You can still get that classic Russell Burger, but order the grilled scallops, too.

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

Award-winning barbecue in downtown Champaign’s original train station is an absolute requirement for visitors. So is getting there early to make sure you get the burnt ends before they run out. 

Hopscotch Bakery + Market

A charming neighborhood bakery, this Champaign spot will make you feel like you’re a Gilmore Girl. Sip a latte, eat a scone, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.

Neil St. Blues

This soul food restaurant is not just about the comforting Southern flavors, it’s about the way they make you feel. You’ll be family once you step inside this downtown Champaign fave.

Hamilton Walker’s

It feels like old Hollywood in this downtown Champaign steakhouse & seafood spot. Get a martini, a perfectly executed steak, and be treated like royalty from the outstanding staff.

Lazy Daisy Diner & Café

This quirky breakfast and lunch spot in Urbana's Lincoln Square Mall offers dishes as diverse as its colorful décor. Try their giant pancake, finish it, and you’ll get a bumper sticker!

The Space

Epic smash burgers meets innovative yet accessible fine dining…with a shot of Malört...in the heart of downtown Champaign. With their commitment to using local ingredients, you never know what you’re going to get, but you know it’s going to be legendary. 

Flesor’s Candy Kitchen

A long-time family-owned candy shop and restaurant, this beloved spot in Tuscola is perfect for all ages. Be sure to bring home some hand-dipped chocolate.

Yoder’s Kitchen

The mecca for Amish cooking. Get homemade noodles, gravy, chicken, and every other down-home dish you crave at this large buffet in Arthur.

A World of Food in the Heartland

An international community in Illinois’ heartland brings a world of flavor. Who needs a passport when you can dine around the world in Champaign-Urbana?

Golden Harbor

Featuring a Chinese menu and an American Chinese menu, you’ll find over 2,000 authentic options to choose from at this Champaign institution, with the crispy tofu being a consistent favorite. 

Blue Ethiopian Cuisine & Cafe

Share the aromatic dishes and stews with friends, served with housemade injera, traditional Ethiopian bread. Find it in downtown Champaign.

Kohinoor Indian Restaurant

Featuring Northern Indian cuisine, this popular spot in downtown Champaign treats you to a mix of spices with biryani, masala, vindaloo, and other curries.

Maize Mexican Grill

Working with local farmers to access grains to make their tortillas, this go-to Mexican restaurant—with Champaign locations on Neil Street and downtown—is a favorite among students and the community alike.

Stango Cuisine

The first known Zambian restaurant in the country, this downtown Champaign spot slings curries and stews alongside nshima, but you can pick up their beignets and juices every week at the farmers’ market.

Oozu Ramen Bar

Japanese ramen is a true art in mastering the blend of broth, noodles, vegetables, and meat. This Campustown spot does it expertly.

Nando Milano Trattoria

A true Italian trattoria, you’ll delight in handcrafted pastas paired with the perfect bottle of wine and light scoops of gelato to end the meal.

Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week

Held every year at the end of January/beginning of February, Restaurant Week showcases the very best of the Champaign-Urbana area food scene, with prix fixe menus, exclusive-to-Restaurant-Week specials, and more. With so many local eateries participating, you're sure to discover your new favorite!

CU IN ASIA FOOD TRAIL

Discover flavors from China, Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Laos at restaurants in the Champaign-Urbana area with our CU in Asia Food Trail experience pass! Every time you check in, you’ll earn 100 points. Once you’ve hit 5 spots, you’re eligible for a chance to win gift cards to one of the participating restaurants of your choice and a Chambana Proud t-shirt!