Oak Park, Illinois area restaurants

Oak Park, Illinois, located just 10 miles outside of downtown Chicago, attracts thousands of visitors and tourists every year, and can claim some of the best dining in the Chicago area. Nearly every fare imaginable is well represented, including authentic Italian, Thai, al fresco/outdoor dining and establishments offering vegetarian cuisine.

Oak Park area residents also frequent lesser known gems in Elmwood Park (particularly on North Avenue) and downtown Forest Park, which has recently undergone a very successful facelift. If you're looking for a nice quiet, restive spot and a good coffee house or cafe, nearby downtown Riverside is without question your best option. Finally, Berwyn offers some of the best Mexican dining available (see Best Picks Lalo's and Mi Tierra) west of Chicago.

Oak Park was put on the map by long time resident and world renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who built a number of homes in Oak Park during the early 20th century (see the Frank Lloyd Wright estate and the Moore home). Oak Park and nearby River Forest remain a beautiful showcase for many well preserved homes and architectural masterpieces by others, including George W. Maher, Thomas E. Tallmage and Charles E. White, Jr. Oak Park is also the birthplace of author Ernest Hemingway and there is both a restaurant and a museum dedicated to him as well.

Also: take a look at our sister sites for restaurant choices, visitor reviews and more in the Windy City as well as nearby La Grange, Downers Grove and Wheaton.