Best Restaurants in Rockford (2025)

Downtown’s benchmark for seasonal small plates, Abreo blends Midwestern sourcing with global ideas under chef-owner Paul Sletten. Praised by local food writers for consistency and creativity, it’s a polished, lively room with a deep wine and whiskey list.

A bright Nordic-inspired brunch-and-music hub known for æbleskiver, gravlax, and a spirited evening menu. Inducted into the Illinois Made program and often spotlighted by regional editors, it channels Rockford’s Scandinavian roots with genuine warmth.

Set in Illinois’ oldest brewery building on the river, this independent brewpub pairs house beers with elevated comfort food. Frequently covered by local news for its community events and sustainability efforts, it’s quintessential Rockford waterfront dining.

A bustling, independently owned spot with wood-fired ovens, oysters, steaks, pizzas, and an in-house bakery. Regularly recommended by local guides for breadth and late hours, it’s a reliable pick for date night or a celebratory dinner.

Family-run for decades, Lino’s is a love letter to classic Italian-American dining—red sauce favorites, pizza, steaks, and house-made gelato in a throwback space. A frequent pick in regional roundups, it’s the city’s go-to for nostalgic Italian feasts.

From a mobile oven to a downtown fixture, Woodfire turns out blistered, wood-fired pies with market-driven toppings. Often cited by locals as Rockford’s best pizza, it anchors an evening out among galleries and bars along State Street.

A Rockford institution celebrating the city’s Swedish heritage—think thin pancakes with lingonberries, hearty breakfasts, and a beloved Friday fish fry. Lauded by local press for its cultural role and community events, it’s essential for first-time visitors.

Locally owned since the 1980s, JMK combines lively teppanyaki tables with a full sushi bar and lounge. Recognized by the state tourism bureau and trusted by generations of locals for celebrations, it’s Rockford’s enduring Japanese destination.

Chef-owner Patrick Alberto reimagined a downtown stalwart into a Filipino-forward restaurant featuring adobo, pancit, and playful brunch plates. Celebrated by local journalists during Rockford Restaurant Week, it brings fresh perspective to the city’s dining scene.

A stylish, independently owned Northern Italian spot with seasonal menus, spritz-friendly patio weather, and a cozy cellar dining room in cooler months. Noted by local media among the city’s exciting new openings, reservations are recommended.

Small, chef-owned, and beloved for generous sushi rolls and Asian-fusion plates alongside well-cooked steaks. Frequently recommended by locals and regional lists, it’s the intimate, reservation-free spot where the chef’s hand is felt in every dish.

Family-run downtown favorite blending Thai and Laotian recipes—pad thai, khao soi, larb, and more—served with genuine hospitality. Highlighted by local guides and community reviewers, it’s where many Rockford diners start their Southeast Asian journey.