5 Best Restaurants in Downtown, Springfield IL
Updated 26 September 2026 · 38 restaurants in Downtown, Springfield IL considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide highlights five top-rated dining spots in Downtown Springfield, IL, selected by Google ratings and review volume from 38 local businesses. Whether you need a quick healthy lunch, a cozy Italian dinner, or a venue for a private event, this list helps you find the right place. Each entry includes hours, price range, and specific details from customer feedback to help you plan your visit without guessing.
#1
PITA OR BOWL
★ 4.9 (1,091 Google reviews)Mediterranean restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
PITA OR BOWL offers fresh, healthy Mediterranean options near downtown Springfield. Reviewers praise the generous portions and perfectly seasoned dishes like chicken shawarma bowls, lamb kabobs, and falafel. The menu includes vegan and vegetarian choices, lentil soup, and tangy toppings such as pickled turnips. Open daily from 11 am to 8 pm, it serves lunch and dinner with counter service. Prices range from $10 to $20, making it a convenient spot for a quick, satisfying bite.
Best for: Healthy Mediterranean bowls and fresh flavors
- Address
- 848 S Grand Ave E, Springfield, IL 62703, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–8 pm; Mon 11 am–8 pm; Sat 11 am–8 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–8 pm; Tue 11 am–8 pm; Wed 11 am–8 pm
#2
Long Nine Junction
★ 4.8 (499 Google reviews)New American restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Long Nine Junction serves New American dishes during lunch hours from 11 am to 2 pm. Regulars highlight the Thai pork bowls, tomato broth sandwiches, and house-made bread. The spot features a self-serve beverage station and generous portions. Open Tuesday through Friday, it offers a cozy, trendy atmosphere with counter service. Priced between $10 and $20, it is a popular choice for locals and travelers seeking a friendly, clean environment.
Best for: Quick New American lunch with local flavors
- Address
- 5 W Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–2 pm; Mon Closed; Sat Closed; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–2 pm; Tue 11 am–2 pm; Wed 11 am–2 pm
#3
La Piazza Cucina Italiana
★ 4.7 (735 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
La Piazza Cucina Italiana serves Italian favorites like meatballs, lasagna, and huge pizza slices. Reviewers call the risotto incredible and note the wide variety of desserts. The kitchen is run by the owner-chef, preparing meals to order. Open for lunch and dinner with outdoor seating, it accepts credit and debit cards. Prices fall between $10 and $20, offering a comfortable dining experience with wheelchair-accessible facilities and vegan options.
Best for: Italian classics with great dessert options
- Address
- 220 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–3 pm, 4–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–3 pm, 4–9 pm; Sun 11 am–3 pm; Thu 11 am–3 pm, 4–9 pm; Tue 11 am–3 pm; Wed 11 am–3 pm
#4
5th Street GEM
★ 4.9 (167 Google reviews)Event venue
Representative photo, not of this business.
5th Street GEM functions as a Black-owned and women-owned event space with a warm, inviting interior. Guests appreciate the open floor plan, decor, and downstairs bar area. The venue serves food and hosts events like car shows and international women's day gatherings. Open Friday evenings from 5 pm to 10 pm, it provides on-site parking and wheelchair access. The spot is described as clean with good energy, suitable for groups looking for a unique gathering place.
Best for: Event venue with warm atmosphere and food
- Address
- 221 S 5th St, Springfield, IL 62701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–10 pm; Mon Closed; Sat Closed; Sun Closed; Thu Closed; Tue Closed; Wed Closed
#5
VELE
★ 4.7 (591 Google reviews)Fine dining restaurant$30–80 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
VELE offers fine dining with coastal Italian dishes and an extensive wine and cocktail list. Reviewers love the mushroom arancini, broccolini, filet, and chicken piccata. The restaurant features a private dining room called The Pearl, ideal for intimate groups. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm, it provides great service and a warm atmosphere. Prices range from $30 to $80, with vegan options and wheelchair accessibility available.
Best for: Fine dining with coastal Italian fare
- Address
- 3241 W Iles Ave, Springfield, IL 62711, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–10 pm; Mon 5–10 pm; Sat 5–10 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 5–10 pm; Tue 5–10 pm; Wed 5–10 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 38 restaurants in Downtown, Springfield IL with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then ranked by Google rating, weighted by how many people left one. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 26 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Book ahead at VELE: Google lists reservations as required.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
PITA OR BOWL ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 1,091 reviews. Long Nine Junction is second at 4.8 from 499 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Springfield IL are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is 5th Street GEM, at 10 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: PITA OR BOWL $10–20; Long Nine Junction $10–20; La Piazza Cucina Italiana $10–20; VELE $30–80. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for PITA OR BOWL, Long Nine Junction, La Piazza Cucina Italiana and VELE.
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