5 Best Restaurants in Springfield IL
Updated 26 September 2026 · 25 restaurants in Springfield IL considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide highlights the top five restaurants in Springfield IL, ranked by weighted Google ratings with at least 300 reviews each. We evaluated 25 qualifying businesses to bring you a curated list of local favorites. Whether you need a quick healthy lunch, a romantic dinner, or a family-friendly spot, this selection helps you find the best dining experiences in the area based on consistent customer feedback and specific menu strengths.
#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 serves Mediterranean meals in a casual counter-service setting. Reviewers praise the fresh, healthy options like chicken shawarma bowls, falafel, and lentil soup, noting generous portions for the $10–20 price. The spot is open daily from 11 am to 8 pm, offering lunch and dinner. It features wheelchair-accessible seating, vegan and vegetarian choices, and a friendly atmosphere suitable for solo diners or quick bites while on the road.
Best for: fresh Mediterranean bowls
- 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 offers New American and Thai dishes in a cozy, trendy space near the Old State Capitol. Open 11 am to 2 pm on weekdays, it serves lunch and dinner with counter service. Regulars recommend the tropical green tea, Thai pork bowls, and house-made bread sandwiches. The $10–20 price point fits families and locals seeking a clean, friendly spot with generous portions and a self-serve beverage selection.
Best for: Thai and New American lunch
- 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 is an Italian restaurant offering lunch and dinner with outdoor seating. Reviewers highlight the meatballs, lasagna, and huge pizza slices, noting the food is spot-on delicious. The $10–20 range covers meals with great desserts and a variety of vegan and vegetarian options. Located at 220 S 6th St, it provides fast service and a welcoming environment for solo diners or groups looking for a local specialty.
Best for: Italian comfort food
- 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
VELE
★ 4.7 (591 Google reviews)Fine dining restaurant$30–80 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
VELE provides fine dining with a focus on coastal Italian fare, open for dinner from 5 pm to 10 pm. The $30–80 price reflects high-quality ingredients like broccolini, filet, and chicken piccata. Reviewers praise the top-notch cocktails, wine list, and private dining rooms like The Pearl. The restaurant offers wheelchair accessibility and serves small plates, making it suitable for intimate dinners or groups seeking a warm, professional atmosphere.
Best for: coastal Italian fine dining
- 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
#5
Joseph's Fine Cuisine
★ 4.7 (408 Google reviews)Restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Joseph's Fine Cuisine focuses on dinner service from 5 pm to 9 pm with a romantic atmosphere. Reviewers rave about the hush puppies with Sriracha butter, fried chicken, and red fish tempura, describing the meals as excellent and well-prepared. The venue features a great selection of beers, wines, and bourbons. It offers outdoor seating and wheelchair access, catering to groups and solo diners who value quality service and generous portions.
Best for: romantic dinners and bourbon
- Address
- 3153 Hedley Rd, Springfield, IL 62704, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–9 pm; Mon 5–9 pm; Sat 5–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 5–9 pm; Tue 5–9 pm; Wed 5–9 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 25 restaurants in Springfield IL with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then ranked by weighted Google rating across the city, 300 reviews minimum. 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 Springfield IL are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is VELE, 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, VELE and Joseph's Fine Cuisine.
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