Arlington Heights is a welcoming community outside of Chicago filled with friendly faces and plenty of activities, like walking on the scenic trails, visiting local stores, and grabbing lunch at one of their many delicious restaurants. Arlington Heights offers a wide variety of unique cuisines with intimate and entertaining atmospheres for you and friends or family members to enjoy during your meal. These are the top 5 lunch spots in Arlington Heights guaranteed to soothe your cravings and grant you a one-of-a-kind experience.
Ttowa
Dive into an authentic Korean meal and experience at Ttowa. Chef Dong Ju Park creates menu items he hopes will not only feed customers but also teach them about Korean culture. The intimate restaurant atmosphere makes you feel like you’re dining in a real Korean restaurant with its tinted lighting and authentic Korean decor.
They offer both vegetarian and meat-lover options, like Bo Ssam pork belly wraps and a soft tofu stew called Soon Doo Boo. If you’re dining with friends or family, you have a large selection of appetizers to choose from, like chicken wings shaped like lollipops or jumbo dumplings stuffed with pork and beef filling. To fulfill any seafood cravings, try the Kimchi Pajeon, which is a pancake made from wheat flour packed with shrimp, scallops, and squid.
For lighter lunch options, try their Dal Kal Kuk Soo, which is a fun Korean spin on traditional chicken noodle soup. If you need a filling lunchtime meal, order the Ojingeo, which is a tenderly sauteed squid served with zucchini, carrots, and fermented chili paste.
Passero
At Passero in Downtown Arlington Heights, you’ll find a contemporary Italian restaurant with unique cuisines that feature classic Italian recipes with a modern twist. Chef Matt Peota collaborates closely with the restaurant owners to create delicious meals with ingredients from local vendors to add Midwest seasonality to classic Italian food. Experience a modern and laid back environment in an intimate setting, making it easy to have delightful conversations with friends or family while eating.
The menu features classic lunchtime meals like spaghetti and meatballs and a Margherita pizza. They also have contemporary Italian dishes like Coconut Cornflake Crusted Halibut, which features an oven-roasted Alaskan halibut covered in a sweet and tangy pineapple-mango salsa.
For a spicy taste, try the Sicilian Pizza made with locally sourced fennel sausage, fontina cheese, and cherry bomb peppers. For a healthy but filling option, taste the Tuscan spring salad with spring baby greens, Michigan dried cherries, and other veggies topped with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Mago Grill and Cantina
If you’re spending a day in Downtown Arlington, head over to The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre building where you’ll find a bustling Mexican restaurant serving both new and traditional authentic Mexican dishes. This thriving restaurant operates with the help of two award-winning chefs, Ric Munoz and Juan Luis Gonzalez. Mago Grill and Cantina is the perfect family restaurant as it offers dishes to satisfy all members of the family. Some menu items even contain family recipes from Chef Juan Luis’ grandmother.
Not only are the food and drinks savory and delicious, but the restaurants’ atmosphere is bright and bubbly. On clear, beautiful days, enjoy your meal on their outdoor sidewalk seating area. As you gaze at the lunch menu, choose from classic chicken, steak, or shrimp fajitas or from their variety of taco options. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try one of the unique tacos like Pulpo taco, which contains grilled octopus topped with queso fresco and Spanish chorizo.
Hey Nonny
Across from Harmony Park in Downtown Arlington Heights is Hey Nonny, a local farm-to-table bistro featuring live music and delicious meals. This Midwestern-style restaurant offers both lunch and brunch options, perfect for days when you’re craving breakfast food or your schedule only allows time for an early lunch. Enjoy your meal as you watch the engaging musicians perform in an entertaining, yet intimate dining environment.
If you’re in the mood for healthy cuisine, try the Steak and Kale Salad that features a New York strip steak with dried cranberries, goat cheese, sunflower seeds, topped with balsamic vinegar dressing. For vegetarians craving breakfast, the Brunch Veggie Burger with sweet onion jam, aged cheddar, porter mustard, and mighty vine tomato jam is a delicious option. When you’re ready for dessert, try their signature Pecan Bar, which is brown sugar whipped cream on salted caramel gelato.
Armand’s Pizzeria
Image via Flickr by RATATATO
The best place to find thin crust Chicago-style pizza in the suburbs is Armand’s Pizzeria. This Illinois favorite has been crafting delicious handmade pizza since 1956. It meets the needs of many restaurant-goers looking for a savory slice in a classic pizzeria atmosphere. There are plenty of appetizers to choose from before starting your meal, like stuffed artichokes, crispy mozzarella sticks, and lightly toasted bruschetta.
One of their specialties is the Nova Pizza, which is a 10-inch thin and crispy crust. For the toppings, select from choices like the Aloha Pizza with pineapple, bacon, and ham, or the Western Pizza with barbecue sauce, chicken, and bacon. They also offer filling options to satisfy meat lovers. Enjoy Armand’s Filet Steak with a savory garlic roasted flavor with a side of veggies. For a lighter lunch, try one of their many salad options, such as the Melrose Pepper salad with fried peppers, tomato, and fontinella cheese.
You can also try the signature Armand’s salad with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and other veggies. There’s also an abundance of pasta and sandwich options guaranteed to leave you delightfully full and satisfied with your lunch.
With such a large variety of restaurant selections, you’re bound to find a great lunch spot in Arlington Heights that provides not just great food, but an entertaining and comfortable atmosphere. These are Dahme Mechanical Industries’ favorite lunch spots in the city. Did we miss your favorite? If we did, reach out to us with your favorite place to grab a bite in Arlington Heights, we’ll be sure to add it to the list.