4 Best Restaurants in Peoria, IL

December 12th, 2018 by

Two Steaks on a Grill
Whether you’re just visiting, planning a date night, or looking for a break from your staple Peoria restaurants, BMW of Peoria is here to help. There are plenty of places to eat in Peoria, and we want to share four of our favorites with you. While locals have certainly heard of a few of these before, give yourself a new experience and order something new off the menu — that old favorite will be there next time, too.

Avanti’s Peoria

If you’ve lived in Central Illinois long enough, Avanti’s needs no explanation. College students stop back to visit their alma mater and make a pitstop at Avanti’s Peoria on their way through town. There are families that have a regular Avanti’s night, couples who celebrate their anniversaries there, and it might seem strange if you’re just visiting. But grab lunch — a Gondola sandwich or some spaghetti and Avanti’s famous bread — and you’ll see why. With three locations in Peoria, we think you’ll have no trouble satisfying that craving for homestyle, affordable Italian food.

Jim’s Steakhouse

As much a Central Illinois staple as Avanti’s, Jim’s Steakhouse is a go-to for those extra special occasions — or when you just want a perfectly cooked steak in a classic, elegant atmosphere. When celebrities have passed through town, they go to Jim’s, from Alice Cooper to Dick Clark to Tom Brokaw. While you can’t go wrong with any of their cuts of meat, feel free to wander to other parts of their menu — Jim’s Baked Chicken is a local favorite.

Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern

Kavan Shay spent 4 years in Chicago with the intent to return to his hometown of Peoria and open up a unique restaurant: The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. As you might expect, they’re known for their barbecue, but they do so much more than traditional barbecue plates. Shay serves up those house-smoked meats in unique ways, through appetizers, soups, salads, tacos, sandwiches, and rice bowls. Pair with selections from local microbreweries, and it’s clear why The Blue Duck is one of the most exciting spots on the riverfront.

One World Cafe

There are few restaurants like One World Cafe, delivering exactly what their name promises: a selection of foods from cultures around the world. Seeking delicious Mediterranean cuisine? Try their appetizer sampler or the balsamic citrus salmon. Looking for something spicy? Try the cajun pasta or chipotle nachos. Classic American fare like bacon cheese fries sits side-by-side with samosas on their appetizer menu, and their pizzas pull from all of those cuisines (and then some). Discover a new kind of fusion at their Main Street location.

Explore the Area with BMW of Peoria

If you are visiting the area, there are plenty of things to do in Peoria to work up an appetite for Peoria restaurants. Be sure to contact us if you need any more local recommendations, and rely on BMW of Peoria for your automotive needs!

More From BMW of Peoria

  • 2025 BMW X7 Exterior: Dimensions & Features

      Elegantly designed and vibrantly colored, the 2025 BMW X7 exterior is certainly worthy of all of the attention it garners as it is driven down Pekin streets. As if BMW designers and engineers desired to craft an exterior worthy of the BMW X7 performance capabilities, the 2025 BMW X7 exterior colors and design exude…

  • 2025 BMW X5 Exterior

      The BMW X5 size firmly classifies it as a midsize luxury crossover. That means it’s slightly roomier than your typical crossover, but the X5 is every bit as maneuverable and easy to park in downtown Pekin. This is because the exterior BMW X5 dimensions have been winnowed where it counts to ensure athletic styling,…

  • 2025 BMW i5 Overview

      BMW continues to set the standard for electric luxury sedans with the latest BMW i5. An all-electric sedan brimming with high-end materials and cutting-edge technology, the 2025 BMW i5 is designed to elevate every Pekin drive. Learn more about the 2025 BMW i5 prices, features, and available packages with BMW of Peoria to discover how this…

Posted in Local Attractions