Best Restaurants in Normal, IL

Whether you’re trying to find the perfect restaurant for date night or you need somewhere new to bring family when they visit, there is no shortage of incredible restaurants in Normal, IL! From Mediterranean cuisine to classic pub fare, there’s something on our list to satisfy every craving. Take a look at our top recommendations, below.

Avanti’s Normal, IL

Delicious Italian dishes are on the menu at Avanti’s Normal, IL. Their food is low in price but loaded with flavor, so you can’t go wrong with any item on the menu. That said, if you’d like some recommendations beforehand, we love the Screamin’ Salami sandwich and the Chicken Parmigiana. Of course, for some diners, dessert is the main dish! Avanti’s classic cheesecake is out of this world, but we highly recommend you try their carrot cake, too.

And yes, of course we’ll just pick up an armful of Gondolas for dinner some nights — who doesn’t?

 

Medici Normal, IL

Medici in Normal, IL is the ideal spot for a date night. In the center of the restaurant stands a beautiful, towering tree that creates a woodsy, romantic atmosphere that is unlike anything else you’ll find in the area. Of course, Medici is just as well known for its unique atmosphere as it is for delectable, creative dishes. For starters, try the Moroccan Ragout, and follow it up with a main course of Salmon Brulee or Cajun Coffee Ribeye.

If you’re bringing a picky eater along, they’ll find something on the menu, too, like the Plain Jane burger or the four cheese pizza.

DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works

Those who are of age and enjoy a good craft brew would be remiss to pass up on DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works. They were named one of Draft Magazine’s Breweries to Watch in 2013, and they’ve only gone up from there with unique offerings, like the WiLD Sour Series and the musically-inspired Deadhead® IPA Series.

Like any good brewery, DESTIHL offers incredible food to go along with their incredible brews. If you’re just looking to share some apps with friends, the beer battered asparagus and crab rangoon pair well with most any beer.

Mandarin Garden House

If you’re a busy student at Illinois State, there’s no greater comfort after a long day of studies than Chinese takeout. At the Mandarin Garden House, you’ll find all the classics, including Kung Pao Chicken, Mongolian Beef, and Sweet and Sour Pork. On Sundays, they offer an expansive lunch buffet, and if you’re ordering in for a group of friends, you’ll enjoy the convenience of their dinner for two, dinner for three, etc. option.

The Rock Restaurant

The Rock Restaurant opened in Normal in 1999, getting its name from the owners’ intent to honor their father’s restaurant in Lebanon. Their goal is to bring quality food and a friendly environment to guests, and it certainly shows: you’ll always be greeted with a smile and treated like family when you’re here.

Sample the tastes of the Mediterranean when you order their famous Gyros, Falafel, Spinach Pie, and Baba Ghannoush or Hummus with Pita. And of course, when you’re dining at a Mediterranean restaurant, you can’t go home without picking up a slice of Baklava!