Mystery Diner

The restaurant makes its bones through local farms, serving fresh fare described as “good food for the soul.”

Believe it or not, some of the best barbecue I’ve had in La Salle County was at Mr. Salsa's in Oglesby.

A bowl of pho from Pho Ly will warm the soul. The owners have made great use of their space, creating a comfortable, modern environment that’s home to elevated Vietnamese cuisine.

It’s not often you’re truly blown away by a new restaurant. That was the case, though, when I grabbed lunch with a co-worker recently at Susie Sushi, a new sushi place that opened late last year in Fox River Grove.

In delivering consistent quality and fast service to patrons, the Four Star Family Restaurant in Peru doesn’t have many peers.

The restaurant is the latest creation of chef-turned-restaurateur Brian Goewey, whose other Italian-focused enterprises in Geneva and St. Charles are Gia Mia and Livia.

This Mystery Diner was looking for a new, tasty place with a fresh atmosphere to go for breakfast one recent Sunday. A friend suggested Maple & Hash in Pingree Grove, and am I sure glad she did.

What's going on in the kitchen makes Ren's Chinese Restaurant in Sycamore a perfect takeout or delivery choice. There also are several tables for diners.

Bianchi's Pizza in Ottawa lives up to its "world famous" title.

The downtown Batavia restaurant is open three days a week to serve lunch and dinner, and makes its space available to other culinary enterprises on other days.

Whether you are looking for a lunch location or somewhere to go with friends on the weekend, The Metalwood Grille at the McHenry Country Club will hit the right spot.

Brennan’s Bar and Grill in downtown Oglesby had me at hello.

From burgers to wraps to chicken sandwiches, Craft'd Plainfield has entrees to please all diners.

The recently reimagined restaurant features fresh twists to the menu, paired with an old-school, welcoming warmth.

Thoughtful attention to cooking and presentation is evident at Vine & Plate, a wine bar that prides itself on the shared experience of wine and food.