Downtown Arlington Heights has quietly become one of the northwest suburbs’ most exciting dining destinations. Within a few walkable blocks of the Metra station, you can watch Chef Matt Peota hand-roll fresh pasta at Passero, savor tableside guacamole made from award-winning Chef Juan Luis Gonzalez’s family recipes at Mago Grill & Cantina, or settle into the piano lounge at Palm Court for handcrafted cocktails and live music. From rustic Italian trattorias like Francesca’s Tavola to upscale steakhouses like Jameson’s Charhouse, Arlington Heights delivers a dining scene that rivals many Chicago neighborhood
Top Downtown Arlington Heights Restaurants
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passero | Italian-American | $$-$$$ | Date Night, Hand-made Pasta |
| Mago Grill & Cantina | Mexican/Latin | $$ | Groups, Tableside Guacamole |
| Palm Court | American | $$-$$$ | Piano Lounge, Private Events |
| Francesca’s Tavola | Italian (Roman) | $$ | Casual Italian, Happy Hour |
| Jameson’s Charhouse | Steakhouse | $$$ | Business Dinners, Steaks |
Whether you’re celebrating a special anniversary at Passero, closing a deal over prime steaks at Jameson’s Charhouse, or discovering Chef Juan Luis Gonzalez’s family recipes at Mago Grill & Cantina, downtown Arlington Heights offers dining experiences that create lasting memories. Skip the Chicago traffic and discover why locals call this the northwest suburbs’ best-kept culinary secret. Your table is waiting.
What are the best fine dining restaurants in downtown Arlington Heights?
Top-rated fine dining options include Passero (seasonal Italian with hand-rolled pasta), Mago Grill & Cantina (upscale Mexican with tableside guacamole), Palm Court (live piano and cocktails), Francesca’s Tavola (rustic Italian), and Jameson’s Charhouse (prime steakhouse). Most are located within walking distance of the Arlington Heights Metra station.
Is Arlington Heights a good place for a special occasion dinner?
Absolutely! Downtown Arlington Heights is ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, and celebrations. Passero offers intimate seating and Chef Matt Peota’s tasting menus. Palm Court provides live piano music perfect for date nights. Jameson’s Charhouse is excellent for milestone celebrations with its classic steakhouse atmosphere.
Is there parking near downtown Arlington Heights restaurants?
Yes! Downtown Arlington Heights offers abundant free parking in municipal lots and garages, plus street parking. The area is also accessible via the Arlington Heights Metra station on the Union Pacific Northwest line, making it easy to arrive without driving from Chicago or nearby suburbs.
