Cactus - Mexican Cuisine

Cactus is a cantina-style Mexican restaurant and bar that has become a tasty and trendy spot for Milan locals. The Margaritas are enormous and have a genuine salt rim. The chips, guac, and salsa are made fresh, and the tacos are always crispy and flavorful. There are Vegetarian choices to ensure there's something for everyone alongside our usual favorites like fajitas, carnitas, burritos, enchiladas, and satisfying combination plates to state all your cravings.

The interior is vibrant but with comfortable low lighting if you want to chill at the bar or enjoy a more leisurely dinner experience solo or with friends. They are also always prepared for takeout orders and packing up leftovers to take home for a delicious lunch tomorrow.

Bosco Verticale Restaurant - Italian Cuisine

If you're looking for fine dining for special occasions, book a table at Bosco Verticale. This beautiful Italian restaurant provides a sophisticated, upscale experience that will delight the senses from the moment you step through the door. The walls of delicate lights, the gorgeous combination of plaster and brick, the polished wine racks on the walls, and the gorgeous tables with white upholstered chairs start every meal with a sense of refinement.

As you might expect, every dish is a work of art from the beautiful seafood pasta to the perfectly cooked filet mignon. They are also known for gourmet cocktails and desserts.

Shanghai Chinese Restaurant - Chinese Cuisines

Whether you're looking for a great lunch stop or craving Chinese takeout to enjoy at home, locals will always recommend Shanghai Chinese Restaurant. This understated little venue is a delicious meal you can rely on no matter what you order from the menu.

You can build your order ala carte, but what we love best are the excellent Group Dinner options. Dinner for 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 people includes a customizable bundle of dishes that make for a truly amazing shared meal. Whether you're catering a meeting or a movie night, the deals are fantastic. Each one comes with sizzling rice soup, egg rolls for everyone, several mains, and a box of steamed rice.

In a hurry or flying solo, they also have a well-built and affordable lunch menu with all your favorite dishes to choose from served with an egg roll and fried rice.

Two Sisters Restaurant - Homestyle Diner

The single most popular restaurant in Milan is a cozy homestyle diner called Two Sisters. The interior is spacious and welcoming, with tables large enough to seat four and six casually - and many more if pushed together. But that's only part of why locals flock to Two Sisters. What really stands out is the delicious down-home food, from decadent brunch to big juicy burgers to traditional roast turkey dinner with dressing and everything in between.

Every dish is served steaming hot from the kitchen and made with love. Fluffy hotcakes, stacked French toast, and Belgian waffles start the list. They are famous for their steak and eggs and breakfast platters. But there's also a full menu of burgers, hot sandwiches, Chicago-style gyro wraps, fried fish plates, and a few Italian homestyle classics to complete your need for hearty nostalgia.

Pagalo's Pizzeria & Gelato Cafe - Pizza

Craving pizza? The best pizza place in Milan, IL is Pagalo's Pizzeria & Gelato. It's right by the water off 1st Avenue. Pagalo's specializes in wood-fire cooked pizza which gives them a fluffy and rich flavor that can't be beaten. Pizzas come from 9" to 16" with gluten-free and vegetarian options ensuring that everyone can have a great time.

Start your lunch with one of their dozen salad options, breadsticks, moz sticks, toasted ravioli, or hush puppies. Then, explore the extensive pizza menu from build-your-own to gourmet specials. Have a friend who's not in the mood for pizza? Their soups and sandwiches are equally superb, including meatball marinara and turkey basil aioli.

And of course, you can finish off your amazing meal with some authentic gelato. Explore the menu, and don't forget to ask about the flavors of the week. Or snag a slice of decadent carrot cake stacked with cream cheese icing.

Eat Like a Local in Milan, IL

When you're looking for a quiet neighborhood near some amazing restaurants, Milan, IL is a great place to call home. You can find a fantastic apartment in Milan to start your culinary adventures at the Village Woods Apartments. Contact us today to explore our available floor plans and get more great tips on how to eat and live like a local.