Highly Recommended 7 Dinner Restaurants Near Ottawa, Illinois

BJR Pictures I was very impressed with this place!!! Ive never been here before and when I placed my order I asked the bartender if the two trick pony was any good. She said it was her favorite! I went with that and the tator tots and the flavor of the two meat, the brisket and pulled pork were the best that I have ever had at a restaurant besides smoking it myself! Well done! Great place inside, very clean and great ambiance in the place! I will definitely be back again!

Carolyn Jones A delicious, home-cooked meal felt relaxing after traveling for several days. The large, crackling fireplace added warmth and cheer with a romantic note to our evening. Our waitress was prompt but not overbearing. With the Southern style cooking and antique decor, it would have been easy to imagine we were in KY or TN, except for the Northern accents emanating from the other guests. Just for your info, if you order turnip greens, dont be surprised to have a generous amount of ham in with the healthy greens.

Jen Woodrum Wed had BASH recommended to us several times and finally made it out. Super worth it!! The sushi was incredible, and Im glad I got one with the bash sauce. The mac and cheese burger was very good, as were the fries. The outside sitting space was nice!

Kasia Turczyn Very nice, polite staff and welcoming! Each time someone walks it, they actually say "Welcome in"! Clean and the food is good! Cassandra helped us out and she was knowledgeable and great!! We got the spicey crispy chicken, double butter deluxe burger, fries and shakes! Recommend this location. Great!

David Bouwkamp Stopped for dinner while driving on I-80. Service was prompt and friendly with frequent checkups. Our food was tasty, prices were reasonable, and the restaurant is very clean. Its quiet and easy to talk.

Jeremy Gee On my first visit to Ottawa, I set out to experience some of the local dining scene and found myself at The Lone Buffalo, a restaurant that reflects the charm of this small but vibrant town. From the moment I stepped through the door, the atmosphere suggested I was in for something memorable. To begin, my daughter and I shared Aunt Bee’s Biscuits, accompanied by a cinnamon butter that struck the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. They were tender, flavorful, and an excellent introduction to the meal. For the main course, we both gravitated toward the burgers—always a reliable measure of a kitchen’s skill. The Cease & Desist Burger, my choice for the evening, delivered an impressive depth of flavor and arrived perfectly juicy, complemented by a side of crisp, well-seasoned fries. Across the table, the BBQ Brewmaster Burger proved equally satisfying, rich with smoky notes and a bold character that paired beautifully with the restaurant’s own craft ales. Service was another highlight. Our server, Kyle, was attentive without being intrusive, checking in at just the right moments to ensure everything was to our liking. By the end of the evening, it was clear that The Lone Buffalo is more than just a casual stop—it’s a place where thoughtful hospitality, well-executed food, and a robust beer program come together to create a meal worth remembering.

Andy I had an amazing experience at Rosatis Pizza in Ottawa! Their pizza was delicious, with the perfect balance of crispy crust, fresh toppings, and gooey cheese. But what really blew me away were the wings—packed with flavor, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. The staff was friendly, attentive, and quick to make sure we had everything we needed. If youre looking for great pizza, awesome wings, and top-notch service, Rosatis is the place to go!