It's National Noodle Day (October 6)! Let's get cozy and explore our noodle options of Chicago Northwest. From classic Italian cuisines to authentic Asian dishes, the Chicago Northwest suburbs have countless fantastic dining options. Noodles are a staple food, especially as it gets chillier, in many cultures and have a wide variety of taste and presentation. Noodles are simple, just unleavened dough, cut into various shapes and sizes, either boiled, pan-fried or deep-fried. However, any chef or cook will tell you that the preparation is nowhere near as easy as the ingredients needed to make this classic multi-cultural delicacy.
📷 : Chef Ping Chef Ping Restaurant is where happy eating meets happy gatherings. Their whole focus is on family values and creating innovative culinary masterpieces. Chef Ping recreates modern Chinese and Asian classics with a perfect balance of fresh herbs and spices. Stop by for great-tasting and affordable lunch specials! Hint: try to beat the lunch and dinner rush to avoid long wait times.
Recommendation: Ping's Noodle Soup
At Yu's, their passion is to provide customers with an authentic Chinese dining experience. Dine in for an unforgettable traditional Chinese cuisine prepared by culinary experts. On Friday and Saturday nights, Yu's hosts traditional Chinese Noodle Shows, which you have to see to believe. A rarity in the United States, watch in astonishment as their chefs twirl, twist, and stretch the tasty dough. The delicious dough slab becomes hundreds of thin noodles in just a minute, which are put fresh into the soups and dishes you enjoy. Yu’s also has large viewing windows where you can watch your favorite dish being prepared by culinary experts.
Recommendation: Taiwan Beef Noodle Soup
📷 : Noodles DelightNoodles Delight in Roselle stays true to their namesake by serving delightful noodles day-in and day-out. With a vast menu containing a wide variety of traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes, you can always try something new. They have fast, friendly service and only cook with the freshest ingredients this region has to offer. As for noodles, they offer Chinese casseroles, pan-fried Cantonese or rice noodles, braised noodles, noodle soups, and more!
Recommendation: Roasted Duck Braised Noodle
Pho An Heights - Arlington Heights
Pho An Heights is a casual Vietnamese & Asian eatery that emphasizes simplicity. They are committed to using authentic ingredients from Asia to create smooth, lively, and flavorful dishes. The relaxed atmosphere allows patrons to dine in comfort and leave satisfied. Kick things off with potstickers or shumai and finish strong with pho noodles or Banh Mi.
Recommendation: Pho Sliced Beef
📷: To PhoBà ngoại is the Vietnamese translation for grandmother, and eating at To Pho is as comfy and cozy as eating at your grandmother’s house. This eatery specializes in Vietnamese noodle dishes and other Asian standards. Expect fast and convenient service in a clean, comfortable environment. Their menu is perfect for groups looking to try something new and dine family-style. Reasonable pricing and great lunch specials make To Pho a hot spot around lunchtime.
Recommendation: Pho Dac Biet (house special)
Nestled in the quiet town of Wood Dale, New China Pearl Chinese Restaurant offers authentic Chinese cuisine. You cannot beat their affordable pricing and variety in taste. New China Pearl has an abundance of excellent traditional Chinese entree options from Orange Chicken to Pad Thai. The convenient location and friendly atmosphere make for a popular dine-in option for the Wood Dale community.
Recommendation: House Pad Thai
The Bistro Dragon - Elk Grove Village
The Bistro Dragon is an artfully designed restaurant that consistently provides the Elk Grove Village community with excellent Asian fusion cuisine. Executive Chef Chen has studied Japanese and Chinese fusion cuisines from coast to coast and has found a happy medium between innovation and tradition. The Bistro Dragon is described by many to be an "oasis of sophisticated Zen with rich woods and bamboo." Stop by for Ladies Night Wednesdays and Saturdays. All wines by the glass are $5 and Saké for $3, 5pm until close.
Recommendation: Saffron Scallops with Udon Noodles
📷: Tokio PubTokio Pub creates inventive, soul-satisfying dishes, all with a bit of Asian flair. Stop by and see an impressive spread of classic Japanese creations such as hand-rolled sushi, ramen, and more. They have excellent specialties such as the interactive Japanese Hot Rock, the signature Ramen Burger (who says ramen has to always be in a broth), and the Nakashima Fried Rice round. When dining in, expect a vibrant ambiance with lively music - the perfect date night.
Recommendation: Tokio's Famous Ramen Burger
Cooper's Hawk - Arlington Heights
Cooper's Hawk is an award-winning winery as well as an upscale, contemporary American eatery. Built on the foundational belief that food and wine hold the power to forge lasting connections, Cooper's Hawk is a unique dining spot. While the winery usually makes the headlines, their restaurant truly takes this destination to the next level. Cooper's Hawk offers a modern, casual dining experience with an American menu infused with flavors and textures worldwide. Each dish is made fresh, and their rotating menu incorporates peak-of-season ingredients.
Recommendation: Gnocchi Bolognese with Braised Short Rib
Francesca's Tavola - Arlington Heights
Francesca's Tavola, located in Arlington Heights, features a casually sophisticated ambiance, rustic cooking, friendly service, and fair prices. Their menu features a blend between Rome's zesty cuisine and the earthy tastes Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, and surrounding areas. Their menu contains a wonderfully elegant variety of delicious entrees, making your entree decision incredibly tricky in the most incredible way.
Recommendation: Agnolotti alla Piemontese
Chicago Prime Italian - Schaumburg
Chicago Prime Italian is a family-owned, high-quality Italian restaurant with plenty to offer any pallet. Find your taste of Italy on their elegant menu and stop by on weekends for live entertainment on their beautiful outdoor patio. Celebrate special occasions dining from their scratch kitchen and locally sourced vegetables and meats. Ask any Schaumburg local about Chicago Prime Italian; chances are they have treated themselves there one or twice. Chicago Prime Italian has live music every weekend!
Recommendation: Lasagna
📷: Antonio'sThe restaurant’s namesake, Antonio Lettieri was born in Rocca Di Neto, Calabria, Italy, and began working in restaurants at 14. Antonio relocated to the United States in 2007 and has spread his vast knowledge and expertise in culinary, wine, and restaurant operations throughout the Chicagoland area. Peruse their wonderful selection of homemade pasta dishes or try their pizza that is prepared old-school in a wood burning pizza oven. If you are searching for authentic Italian fine dining, visit Antonio's Ristorante in Itasca, you won't leave disappointed.
Recommendation: Penne Al Capone
We only touched on a fraction of the incredible noodles available in the Chicago Northwest region. Visit our website for the entire restaurant list as well as takeout and curbside pickup options. Looking for more inspiration in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago? Check out our inspiration page.