There are several outstanding restaurants in Galena, offering cuisine ranging from Japanese to Greek, historical to contemporary. Even foraged items can be enjoyed here. Some of the restaurants offer meals with stay over packages.
Fried Green Tomatoes
This restaurant is based in a multilevel historic building that once belonged to the family of General Ulysses S. Grant. The building was deliberately chosen and restored to create an ambiance for distinctive dining. The choicest steaks, finest seafood and award winning wine list all add to the experience. On Wednesdays and Fridays, wine specials complement the comfort food on offer. Groups and motor coaches can be accommodated with set menus. There is an off-site and wedding catering service provided. The restaurant opens at lunch time on Saturdays and at 4 pm on other days. It is closed on Mondays.
213 N. Main St., Galena, IL 61036, Phone 815-777-3938
Fritz and Frites
Rated among the top restaurants in Galena, this restaurant offers Alsatian cuisine, the best of French and German flavors from the border region. The a la carte menu items include, escargot, schnitzel, a range of German wursts, sauerkraut and pommes frites. There are also chefs specials for the day. The bistro has a distinctly European atmosphere of understated elegance. Although the emphasis is on quality, they do not skimp on quantity. German beers, French wines and non-alcoholic drinks accompany the meal. Opening hours are between 4 and 9 pm with brunch starting at 9 am on Sundays. They are closed on Mondays.
317 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036, Phone: 815-777-2004
Goldmoor Inn
The restaurant at Goldmoor Inn has obtained several awards for their gourmet cooking of seasonal delights. Diners can choose a cozy booth or an elegant table with views of the park-like gardens, the Mississippi River and Iowa in the distance. An unusual option is to join the chef's table in the kitchen and to have cooking techniques explained to you. To complete the experience, diners can choose to stay overnight in the Chef's Quarters or any other luxury suite, cottage or log cabin. There are several indoor and outdoor venues available for weddings and other private functions.
9001 W Sand Hill Rd, 61036 Galena, Illinois, Phone: 815-777-3925
Little Tokyo Restaurant
Sometimes mistakenly called a sushi restaurant, Little Tokyo serves a range of authentic Japanese meals. Steak teriyaki, crispy chicken and several tempura dishes, including banana, are also on the menu. The chef's menu specials include raw and cooked Maki. Vegetarians would find several options to choose from. The sushi however is renowned, being made from the freshest yellowtail, salmon and tuna. The décor is a combination of old Galena and oriental. Diners can choose to eat in or to takeout. The restaurant is open from around noon till evening time, 7 days a week.
300 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036, Phone: 815-777-8883
Log Cabin Steakhouse
The Log Cabin Steakhouse is the oldest eating establishment in Galena. It was opened in 1937 and was bought in 1975 by a Greek immigrant, Foti Rigopolous, who brought his flavors from home with him. The restaurant is known for its large, thick, meaty steaks and spare ribs, including a 34 ounce Porterhouse and Foti's massive thick cut steak which is cooked for 5 hours. There is an equally impressive range of seafood dishes on the menu and more than 100 wines on the list. There is a limo service for parties and an off-site catering option.
201 N Main St, Galena, IL, Phone: 815-777-0393
General's Restaurant, De Soto House
De Soto House was built in 1855. It was the 'Largest Hotel in the West', with five floors and 225 guest rooms. General's Restaurant is currently one of three on the property and is open for dinner only. The Courtyard Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch and the Green Street Tavern is open all day. The General offers patrons quiet dining in a sedate setting. Aptly named Infantry on Horseback and the General's Caesar Salad are items on the menu. Accommodation packages, which include dinner or breakfast, can be arranged. The General also caters for banquets, weddings and other functions.
230 S. Main Street Galena, IL 61036, Phone: 815-777-0090
Vinny Vanucchi's
This trattoria, or 'Little Italy' as it is known, conjures up the 'taste of the old neighborhood'. Some recipes have been passed down through 5 generations. There is a full range of options on each of the lunch, dinner and gluten-free menus and a vast selection of wines to choose from. There is a choice of four dining areas, indoors and outside, when weather permits. Large parties are offered six choices of set menus. The shop at the entrance to the restaurant sells Vinny's own sauces, dressings and olive oil. The restaurant is open 7 days a week.
201 South Main Street, Galena, Illinois, Phone: 815-777-8100
Cannova's
This pizzeria was established in 1921 and the current owners took over more than 25 years ago. It is an establishment that offers fine Italian cuisine from Tuscany, Sicily, Venice and New York. Patrons can construct their own pastas or pizzas or choose from a range of antipastas, platters, deli sandwiches, seafood, salad and the signature garlic bread. Wines from across the globe are available to wash down the meal. Deliveries are made until 10 pm in the Galena area. The restaurant opens at 11 am every day of the week, except Mondays.
247 N Main St, Galena, Ill 61036, Phone: 815-777-3735, See the Map
