Top Restaurants to Visit in Galena, IL
Galena has some of the most quaint, cozy restaurants you’ll find in Illinois. Some will make you feel like you’re eating on the streets of Italy, and others will take you back to your childhood. We’ve got a lot of feelings about the food in Galena. And they’re all good feelings.
A Tasty Morning On the Strip
Most shops on the strip don’t open until 10 or 11AM, but there are a few coffee and pastry shops we recommend hitting before you put your shopping-shoes on.
Breakfast at The Galena Bakehouse
The Vibe: Clean | Minimal | Instagrammable
What we loved:
Great variety: muffins, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, desserts (gluten-free and vegan options available)
Perfect for a quick bite or an on-the-go breakfast
Things to know:
If you’re driving here, you may have to park down the street as there are minimal spaces.
It’s right at the beginning of the strip, so if you’re planning on walking and starting at the other end (where the Cathouse is), get ready for a little pre-breakfast workout.
This is a walk-up pastry bar so there aren’t tables to sit at once you get there. You’ll be taking that bag of macaroons to-go.
Coffee at Galena Roasters
The Vibe: Classic | Aztec | Modern
What we loved:
They offer great coffee from around the world freshly ground, as well as non-caffeinated options, snacks and pastries.
It’s easy to find, right in the heart of the strip.
The interior is clean and classic with black and white aztec decor, with plenty of places to sip and chat.
A cool feature: their light fixtures are built in the ceiling as if they were skylights which makes it feel as if the morning light is shining into the store all day long.
Things to know:
Again, anywhere on the strip will have minimal parking. We recommend arriving early in the day and leaving your car parked in a central location so it’s easy to access all day long if you need to drop your shopping bags off before you sit down for lunch.
Who’s Ready for Lunch?
A Clever, Humorous Lunch at Durty Gurt’s Burger Joynt
The Vibe: Playful | Bathroom Humor | Grandma’s Kitchen
What we loved:
Comfort. Food. We’re talking hamburgers, steak fries, philly cheesesteaks, and mac and cheese bites galore. If you’re hungry after a morning of shopping, or still hungover from a night of cocktails at The Grape Escape (let’s be real) look no further than the greasy goodness that lives at Durty Gurt’s.
The artwork is extremely clever and fun, with writing all over the walls that’s totally on-brand and in character for this red-neck Ma-and-Pa themed restaurant.
Durty Gurt’s also serves alcohol if you’re searching for a little midday buzz.
A Classy Meal at Embe Eatery and Lounge
The Vibe: Sophisticated | Upscale | Cozy
What we loved:
It’s right in the middle of the strip, so you’ll have easy access to a little lunch in the middle of your shopping spree.
We had a large breakfast the day we tried Embe, but were hungry enough for something small. We ordered the soup special and it was elegant, well-seasoned, and the portion sizes were just right!
The vibe was relaxing and groovy with music art on the walls and they had sports playing on the screens—perfect if you’re dying to know who’s winning the game.
A Little After-Lunch Booze
Wine Tasting at Galena Cellars Winery
The Vibe: Ornate | Vintage | Upscale
What we loved:
Galena Cellars has a large ornate room to enjoy your tasting, with a small section of wines in the back to choose from after you’ve sampled your fill.
We prefer dry whites, which they have a great selection of, but if you’ve got a sweeter taste in wine, you can sample a large variety of fruit wines as well that are very light and tasty.
Another tasting (why not!) at Massbach Ridge Winery
The Vibe: Classic | Vineyard-themed | Casual
What we loved:
This tasting room is smaller than Galena Cellars, but it’s often less busy as well, which is preferable especially when the couches in the back are open and available. Overall, Massbach has a very cozy, casual vibe, and the tasting room smells lovely.
Massbach Ridge has plenty of wine-related merch to buy for yourself, or a wine-obsessed family member back home!
Dinner, Here We Come!
An Italian Feast at Vinny Vanucchi’s
The Vibe: Formal | Romantic | White Table Cloth
What we loved:
Vinny’s offers a customizable variety of authentic, scrumptious Italian dishes with garlic bread that will melt in your mouth!
The atmosphere is elegant, with excellent sit-down service. You will genuinely feel like you’re eating in a quaint restaurant right on the streets of Italy—and you’ll never sit at the same table twice if you go back! Their seating areas span across several small, intimate rooms in the old, main street building it resides in, but no matter where you sit, expect a cozy, romantic table with all the great Italian-smells!
A few things to know:
The entrance is a little confusing—their sign and store front window is on the main strip, but you have to walk up a sizable flight of stairs to find the actual entrance of the restaurant. It’s tucked away, and the entrance isn’t entirely clear at first. Pay attention to signage!
This place is good, so naturally it fills up quickly. We recommend putting in a walk-in reservation earlier in the day so you’re guaranteed a table when you’re really feelin’ that garlic bread around dinner time.
Pizza, Pizza! At Cannova’s PIzzeria
The Vibe: Quaint | Personal | Artisan
What we loved:
Cannova’s will serve you large portions! You’ll have plenty of leftover pizza to snack on the next morning for breakfast (and it’s just as good warmed up!)
This little restaurant is located at the end of the strip, right across the street from The Grape Escape, which we love to visit for a little after-dinner cocktail. (And it’s near Miss Kitty’s Cathouse Suites, if you’re staying there)
There’s also a great selection of spirits at Cannova’s to choose from if you’re looking for a higher-end mixed drink, with a full cocktail menu to browse. .
Things to know:
The dining room is tiny, so there’s very limited seating. You may experience a long wait time if it’s busy, but like we said, The Grape Escape is close if you want to pop over for a cocktail, then pop back once your table is ready!
It can get a little chilly in the dining room in the winter time due to the size of the place and the proximity of the tables to the door. Definitely bring your jacket along!
A Little Night Life Action
Cocktails at The Grape Escape
The Vibe: Swanky | Upscale | Sexy
What we loved:
Live music! Lots of groovy vibes with plenty of mood lighting to make you feel like you’re in a swanky lounge while you sip your boozy drink.
The cocktail menu is extensive—they have plenty of unique drinks you likely won’t find anywhere else, as well as a great seasonal menu in the winter!
You can also order food at The Grape Escape, especially if you’re looking for a late night bite. They serve appetizers until last call!