Restaurants near Discovery Center Museum

Price

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$$$
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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

92 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Fresco at the Gardens restaurant

1. Fresco at the Gardens

4.5

Awesome(691)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Rockford

Booked 17 times today

At the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Fresco at the Gardens serves artisanal breakfast and lunch to match its beautiful surroundings. For breakfast, which can be enjoyed anytime Fresco at the Gardens is open, savory options like the biscuits and gravy made with challah rolls topped with organic pork sausage, chorizo and herbs and the whimsical green eggs and ham with homemade pesto sauce and local asiago cheese, are irresistible. Sweet breakfast choices include the healthy start waffles with Fresco granola and topped with vanilla Greek yogurt and berries and the rock candy French toast, rolled in cinnamon rock sugar, both of which are ideal with a fresh-pressed strawberry orange juice.Popular lunch entrees at Fresco at the Gardens include the Salmon Oscar, a crab stuffed salmon served over cauilflower quinoa rice with grilled asparagus and hollandaise sauce.

A photo of The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge restaurant

2. The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge

4.0

Excellent(188)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Rockford

Booked 10 times today

Experience panoramic views of historic downtown Rockford, Illinois, and the Rock River from 12 stories aloft. Featuring an inviting and modern atmosphere with an indoor lounge and seasonal two-tiered outdoor deck, The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge is the only one of its kind in Rockford. Serving hand-crafted signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, craft beers, and an expansive menu of shareable dishes inspired by cuisine around the world – The Top is the perfect spot for dinner or drinks.

A photo of Tower Kitchen & Bar restaurant

3. Tower Kitchen & Bar

3.8

Excellent(20)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Rockford

Booked 2 times today

Welcome to Tower Kitchen & Bar, where industrial-chic decor meets culinary excellence in downtown Rockford. Located on the park level of Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront, our restaurant offers stunning views of Davis Park and the serene Rock River, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.Indulge in our diverse menu featuring signature burgers, sandwiches, rustic made-from-scratch pizzas, shareables, and so much more. Pair your meal with a refreshing beverage from our full bar, boasting local craft beers, fine wines, and signature cocktails. Whether you're enjoying indoor seating or soaking in the scenery on our outdoor patio, Tower Kitchen & Bar invites you to savor the flavors of American cuisine amidst an inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of downtown Rockford.

A photo of Red Lobster - Rockford restaurant

4. Red Lobster - Rockford

4.2

Awesome(8)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Rockford

Elevate your day at Red Lobster, where fun meets fancy and every meal is a celebration. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or treating yourself or your crew, Red Lobster is the perfect place to enjoy all your seafood favorites. Dive into our signature shrimp, wild caught lobster and crab, and more. Plus, a variety of fish and popular non-seafood items like our Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo. Looking for a showstopper? Create Your Own Ultimate Feast or select a Live Maine Lobster straight from the tank. Or explore our Daily Deals with a different special available each weekday at a price you’ll love. Toast the day with Signature Cocktails including Lobster Punch and Main Deck Margarita Flights to make any moment feel festive. You won’t want to miss our newest menu items or special promotions like Lobsterfest and Crabfest. Reserve online today. Group Dining, To Go, or Catering options. For parties of 11+, please call.

5. Franchesco's

4.7

Exceptional(1446)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Rockford

Booked 12 times today

Beauty, Innovation, and culinary perfection, only begin to describe Franchesco’s Ristorante. A new generation of Salamone’s and a finely tuned management and wait-staff ensemble, promise to deliver on our customers’ demanding expectations. Our continued strive towards excellence, will only ensure our ability to grow our Franchesco’s Ristorante family.Please make all Benny's at Franchesco's reservations on this page.All special requests will be noted.

A photo of Thunder Bay Grille - Rockford restaurant

6. Thunder Bay Grille - Rockford

4.5

Awesome(87)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Rockford

Booked 1 time today

Thunder Bay Grille serves top notch steak, seafood and Cajun specialties. We serve chef-driven menu selections, hand-crafted cocktails, local beer and a well-curated selection of wines. Our seafood is the best selection in the area, and our steaks are selected for quality – using Certified Angus Beef aged 28 days for flavor. The rustic décor and cozy fireplaces make it the perfect place for gathering, relaxing and socializing – an ideal atmosphere for business or pleasure.

A photo of Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint restaurant

7. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint

4.7

Exceptional(2311)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steak • Beloit

Booked 20 times today

With its rustic feel, hardwood floors and abundant photographs capturing historic Beloit, Merrill & Houston’s has branded itself to tell a great story, but, most importantly, its focus is on the classic steakhouse. The highest of quality steaks and seafood with down-to-earth and attentive service make you feel like you are at your best friend’s home.

A photo of Famous Dave's - Rockford restaurant

8. Famous Dave's - Rockford

3.7

Very Good(3)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Rockford

Our authentic BBQ starts in a live-wood smoker stoked with genuine hickory logs. Our pitmasters hand-rub the meats with a custom blend of spices and cook for hours to extract the natural flavors. We source the highest quality meats and trim them up like we’re in a competition and hand-rub them with the freshest seasonings available to create mouthwatering experiences! In addition to our BBQ and grilled meats, our menu features a selection of salads, sandwiches, side items, and made-from-scratch desserts.

9. Velvet Buffalo

4.5

Awesome(901)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Beloit

Booked 13 times today

Modern in experience. Timeless in taste.Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian delivers fresh ingredients with a side of rustic charm. Our rotating seasonal menu features thoughtfully crafted dishes made from scratch that are inspired by the many regions of Italy–from house-made pasta and artisan-style bread to sustainably sourced seafood and our own spin on traditional desserts.

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Algonquin, IL restaurant

10. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Algonquin, IL

4.7

Exceptional(1439)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Algonquin

Booked 150 times today

Experience the perfect fusion of award-winning wines, Napa-style tasting rooms, and modern casual dining at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine influenced by international flavors from our scratch kitchen. Each dish is expertly paired with our selection of wines for the best food and wine match. Whether you explore the tasting room for a pre- or post-dinner adventure or join the world's largest wine club, we believe in the power of food and wine to create lasting connections. Dining reservations are highly recommended, but walk-in guests are always welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are available.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
SUSAN
Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Predictable is good when it comes to Franchesco’s. However, last night service was subpar. Our server disappeared for 20, 30, 40 minutes at a time. Arrived at six did not leave till almost 9.
More info
Franchesco'sPrice: Moderate• Italian• Rockford
•
4.7
J
Jeffery
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Waiter was great, great food, great view of the garden. Very relaxing and calm environment
More info
Fresco at the GardensPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Rockford
•
4.5
G
Greg
New Orleans / Louisiana •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We went on the 4th of July. First time there! The view was spectacular and we could see fireworks from all around the area. Food is good and the drink selections were perfect for the night. We will be back. Our waiter worked hard to make sure we had a great experience even though they were packed for the night!
More info
The Top Rooftop Bar & LoungePrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• Rockford
•
4
J
joanne
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 4, 2025
Very bright and cheery place. The staff, particularly the manager was very accommodating and helpful as this was a 30 year reunion for a great team of nurses, respiratory therapist, and doctor.
More info
Tower Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• American• Rockford
•
3.8
R
Randy
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
Everything was tasty and the service was excellent 👌.
More info
Red Lobster - RockfordPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Rockford
•
4.2

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