Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Palatine

Lunch spots

You need a midday break that is worth leaving your desk for.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
J & J Pizza image 1
J & J Pizza image 2
J & J Pizza image 3
View all
Pizza restaurant

Spacious, cozy dining area with friendly atmosphere and TVs on creates a welcoming environment. Menu features huge pizza slices with top-notch ingredients and a variety of other popular dishes like BBQ ribs and buffalo wings. Pricing includes great deals, making it suitable for families and casual lunches or dinners.

Food features big, filling pizza slices made with top-notch ingredients that stay always fresh and full of flavor.

Offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a menu suited for lunch or dinner. Popular among local workers as a convenient midday stop.

People are saying

"I highly recommend this amazing Lunch Spot."

"I tried the ribs and they were delicious."

"The food here is amazing, especially the huge pizza slices."

Good to know

1

The price for a huge slice of pizza and a pop is $7.

2

Beverages are served in canned form.

3

They offer great deals on pizza slices.

02
Smile Thai & Asian Kitchen image 1

Cozy space with well-decorated interior and a quiet, pleasant atmosphere invites relaxed conversation. Guests customize spice levels, reflecting a serious approach to heat in dishes. Known for authentic Thai curries and noodle specialties, it balances comfort with flavorful meals.

Food tastes fresh and authentic with no hint of MSG. Steamed potstickers, pad see ew with chicken, and mango iced green tea stand out as delicious dishes served hot and tasty.

Many lunch specials come at very reasonable prices. The veggie PadThai lunch special includes a veggie roll and a cup of soup for about $8.50.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has amazing food, especially the curry dishes."

"The Pad See Ew here is so fresh and not greasy."

"The food here is delicious and very yummy."

Good to know

1

They have many lunch specials at very reasonable prices.

2

The lunch specials included soup and an appetizer.

3

They offer super allergy-friendly meals.

03
Tacos El Norte image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with traditional Mexican music enhancing the vibe. The space feels colorful and clean but sits in a strip mall setting. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican dishes alongside phenomenal margaritas and cold beers.

Mexican food here is consistently delicious and excellent. It stands out for its authentic flavors that often surpass expectations.

Lunch here features very good food with options that suit daily meals. It serves as a reliable spot for regular lunch orders and works well for group occasions like Cinco de Mayo.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"This lunch spot has delicious, fresh, and affordable food."

"The food here is delicious, especially the tacos."

Good to know

1

The portion sizes are smaller than expected for the price.

2

Prices are considered fair for the quality of food offered.

3

Access and parking are easy at this location.

04
Capri Deli & Pizza In Palatine image 1

Old-school Italian deli with an authentic vibe and homemade focaccia bread baked fresh daily. The atmosphere is quiet and glare-free thanks to tinted glass, creating a cozy setting reminiscent of classic neighborhoods. Known for large, high-quality sandwiches and a friendly, family-owned feel.

Italian food and sandwiches stand out with great flavor and generous portions. The menu offers filling sandwiches and salads that reflect the staff's pride in quality and freshness.

Lunch here comes fast, with an Italian sub delivered in under 5 minutes. The antipasto salad fills you up for lunch or dinner, and lasagna by the slice is available on weekdays.

People are saying

"I thought the focaccia bread here was amazing and baked fresh."

"The food here is really delicious and fresh."

"This Lunch Spot's Italian sub had fresh lettuce, tomato, and Italian meats."

Good to know

1

Expect large portions; a sandwich can last for multiple meals.

2

Parking is available and generally good.

3

The deli makes bread in-house daily for fresh sandwiches.

05
Napoli Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small storefront offers cozy family-run atmosphere with rustic wooden tables and dimmed lighting. Strong aroma of freshly baked dough and tomato sauce fills the air. Strictly a takeout spot known for large, affordable pizza slices and fast, dependable service.

Food arrives hot and on time with consistently great service. The menu offers delicious pizza at cheap prices.

Lunch here offers quick, filling pizza that suits a midday break. It carries a nostalgic vibe linked to school lunch hours.

People are saying

"I found the deep dish pizza here to be amazing and less greasy."

"I thought the pizza slices here were the best in town."

"I loved the food here; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Napoli Pizza is strictly a takeout spot with no indoor seating available.

2

Orders are typically ready within 20 minutes as promised.

3

They offer an 18-inch deep dish pizza, which is unique in the area.

06
Billy's Hot Dogs, Beef and Sandwiches image 1

Cozy fast food spot with 1950s music and walls covered in sports memorabilia creates a relaxed vibe. Small booths and clean, well-kept spaces invite casual dining. Menu offers a wide variety beyond hot dogs, including homemade desserts and wraps.

Food comes out hot and delicious with consistent quality. Menu includes turkey paninis, cream of chicken, and cheese dogs, plus daily specials that add variety.

Quick lunches focus on chili dogs and fries. This spot draws regulars who make a point to stop by for a fast, satisfying meal during the day.

People are saying

"I loved the perfectly seasoned cheeseburger and hot dogs."

"The food here is delicious and always made to order."

"This lunch spot has the best chicken on a pita I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash, so plan accordingly.

2

The menu includes a large variety of options, including salads and homemade desserts.

3

Lunch hours can be busy, so allow extra time for your visit.

07
KIMPRO SUSHI (Asian Kitchen) image 1

Spacious Asian restaurant with a sleek, modern industrial design and dedicated sushi bar where chefs craft rolls. Atmosphere stays quiet and cozy with clean interiors and inviting ambiance. Sushi is consistently fresh and expertly made, highlighting high-quality fish and beautifully plated dishes.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with a strong focus on Asian cuisine. The dining experience combines great value with outstanding service from preparation to cleanup.

Offers all-you-can-eat lunch with great value specials. Sushi options are good but lunch waits can be long.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best."

"This lunch spot's sushi is delicious and fresh."

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials offer great value for the quality of food.

2

The all-you-can-eat menu is now limited to 16 nigiri for lunch.

3

Only one appetizer and one mandatory soup are included in the AYCE deal.

08
Slaw Burger Palatine image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Modern hamburger spot with limited seating and a takeout-focused layout. Atmosphere feels laid-back and clean with artwork adding charm despite the small space. Known for excellent halal smash burgers and fresh ingredients.

Food offers perfect portions that are very filling and full of flavor. Dishes consistently taste amazing and deliver excellent quality.

Fresh orders arrive quickly, making lunch easy and satisfying. The beef slaw fries stand out as a notable choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were excellent and the best."

"The food here is amazing and really juicy."

"This lunch spot's beef slaw fries are seriously delicious."

Good to know

1

This place is primarily for carry-out, with only one table outside for seating.

2

Slaw Burger Palatine is halal.

3

The pricing is cheap at Slaw Burger Palatine.

09
Dario's image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop with cozy seating inside and out offers a chill atmosphere where conversations carry due to the compact space. Sandwiches stand out for their large portions and high quality, especially the Cubano and veggie panini. It operates on weekday hours tailored to local demand, often busy during peak times.

Food tastes consistently fresh and great here. Many find the meals very good and enjoy the overall dining experience.

Lunch draws a crowd here, making it a busy spot. Options include a Cubano sandwich and a veggie panini, both solid choices for a quick meal.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be amazing and of true quality."

"I thought the food was the best fresh tasting I had ever experienced."

"The Cubano at this lunch spot was amazing."

Good to know

1

I paid $35 for two sandwiches, two chips, and two canned drinks.

2

Dario's does not accept Discover Credit cards.

3

The sandwiches are large and provide at least two servings each.

10
Bendita Cocina Argentinean Restaurant image 1

Cozy space with Argentinian atmosphere and great music and art creates a warm vibe. Small dining area fills with lively energy, often accompanied by the aroma from a pizza oven. Guests enjoy authentic empanadas and a well-curated wine list featuring Malbecs.

Food here offers excellent quality and great flavor with a focus on Argentinian cuisine. Dishes consistently deliver outstanding taste and freshness.

Lunch features great specials and quick seating when it's not busy. Family-owned spot offers a nice celebratory atmosphere for midday meals.

People are saying

"I thought the empanadas here were some of the best I'd ever tasted."

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"You have to try the empanadas at this Lunch Spot; they're outstanding."

Good to know

1

There is easy parking available near the restaurant.

2

Expect a slow dining experience; it's not ideal if you're in a hurry.

3

The restaurant has issues with flies and cleanliness.

11
Alley 64 - Palatine image 1

Bar and grill with many TV screens and an outside patio offers a lively, casual vibe with a separated quieter area in the back. Music leans toward country, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Sports fans gather here for affordable food and drinks, enjoying large portions and low prices.

Generous portions and fresh appetizers stand out here. Food quality ranks way above average with prices that offer great value.

Lunch offers great pricing and a relaxed atmosphere with regulars and staff. The bar can get overwhelmed during busy lunch hours but stays quiet otherwise.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and tasty."

"I found the bar food to be good and the prices reasonable."

"The service at this lunch spot was great, though staff seemed short-handed."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Daily specials are available, check the menu for details.

3

Last call is 1 hour and 20 minutes before closing time.

12
Vini's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, cramped space suits takeout only with no seating or pizza warmers. Atmosphere feels tight and quiet, fitting for quick pickups rather than dining in. Known for best Italian beef and thin crust pizza, though slices often come lukewarm or undercooked.

Food offers excellent Italian flavors with consistently great taste and quality. Options are delicious and satisfying with fast service.

Quick lunch options include great slices of pizza with toppings like meat lovers and fresh jalapenos. Affordable combos with a litre of soda make it easy to grab a fast meal on the go.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here super delicious."

"I thought the food here was delicious and great."

"It's a great lunch spot for a fresh, hot pizza slice."

Good to know

1

Vini's Pizza is takeout only with no dine-in seating available.

2

Pizza slices are $3 on Tuesdays, not $2 as advertised.

3

Expect a line during peak hours, especially for lunch.

13
Makki Grill image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Small, cozy restaurant with cute decor and an inviting atmosphere featuring great music and a fun vibe. Family-friendly space includes a safe kids' play area with toys and interactive games. Simple, clean interior suits casual hangouts and group gatherings.

Food arrives hot and fresh, offering authentic Pakistani dishes rather than Indian-style cuisine. Quality matches pricing, providing great value with a family friendly atmosphere.

Lunch specials include chicken biryani and chicken kofta. Options are well suited for midday meals and offer good variety.

People are saying

"The chicken biryani here is flavorful and prepared tandoori style."

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"I loved the lunch specials, especially the chicken biryani."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 40% off from 3pm to 8pm, Tuesday through Thursday.

2

Prices are reasonable, with meals starting around $11.

3

The restaurant is known for its generous portions and quick service.

14
Palatine Inn Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Classic diner space with nostalgic decor and old photos on the walls creates a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. The environment stays calm and comfortable, offering plenty of room at tables. Kids receive crayons and color menus, adding to the welcoming vibe.

Food features good old fashioned Greek dishes with an extensive menu covering breakfast to dinner. Meals are abundant and consistently good, offering solid value for the money.

Old school diner vibe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with consistent quality. Lunch offers a reliable, family-friendly setting with solid meal choices.

People are saying

"I loved the pancakes and the crispy hash browns for breakfast."

"I enjoyed the great food and large portions."

"This lunch spot has that unique, old-school diner feel."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a diverse menu.

2

Prices for meals are generally higher than advertised on the website.

3

The average meal price is around $18, which is lower than similar places in Chicago.

15
Kosta's Gyros image 1
Gyro restaurant

Walls display historical decor while an open grill operates in view. The atmosphere is quiet and clean despite occasional loud social media use by customers. Seating includes wobbly wooden chairs and booths that feel dated.

Food here stays consistently delicious and flavorful over the years. Quick service pairs well with meals that leave you full and satisfied.

People are saying

"I found the gyros here to be the best I've had."

"The Mediterranean food, especially the pork souvlaki and gyros, is juicy and flavorful."

"I thought the food here was the best by far."

Good to know

1

Expect the restaurant to be busy during school year lunch hours.

2

Cash is preferred, and there is a credit card surcharge.

3

If you're in a hurry, call ahead to place your order.

16
Chicago Ramen Palatine - Japanese Izakaya image 1

Interior features oversized red chandeliers and an eclectic decor that creates a warm, cozy atmosphere with chill music playing softly. The space feels peaceful and inviting, with comfortable seating and a detailed, vibrant design. It maintains a calm vibe even during quieter times.

Food arrives quickly and tastes delicious and excellent. The menu offers great variety that stands out compared to similar spots.

Offers a wonderful lunch with a Japanese Izakaya style. Serves as an amazing lunch spot for those nearby.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, was really good."

"I found the food delicious and perfectly prepared."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was prompt and the servers were extremely nice."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant has a limited menu with many items unavailable.

3

Prices for extras like an egg or corn are higher than expected.

17
Hong Kong Lite image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers generous portions with each dinner special including a can of pop and an egg roll. Service is fast and efficient, with food often ready within 10 to 20 minutes for takeout. The atmosphere is practical and clean, focusing on affordable Cantonese-style dishes with consistent favorites like fried rice and wonton soup.

Food comes out very fresh and hot, made with fresh ingredients. Lunch and dinner specials offer large portions that often provide leftovers and can feed two people.

Lunch specials come with large portions and include a drink. Many dishes offer leftovers but some chicken options are extremely dry.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the sweet and sour chicken, is always delicious."

"The delivery was super fast and the food arrived hot."

"The food here is delicious and has amazing flavors."

Good to know

1

Delivery service is super fast, usually arriving in 10 to 20 minutes.

2

Each dinner special includes a can of pop and one egg roll.

3

Portions are generous, often enough to feed two people.

18
Village Inn (+ Bakers Square Pie) image 1

Bright, clean space with modern remodel and high-backed booths creates a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. Noise levels vary, sometimes interrupted by loud conversations despite generally pleasant surroundings. Known for excellent pies and reasonable prices, it serves as a casual spot for breakfast or lunch.

Food arrives hot and fresh with attentive service. Dishes and pies consistently taste delicious and well-prepared.

Lunch offers good and hot meals served by attentive staff like Brian. The spot feels nice and comfortable for a midday break, with options available even in the mid-afternoon.

People are saying

"The food here is tasty, hot, and affordable."

"I always looked forward to those special holiday pies."

"The staff here makes your Lunch Spot experience better with their energy and smiles."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a senior discount for eligible customers.

2

Prices are generally reasonable, making it an affordable dining option.

3

The 2x2x2 breakfast special is available for $5 on Thursdays.

19
Chiggy's Gyros image 1
Greek restaurant

Casual cafe-style space decorated with 80s and 90s Chicago sports posters creates a nostalgic vibe. The atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, with large portions that offer good value. Night seating and an ice cream spot inside add to the relaxed, family-friendly energy.

Food here offers generous portions and maintains consistent quality across visits. The dishes, especially the gyro dinner, deliver delicious flavors every time.

Gyros serve as a popular lunch choice here, with steady business even after the main lunch rush. The spot offers a casual vibe suitable for a quick meal around mid-afternoon.

People are saying

"I thought the Greek food here was delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the burgers here were some of the best I've ever had."

"I loved the gyro food, but it didn't have enough sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; orders must be placed in person or by phone.

2

Expect generous portion sizes that can often be shared.

3

Parking is easy and usually available nearby.

20
Sushi Para image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat menu with fresh, tasty sushi and generous sashimi cuts. Atmosphere stays quiet and calm with clean, well-kept interiors and seating for about 50 plus bar spots. Lighting is dim and yellowish, creating a cozy but slightly cluttered feel.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with a generous all you can eat option. Quality stays high and flavors stand out every time.

All-you-can-eat lunch special costs $16.99 and includes soups, appetizers, and sushi. Menu offers a simple selection with plenty of options at good prices.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so delicious and fresh."

"The food here is amazing, I thought it was the best I'd ever had."

"The all-you-can-eat lunch special is an unbeatable deal."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat price is $25.99 for dinner plus tax.

2

Lunch costs $15 plus tax for all-you-can-eat sushi.

3

Expect extra charges if you don't finish all your sushi.

Discover more

Palatine, Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...