Diners' Choice: Good for groups restaurants in Central Illinois

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 2026

Looking for restaurants that are great for groups in Central Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Firefly Grill

4.8

4.8 (3123)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Effingham

About the restaurant

The kitchen is the heart of the Campbell house which is why we created an expedition kitchen so customers can see all of the love and hard work that goes into our dishes. firefly's vision is a sustainable one; the frame of the building is recycled steel, all of the barn wood is reclaimed as is much of our furniture, the pond irrigates our gardens which greatly reduce our carbon footprint along with all the trash that comes with packaging food, we compost, are constantly upgrading our energy efficiency and NEVER use chemical fertilizers or pesticides in our garden.

Top review

StephenGold

Dined 4 days ago

As always the food was exceptional, but our server went over and above to make us feel welcomed and took care of every need. Just a great lunch experience

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4.8

4.8 (522)

$50 and over

Steak

Peoria/East Peoria

About the restaurant

Saffron Social brings Peoria its latest upscale experience. Offering Prime Steaks, Fresh Seafood, and Pasta

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on 31 Oct 2026

We have been to Saffron three times now and each date night has been amazing. From food to service, it is 5-Stars. The staff is always welcoming and friendly, ready with a suggestion or to give honest feedback if they have not tried something, This recent visit, our server made us laugh, made a great dessert suggestion and was open about the beef stroganoff being so new, he hadn't tried it yet. (I ordered it, and would highly recommend). We were there early, 4pm, and it was nice and quiet before their Saturday evening rush.

Jonah's Seafood House

4.7

4.7 (1697)

$30 and under

Seafood

Peoria/East Peoria

About the restaurant

Jonah’s Seafood House specializes in fresh seafood with a diverse mix of steak, chicken, and sandwich options. The menu is printed everyday to keep pace with seafood seasons and offers a wide variety of choices. Children’s menu, too! The house specialties change with the menu. The Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna is a Jonah’s Classic.

The 2601 Oyster Bar is a casual, seat-yourself atmosphere set in a world class oyster bar. The menu is an exciting mixture of oyster bar selections from around the nation. New York, San Francisco, New Orleans, Tampa and Miami are all represented. The house specialty is a wide offering of flat breads and the signature Cuban sandwich.

Jonah’s "Down Under" Banquet Bar & Grill is a banquet facility with capacity from 20-300. Jonah's offers river level views and the cook-to-order style will make your next function the talk of the town!

Top review

John

Dined on 28 Oct 2026

Great food - celebrating with my flight instructor and our wives. Fresh seafood like nowhere else in the Peoria area.

Hamilton Walker's

4.7

4.7 (1791)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Champaign

About the restaurant

Hamilton Walker's is the community's gathering place. Founded by three long-time residents of Champaign, this modern steakhouse with a chic 1940's Hollywood vibe is an inviting backdrop for meeting, dining, and socializing; for friends, family, and business; for toasting special events and celebrating life. Our mission is to offer memorable food and flawless service in an extraordinary setting. Stewarded by widely-respected culinarian, Chef Zachary Schweig, Hamilton Walker's never disappoints. The menu-created from the finest premium aged meats, freshest seafood, and hand-selected produce-offers a superior dining experience, presented with Hamilton Walker's signature flair.

Top review

Susan

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent food and service. Great choice for an upscale family dinner.

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Popular dish

Steak Tips

Popular dish

7oz CENTER CUT FILET MIGNON

Popular dish

Steak Pasta

Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer

4.7

4.7 (473)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Peoria/East Peoria

About the restaurant

Thyme not only offers the ultimate restaurant experience, but can also provide guests an extraordinary bar experience if so desired. Opened in the old Sealtest building in the heart of the historic warehouse district of downtown Peoria, Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer offers a variety of unique food items as well as an extensive bar menu that offers choices for all. While keeping the tradition of producing quality food alive, Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer has superb menu items that provide an exciting and versatile experience for all guests who walk through the doors.

Top review

Brent

Dined on 12 Sept 2026

We had a fantastic time on our night out. The food was outstanding as always. Our server was helpful and very friendly. Couldn't ask for better ambiance. Always a pleasure coming to Thyme.

The FourNine

4.6

4.6 (323)

$30 and under

American

Mount Zion

About the restaurant

Small restaurant packed with an amazing menu, and cold beer. We give Mt Zion a flavor profile that you do not get in any other restaurant in town.

Top review

Mark

Dined on 1 Oct 2026

FourNine continues to be our local go-to dining for lunch, dinner, and special events. Our food this evening was excellent, as was service. And my Old Fashion was top notch as always.

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Springfield, IL

4.5

4.5 (3859)

$30 and under

American

Springfield

About the restaurant

Award-Winning Wines | Craveable Dishes | Innovative Cocktails | Wine Country Hospitality The inspiration behind Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants was the desire to bring the Wine Country experience to all of America by combining a Napa-style tasting room with a modern casual restaurant. Built upon the belief that food and wine have the ability to forge lasting connections, Cooper's Hawk is home to one of the world's largest wine clubs.

Top review

Jacqueline

Dined 2 days ago

Neal was great. 👍 He was very enjoyable and efficient.

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Popular dish

77 BLACKENED AHI TUNA

Experience

Wine ‘O’ Clock Happy Hour | Mon-Fri 3 - 5:30 pm

Experience

Brunch & Bubbles | Saturdays & Sundays 10am – 2pm

William B's - Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino

4.5

4.5 (287)

$31 to $50

Steak

Peoria/East Peoria

About the restaurant

Enjoy a dining experience founded on flavor and built on exceeding expectations with succulent steaks, seafood, pasta and more! It's an experience you'll want to share...with cuisine you'll be tempted to keep all to yourself.

Top review

Angela

Dined 4 days ago

We love going to William B’s! The staff is outstanding and if anything does not meet your standards, they will make it right. They’ve had outstanding specials the past couple visits and they strive to make every dish special. I highly recommend them!

Siegfried’s Supper Club

4.4

4.4 (19)

$30 and under

American

Effingham

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Teutopolis, Illinois, Siegfried's Supper Club offers a distinctive dining experience that revitalizes a historic downtown building. Founded by Ryan and Mary Spencer, with Shane Kennedy leading the culinary team and Alysia Kennedy managing the front of house, this establishment blends elevated cuisine with a welcoming supper club ambiance. The Spencers' artistic vision is evident throughout the thoughtfully renovated space, featuring unique designs and local artistry. Guests can anticipate a menu of carefully crafted dishes and rotating specials, all prepared with an emphasis on quality, locally sourced ingredients. Siegfried's Supper Club invites patrons to slow down, gather, and savor a memorable evening out, fostering a sense of community and refined hospitality.

Top review

Cheryl

Dined on 29 Oct 2026

We love dining here! Great food especially the steaks and Brussel sprouts. People are super friendly and efficient. Beautifully Unique and relaxing.

Saltgrass Steak House - Danville

4.2

4.2 (779)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Danville

About the restaurant

Saltgrass Steak House is an award-winning steakhouse in Danville, IL famous for serving Angus Beef steaks. Each steak is cooked to perfection with Saltgrass-7 Steak Spice, and topped with garlic butter. All breads, dressings, soups and desserts are made from scratch daily. Great food and legendary hospitality make Saltgrass an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Top review

Meredith

Dined today

Excellent food and service was excellent. We enjoy Saltgrass every time we are there.

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