Dine: Local City Favorites

By JD Hollyfield

The city of Naperville has a strong and flourishing community—and our restaurants are part of that! What better way to give back than by recommending a favorite breakfast or lunch spot? At Main & Luxe we are firm believers in accountability, and we made sure these local spots were a great opportunity for anyone who’s looking to expand their breakfast and lunch options.

 Fontina’s Italian Kitchen1767 W. Ogden Ave, Ste 131 – Napervillehttps://www.thefontinas.com/

Our first notable recommendation is a local favorite by the Naperville fire department, Fontina’s Italian Kitchen. Phil Giannattasio, Deputy Chief of the Naperville Fire Department hit the spot when suggesting this lunch place for his favorite dish, the pepper and egg sandwich. Hot roasted sweet peppers and seasoned eggs is definitely a belly pleaser. Looking for a meatier option? Indulge in the Italian sub, filled with capicola, salami, prosciutto, and provolone. On a lighter note, any one of their crisp salads are a hit. Too hungry to choose? Go for the insalata alla Strega. It has the perfect mix of greens, onion, prosciutto, and blue cheese, served with their homemade Strega dressing. There’s no wrong option on this menu, serving fresh and tasty options.   The Lucky Penny Diner and Deli1224 W Ogden Ave, Unit G – Napervillehttps://www.facebook.com/luckypennydiner/

Founder of Main & Luxe, Ashley South, has a secret spot for all breakfast lovers. Just a hop and a skip away from her home, The Lucky Penny Diner and Deli has mastered the perfect breakfast sandwich, or what they call “breakfast in a bread.” Two eggs any style, a protein of your choice, topped with the perfect slice of melted cheese. Not full yet? Make sure to ask for an extra side of their homemade hash browns or fruit bowl. Every item on their menu is served to perfection. Ashley’s other favorites are their classic steak n’ eggs with marinated skirt steak (grilled to order) and served with two eggs any style and choice of toast and hash browns and also their breakfast burrito, filled with scrambled eggs, fresh chorizo, onions, and mixed cheeses, grilled and topped with homemade chipotle, crema, and pico de gallo. If breakfast isn’t your style, The Lucky Penny has a full lunch menu of tasty dishes.  Allegory  224 S Main St – Naperville https://allegorynaperville.com/ 

Renowned chef and owner, Christopher Mason brings a unique vision with his farm-to-table menu at Allegory, located in the center of Downtown Naperville. Featuring a modern American menu with a mix of southern flair, his dishes are not only authentic in their names, but in taste. Start with the small plate, We Wanted to Cook Octopus: a beautiful mix of Baby octopus, chorizo, grape tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, olives, pickled sweet pepper on top of sourdough crostinis. Enjoy the freshest ingredients in the Move to the Beat salad, featuring arugula; red, golden, Chioggia beets; shaved fennel; blue cheese; toasted pistachios; and complimented with a blood orange vinaigrette. Still hungry, order the entrée, Gimme a Quiche, my favorite!  Whether it’s breakfast that fuels the belly or a good pick-me up lunch, check out these tasty places. Your hungry palate will thank you later.  Happy eating!