Box's Bar-B-Que 815 Marchesano Drive, Rockford, IL 61102, 815-962-9629, Box's is a long-time Rockford tradition for great ribs, plus fish and chicken. 

Brio 515 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61104, 815-968-9463, Feauring a tapas style menu with 30 wines by the glass, 25 beers, and extensive fine spirit and martini list in a comfortable dining atmosphere. New Orleans style courtyard dining in summer.  more... 

Caravello's Imported Italian Foods 695 North Perryville Road, Rockford, IL 61107, 815-397-3222, One of Rockford's many Italian markets, with imported pasta, cheese, meats, olive oil, tomatoes, bread, olives, biscotti, espresso and more. 

Carlos O'Kelly's Mexican Café 510 South Perryville Road, Rockford, IL 61108, 815-227-1212, Featuring Mexican food in a casual setting.  

Cliffbreakers River Restaurant 700 West Riverside Boulevard, Rockford, IL 61103, 815-282-3033, Overlooking the Rock River, furnished with antiques and architectural artifacts from around the world. Offers an eclectic menu with steak, seafood, pasta, salads, and soups. Private dining rooms and banquet facilities available. more... 

Culver's Frozen Custard & Butterbugers 6727 East Riverside Boulevard, Rockford, IL 61114, 815-654-1277, Quick-serve family fare with cooked-to-order burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, potatoes, frozen custard, and smoothies.  

Der Rathskeller 1132 Auburn St., Rockford, IL 61103, 815-963-2922, One of Rockford's oldest restaurants, featuring German cuisine in a warm, intimate old-world setting. Banquet facilities available. 

DiTullio's Italian Imports & Specialty Foods 1402 20th Street, Rockford, IL 61104, 815-399-2080, A little bit of Italy, with an extensive selection of imported Italian and European food. Featuring specialty sandwiches. 

Giordano's Famous Italian Restaurant 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, IL 61107, 815-398-5700, The Rockford branch of the popular Chicago Italian restaurant, featuring great "stuffed" pizza and delicious Italian entrees.  

Giovanni's Restaurant 610 North Bell School Road, Rockford, IL 61107, 815-398-6411, Offering a menu influenced by Rockford's diverse heritage in an elegant dining room. Featuring choice steaks, fresh seafood, low cholesterol entrees, and gourmet pastas. Banquet facilities.  more... 

Illinois Machine Shed 7475 E State St., Rockford, IL 61108, 815-229-3276, Featuring real farm-style cooking served family-style. Also offers a gift shop.  

JMK Nippon 2551 North Perryville Road, Rockford, IL 61114, 815-877-0505, Featuring fresh sushi and Japanese entrees, including steak, chicken and seafood, grilled at your own Teppan table.