3 Peoria restaurants known for food and ambiance

Meet Journal Star food and dining reporter Cas Waigand

Journal Star reporter Cas Waigand covers food and restaurant news throughout the Peoria area.

Journal Star readers were invited to choose their favorite Peoria-area dining spots for the 2025 Community’s Choice Awards.

Here are the top three romantic restaurants in Peoria as voted on by participants.

Winner: Connected

3218 N. Dries Lane, Peoria

(309) 686-5925

connectedpeoria.com

More: These are the best Peoria restaurants for fine dining, according to readers

Finalist: Jim’s Steak House

110 SW Jefferson Ave., Peoria

(309) 673-5300

jimssteakhouse.net

From the archives: Jim’s Steakhouse, a fine dining constant in Peoria for 60 years

Finalist: Saffron Social

187 SW Washington St., Peoria

(309) 740-0434

saffronsocialpeoria.com

More: Downtown Peoria restaurant receives ‘prestigious recognition’