5 Restaurants in Downtown, Springfield IL for Great Desserts
Updated 29 September 2026 · 7 restaurants in Downtown, Springfield IL considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists five restaurants around Downtown Springfield, IL that Google tags for great dessert, useful for anyone planning a meal that ends on something sweet. Businesses were first filtered by that dessert label, then ranked by Google rating, from 7 qualifying places. The mix runs from an Italian counter-service spot and two dinner-only restaurants to a soul food cafeteria and a daytime diner. Each entry covers hours, service style and what reviewers mention about the food.
#1
La Piazza Cucina Italiana
★ 4.7 (735 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
La Piazza on S 6th St is an Italian restaurant serving lunch Tuesday through Sunday and dinner Thursday to Saturday, closed Mondays. You order at the counter and staff bring the food out. Reviewers mention large meatballs, lasagna, risotto, a berry salad, oversized pizza slices and a nice variety of desserts. It offers outdoor seating, curbside pickup, cocktails, coffee and vegetarian and vegan options.
Best for: Casual Italian lunch with dessert
- Address
- 220 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–3 pm, 4–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–3 pm, 4–9 pm; Sun 11 am–3 pm; Thu 11 am–3 pm, 4–9 pm; Tue 11 am–3 pm; Wed 11 am–3 pm
#2
VELE
★ 4.7 (591 Google reviews)Fine dining restaurant$30–80 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
VELE on W Iles Ave is a fine dining restaurant open for dinner Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays. Reviewers describe coastal Italian fare, including mushroom arancini, broccolini, filet and chicken piccata, plus strong cocktails. Desserts mentioned include creme brulee and a spiced pear cheesecake. A private dining room is available, and reviewers note it worked well for larger group dinners. Google also lists a great wine list and outdoor seating.
Best for: Special dinners and private groups
- Address
- 3241 W Iles Ave, Springfield, IL 62711, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–10 pm; Mon 5–10 pm; Sat 5–10 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 5–10 pm; Tue 5–10 pm; Wed 5–10 pm
#3
Joseph's Fine Cuisine
★ 4.7 (408 Google reviews)Restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Joseph's Fine Cuisine on Hedley Rd serves dinner only, Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays. Reviewers mention hush puppies with sriracha butter, a wedge salad, pork chop, redfish tempura, fried chicken and generous portions, along with a strong wine and bourbon selection. Some describe the atmosphere as good for a romantic dinner and note many repeat customers. Outdoor seating, curbside pickup and vegetarian options are listed.
Best for: Romantic dinner out
- Address
- 3153 Hedley Rd, Springfield, IL 62704, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–9 pm; Mon 5–9 pm; Sat 5–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 5–9 pm; Tue 5–9 pm; Wed 5–9 pm
#4
Boyd's New Generation
★ 4.6 (299 Google reviews)Soul food restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Boyd's New Generation on S Grand Ave E is a soul food restaurant open weekdays from breakfast through mid-afternoon, closed on weekends. It offers dine-in, drive-through, delivery and catering. Reviewers mention smothered pork chops, tender green beans and a create-a-meal option they call a good deal, and describe it as a family-owned spot popular with locals. One reviewer reports a disappointing drive-through order. Dessert is among its listed offerings.
Best for: Weekday home-style lunch
- Address
- 1831 S Grand Ave E, Springfield, IL 62703, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7:30 am–3 pm; Mon 7:30 am–3 pm; Sat Closed; Sun Closed; Thu 7:30 am–3 pm; Tue 7:30 am–3 pm; Wed 7:30 am–3 pm
#5
Lulu's Diner
★ 4.5 (1,180 Google reviews)Diner$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Lulu's Diner on S 9th St is open daily from 7 am to 2 pm for breakfast and lunch. Reviewers describe a clean, homey, no-frills diner with friendly service, fluffy pancakes, a Greek skillet and a Philly cheesesteak on a toasted roll, and call it a popular lunchtime stop. Some wish the coffee were stronger, and one reviewer was unhappy with a patty melt. Outdoor seating and vegetarian options are listed.
Best for: Pancakes and a diner breakfast
- Address
- 608 S 9th St, Springfield, IL 62703, United States
- Hours
- daily 7 am–2 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 7 restaurants in Downtown, Springfield IL with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then listed on Google as “Great dessert”, then by rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Book ahead at VELE: Google lists reservations as required.
- For an early start, Lulu's Diner opens at 7 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
La Piazza Cucina Italiana ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.7 from 735 reviews. VELE is second at 4.7 from 591 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Springfield IL are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is VELE, at 10 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: La Piazza Cucina Italiana $10–20; VELE $30–80; Boyd's New Generation $10–20; Lulu's Diner $10–20. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for La Piazza Cucina Italiana, VELE, Joseph's Fine Cuisine, Boyd's New Generation and Lulu's Diner.
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