Introduction 

As the sun emerges and temperatures begin to rise, spring is finally approaching! However, the only thing on our minds? The best food to try, of course! In this review, we will rank the top three restaurants near Elmwood Park with input from EPHS students. Each restaurant will feature a brief description (both fact and opinion), our menu favorites, and a rating out of ten.

As previously mentioned, we sent out a poll to the entire school, offering a total of seven different restaurants to choose from, along with the option to suggest additional choices. Unsurprisingly, Johnnie’s Beef won as EP’s favorite nearby restaurant with 31.3% voting for it. In second place, also to no one’s surprise, was Massa Cafe Italiano, with 29.2% of the vote. Following closely behind, New Star Restaurant secured the third spot on our podium with 22.9% of the vote. Honorable mentions included other popular establishments on North Avenue, such as Inari Sushi and Spizzico Pizza & Pasta. Now, let’s delve into the real stuff: the reviews!

1. Johnnie’s Beef

To no one’s surprise, Johnnie’s Beef has rightfully earned its place at the top. As a family-owned business known for its mouth-watering beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and delicious Italian ice, it is no wonder that Johnnie’s is a favorite among EPHS students. With a rich history, each menu item has a perfect balance of flavor, including their well-seasoned meat, which is dipped in savory juices. Johnnie’s provides unmatched fast service, affordable prices, and the efficiency of the staff creates a welcoming atmosphere for all who walk through the door. Its iconic dish, the beef sandwich, features a secret recipe that the family has preserved for years.

Sophia: 8/10 – Johnnie’s will always be a classic in my eyes. You can’t go wrong with their famous Italian beef, hot dogs, and, my personal favorite, Italian ice. Being just two blocks away from my home, it’s a local and enjoyable place to eat, regardless of the weather. However, the fact that it only accepts cash can be inconvenient at times.

Aleena: 7/10 – Johnnie’s serves delicious meals. However, the menu is somewhat limited and may become repetitive over time. My go-to order is the Italian beef sandwich, despite its popularity. Although it is not typically a sit-down restaurant, the quality of the food is always guaranteed. When I need a quick lunch break, the fast service makes it the perfect choice.

2. Massa Cafe Italiano

Coming up next is our second-place winner, Massa Cafe Italiano. Like the other restaurants mentioned on our list, Massa is one of the largest contenders on North Avenue. This Italian restaurant, known for its unmatched authenticity, offers a diverse selection of genuine Italian dishes and a vibrant array of gelato. Even though the prices can be considered high-priced, customer satisfaction is Massa’s top priority, ensuring that every customer’s expectations are met. It is a standout establishment that provides a perfect blend of exquisite cuisine, both traditional and innovative.

Sophia: 8/10 – During the summer, Massa is definitely one of the restaurants I visit most often. Their extensive and delicious selection of food, particularly their gelato (my favorite), is something I always look forward to when I go there. Some of my favorite flavors include Kinder Bueno, Cookies and Cream, and Chicago Pothole. Although I have visited this restaurant numerous times, both with friends and family, I never fail to discover a dish I have not tried before with each new visit.

Aleena: 9/10 – Among all the restaurants near Elmwood Park, this one is undoubtedly one of my favorites. Massa offers quick and delicious meals, and the variety of dishes available makes it an excellent choice, thanks to its prompt service and convenient location. My go-to order is the Panini Americano, it is tremendously flavorful and easy to share. With all the dishes Massa offers, I highly recommend it.

3. New Star Restaurant

For our third-place winner, EPHS has chosen New Star. Established over 60 years ago in 1954 by the well-known Moy family, New Star has maintained a loyal customer base in Elmwood Park. The restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience, along with takeout and delivery options. The menu showcases a delightful blend of classic and modern Chinese cuisine, including the popular hibachi dishes. New Star provides a comfortable atmosphere, attentive service, affordable prices, and an ideal location that makes a pleasant dining environment.  Whether you are a local resident or a tourist, a trip to New Star is a must.

Sophia: 9/10 – Living so close to North Avenue, New Star has become my personal favorite restaurant. The quality of their food is evident in the fresh ingredients used in every dish. It may just be the Asian in me, but there is no dish I wouldn’t be willing to try at New Star. However, I must admit that I still haven’t experienced the hibachi dining experience—shocking, I know. Nevertheless, every other item I’ve tried at New Star has been delicious.

Aleena, 8/10 – Unlike Sophia, I have tried New Star’s hibachi and can confidently say it is worth the visit. The chefs are always very entertaining, and you get to enjoy perfectly cooked food prepared right in front of you. Although there can be a long wait at times, once you are finally seated, the chef arrives as quickly as possible. You are served either soup or salad, both of which I consider to be excellent.

Conclusion

With the top three restaurants voted on by EPHS, we both agree that this ranking is accurate. Sophia’s favorite is New Star, while Aleena’s favorite is Massa. I, Sophia, believe that New Star’s deliciousness and familiarity make it very enjoyable. However, I, Aleena, believe that Massa’s diverse selection of dishes offers an enjoyable experience perfect for any time of the year.

Overall, it’s safe to say that North Avenue has some of the best restaurants near Elmwood Park. While there are many other delicious and worthwhile places to visit, these three appear to be EPHS’s favorites. Once again, thank you to everyone who took a moment out of their day to make this article possible.

Interested in checking out any of these restaurants menus? Check out their websites here: New Star Restaurant, Massa Cafe Italiano, Johnnie’s Beef

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