Let's just say you've got a friend who is on their way to town for the first time.

This friend is kind of a foodie, and you want to find a place that might speak to their inner eater.

Usually, most, not all, foodies enjoy those out-of-the-way hidden gem style restaurants.

Long story short, they don't get down with the Applebee's and Chili's of the world.

Personally, they're fine, but man, do I enjoy a nice hidden gem restaurant.

So I decided to take a look at Yelp to see what would be considered a great "hidden gem restaurant" in the Rockford area.

I guess "hidden gem" is subjective because at the top of the list is Abreo.

If you don't know about Abreo, 515 East State Street, at this point, you should make a point to get over there. The food, service, and ambiance are excellent.

As far as the rest of the list, here's the 10 Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Rockford according to Yelp.

  1. Abreo
  2. Cantina Taco
  3. Tavern On Clark
  4. Five Forks
  5. GreenFire
  6. Chinmi Asian Cuisine
  7. Eggsclusive Cafe
  8. Banana Cherry Bakery
  9. Buddy's Burgers
  10. Sahara Palace Restaurant

I've been to every place on the list, Chinmi Asian Cuisine being the only exception. They all deserve to be recognized for having excellent menu options.

Somehow Banana Cherry Bakery made the list. I mean, sure you can get baked goods from Banana Cherry but does it count as an actual "restaurant?"

I guess it's all subjective. Speaking of, what do you think should be considered Rockford's "Best Hidden Gem Restaurant?" Is it one of the 10 listed above? Maybe something else? 15th and Chris? Smokehouse Barbecue? Tell us!

50 Most Popular Chain Restaurants in America

YouGov investigated the most popular dining brands in the country, and Stacker compiled the list to give readers context on the findings. Read on to look through America's vast and divergent variety of restaurants—maybe you'll even find a favorite or two.

25 Retail Stores and Restaurants We Want in Rockford

More From Rockford's New Country Q98.5