Rockford Restaurants (Granite City, Mark, Hoffman: house, food, best)

[phl76]

After reading another Rockford thread, I saw another poster list some restaurants in the area.

Wondering if anyone would like to add or give their opinions on any of these restaurants?

Originally Posted by Ryan81

FYI: There are more fine dining places in Rockford than simply "a Japanese place on Perryville" and an "Italian place that closed." Here is a short list - just to name a few:

1. Josef of Barbados
2. Table 13
3. JMK Nippon
4. Francescos (opening new location near JMK)
5. Cliffbreakers (at least since they got their new chef)
6. Olympic Tavern
7. Giovanni's
8. Granite City (although I think this is a regional chain)
9. Brio
10. Sundial Restaurant
11. Hoffman House (best prime rib you'll ever find)

There's more, I just don't feel like busting out Google quite yet.

I haven't been to all the places listed above, but would certainly like to chime in on a few:

Five Forks Market- Great place for lunch. quick service and good wine selection. Haven't been there for dinner, but it's tapas-style.

Pearl- You're paying more for the atmosphere than for the food. food is mediocre (in my opinion) but seems like a place to be seen and also to see others.

Hai Guynh- Hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant. I think it's the only game in town, but pretty good food. Some days they do have off nights and the quality isn't there, but overall, good stuff.

Kiki B's- Ordered a steak that was cooked the way I asked (medium-rare). Can't believe there are so many places around here that overcook your steak. Delicious stuffed mushrooms.

Saffron Bistro- One of the best chicken kabobs I've ever had.

India House- Food is good but portions were small. Terrible service. My family was the only customers in the entire restaurant. Nobody came to refill our drinks. My wife couldn't finish her lassi and asked for takeout cup but they claimed they didn't have takeout cups, which I find hard to believe.

My wife and I love dining out and we would like to check out new places when we can. Can anybody else add to this list of recommended/not recommended?