Tasty Italian in East Peoria

Right across the parking lot from the Stoney Creek Inn in East Peoria, IL is a nice little Italian restaurant. Basta East Port has extremely reasonable lunch dishes (sandwiches, pasta, entrees, and salads all under $10, and generously portioned!) that taste amazing. I had a grilled chicken and portabella sandwich which was accompanied by a small cup of penne with marinara sauce.

Anyone who craves simple pasta on the road should definitely stop here--the pasta was super flavorful, and while the sandwich was a bit drippy from the mushroom's marinade and pesto spread, it was damn fine. The restaurant is right on N. Main Street, next to the shell station in front of the hotel, so easy walking distance. They also have a similar dinner menu, although at higher prices, and a decent selection of wines and beer.

The Place: Basta East Port, N. Main St. East Peoria

The Food: Sandwiches and Pasta, Entrees too!

The Price: Lunch menu is almost entirely $10 or less, Dinner is generally under $20

A note on the hotel room... it was adorable and had a teddy bear living in it when I arrived. He liked the look of my lunch as well.