Growing up in an Asian household, I'm pretty picky on which Asian restaurants I eat at.  I've never given a local restaurant a rating higher than 7/10 for food, but there's one spot near Rockford that might break that streak today.

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I don't watch a lot of news, except when I'm at work and the TV is on in the studio.  For Restaurant Week, every news station across Illinois has been featuring all kinds of local restaurants to support—one being Leilani Asian Fusion in Aurora.

Via Emily
Via Emily
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When I looked up at the TV, I saw an entire table filled with every item on their menu.  All of it looked so delicious that I knew I had to make the drive.

So, I did.  A whole hour and thirty minutes later we made it to Leilani Asian Fusion!  It might just be one of the best Asian restaurants I've ever eaten at.

I Think I Found One Of The Best Asian Restaurants In Illinois

The location is right in the heart of downtown Aurora, the ambience was warm, and the booths are so comfy.  I love dimly lit restaurants, and Leilani gives you such an intimate setting to enjoy a night out with friends, family, and your love.

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Via Emily
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The food?  Portions were perfect and everything we ordered was so flavorful.

We got the Restaurant Week special with Honey Walnut Shrimp, Salmon Teriyaki, and Blueberry Crème Brûlée (not pictured), plus Adobo Fried Rice as an extra dish.

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Via Emily
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My only complaint is that the blueberries weren't my favorite on the crème brûlée, but I still ate all of it!  The blueberries are an acquired taste, for sure.

The owner, Abbey, was incredibly sweet and gave us a tour of the entire restaurant and how it came to be.  Leilani is named after her beautiful three-year-old daughter, too.

"Leilani was born from our owner, Abbey, and her resilience and love for her late partner, Jason Morales, and their daughter, for whom the restaurant is named. Our menu is a testament to this legacy, with each dish crafted from locally-sourced ingredients." [Leilani Asian Fusion]

Overall, these are my ratings for my dining experience at Leilani Asian Fusion.

Food: 8.7/10 (because there's always room for improvement anywhere you go!)

Ambience: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Drinks: 10/10 (I always love a good Moscato!)

They definitely surpassed every Asian restaurant in my ratings book.

I spend a lot of time in Rockford, Illinois since we have a ton of Asian restaurants around town; Rock Pho'd, Pho Square, Sister's Thai Cafe, Sticky Rice Bites, KBQ, Marc's Fusion, JMK... the list goes on.  It's always nice to get out of town and find a new spot to dine, but it's rare that it lives up to my expectations.  Leilani definitely set the bar!

Where should I try next?  Help a girl out!

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