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Never the same meal twice

What is Spice Box?

The Spice Box is a student-run restaurant associated with the University of Illinois Hospitality Management Program.

Each Spice Box meal has two menu selections, a Prix Fixe four-course meal option, and a special two-course meal option. Prices vary by meal. Specialty wine and beverages are available.

Events are held on most Wednesdays and Fridays during spring semesters.

Reservations

Reservations can be booked using OpenTable and are available every 15 minutes from 5:30-8:30pm.

Tentative event information for the 2025 spring semester is provided below. Reservations for each event will become available via OpenTable approximately 4 weeks prior to the event date.

Tentative menus and pricing for each event is available on the Events page approximately 7 days prior to each event.

2025 Tentative Student Restaurant Concepts

Spice Box Success

Discover how the Spice Box has shaped the experiences of both student managers and patrons.

Read our stories

Featured Event

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Ono Kaukau: A Celebration of Hawaiian Flavors – by the FSHN 145 Class of Spring 2025

Aloha! Come enjoy a little slice of Polynesian paradise, right here in Urbana, while this year’s FSHN 145 cohort take charge of the restaurant for one evening and collectively transform the Spice Box dining room into an elegantly tropical space perfectly suited for your next evening out. On Wednesday, April 30th, the Spice Box will celebrate the vibrant flavors and beautiful culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Whether you’re intimately familiar with Hawaii, or simply interested in trying something new, this event’s menu is guaranteed to make an impression thanks to the inclusion of several classic Hawaiian ingredients including Li Hing shrimp, Okinawan potatoes, Ahi tuna, fresh pineapple, passion fruit, and macadamia nuts; just to name a few.  We can’t wait to see you there!

Reserve Apr. 30

Prix Fixe ($45)

  • Bread Service: Kalo Rolls – A warm yeast roll with taro compound butter
  • Appetizer: Hi Ling Shrimp – Toasted crostinis topped with avocado and hi ling seasoned shrimp
  • Salad: North Shore Salad – Grilled pineapple, shaved radish, and a soft bed of baby greens splashed with a wave of housemade pineapple vinaigrette
  • Entrée: Huli Huli Chicken – Sweet and savory marinated chicken served alongside stunning Okinawan potatoes and rainbow carrots
  • Dessert: Lilikoi Crème – A housemade passion fruit mousse topped with crumbled shortbread and toasted macadamia

Special ($35)

  • Bread Service: Kalo Rolls – A warm yeast roll with taro compound butter
  • Appetizer: Hi Ling Shrimp – Toasted crostinis topped with avocado and hi ling seasoned shrimp
  • Entrée: Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl – Fresh Ahi Tuna marinated in teriyaki served atop a bed of sushi rice, avocado, edamame, cucumber, crispy onions, shredded carrots & cabbage, and drizzled with a spicy mayo.

Dessert À La Carte ($8)

  • Lilikoi Crème – A housemade passion fruit mousse topped with crumbled shortbread and toasted macadamia

Featured Beverage ($8)

  • The Sparkling Iolani – POG (passion fruit, orange, & guava) juice, dark rum, and sparkling wine

View all events

Tell us what you think

We welcome your comments and suggestions about Spice Box.
Email FSHN-Spicebox@illinois.edu.