The most important questions are often the hardest to answer. How do we achieve world peace? What happens after we die? What do you want for dinner? Neighborhoods.com can’t help you with the first two questions, but we’re qualified to answer the third question. Next time you’re stumped as to where to eat in Chicago, refer to this guide.

If you want Italian food, head to University Village

Photo courtesy of The Rosebud

Chicago’s Little Italy now goes by University Village - head down to Taylor Street to find some of the best eats in the neighborhood. 

If you’re looking for lunch...

Swing by Al’s Beef.  Selling their sandwiches since 1938, this local chain is considered a Chicago classic. While you can find other locations of Al’s Beef throughout Chicago, the Taylor Street spot was its first storefront. Order Al’s Big Beef sandwich when you’re there, and buy some beef by the pound to take home for later.   

If you want a classic Little Italy experience...

Go to The Rosebud. Another decades-old favorite, this restaurant serves up Italian favorites in a polished but comfortable setting. This spot is popular with both tourists and locals, so ditch the line and call ahead.

If it’s the summer season...

Check out Mario’s Italian Lemonade. This lemonade stand is a seasonal destination. Mario’s is best known for their shaved-ice lemonade treat, but you can also choose from a variety of fruity and traditional flavors.

If you want Chinese food, head to Chinatown

You guessed it - Chinatown is our pick for best Chinese food. Exploring this neighborhood is a breeze as its innumerable restaurants are nestled closely together.

If it’s 3 a.m...

Wander into Three Happiness. After a long night out, nothing beats some late-night egg rolls. This popular Chinatown spot is open 24/7 and has plenty of options to choose from, including favorites like orange chicken and potstickers.

If you’re looking for dim sum...

Go to Phoenix. Enjoy this traditional Chinese dining experience in a warm but elegant atmosphere. Expect traditional dim sum dishes like steamed dumplings, bao, and sticky rice, and enjoy plenty of tea throughout your whole meal.

 If you want a hot pot experience...

Get a table at Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot.  This international chain has the monopoly on the hot pot market, and you can taste why. Little Sheep’s hot pot is completely customizable -- start with their made-from-scratch broth and choose from dozens of add-ins like fresh vegetables, handmade noodles, and plenty of protein options.

If you want to feel fancy, head to West Loop

Photo courtesy of The Little Goat Diner

This neighborhood is packed with options for high-end dining. The proximity to The Loop gives West Loop an urban, yet polished vibe that contributes an upscale experience.   

If you want a comfortable setting...

Make a reservation at The Little Goat Diner. The Little Goat Diner is a sister restaurant to The Girl and The Goat and Duck Duck Goat, and all are the brainchildren of Chef Stephanie Izard. While “diner” is in the title, this restaurant takes a culinary approach to the greasy spoon setting, yielding dishes like sloppy goat sandwiches with rosemary slaw, banh mi-style burgers, and shrimp and cheesy grits.

If you want Mediterranean flair...

Go to Avec. Set in a long, sleek space with wood walls, this West Loop staple serves plates like grilled halloumi and “deluxe” focaccia. With an impressive wine list, another tough choice you’ll face is what bottle will accompany your meal. 

If it’s date night...

Get a table at La Sardine. This cozy French bistro makes for the perfect romantic setting. Expect French classics like bouillabaisse and steak frites, and save room for their ever-popular souffles for dessert. Daily specials at La Sardine sweeten the deal with specials like $1 oysters and half-priced bottles of wine.

If you’re in the mood for tacos, head to Pilsen

Photo courtesy of Carnitas Uruapan

We’d be remiss if this wasn’t our neighborhood recommendation for tacos (we even wrote an entire article about it.) Pilsen offers plenty of Mexican dining options. 

If you’re a taco purist…

Head to Carnitas Uruapan. Opened in 1975, Carnitas Uruapan is considered a taco institution in Pilsen. This family-owned restaurant specializes in pork only, and they do it well. Try their slow roasted carnitas by the taco or buy it by the pound to enjoy at home.

If you’re feeling adventurous…

Try all the meat at Taqueria El Mezquite. Just across the street from the National Museum of Mexican Art, this restaurant has mom-and-pop vibes but diverse flavors. With over 21 varieties of meat (think chorizo, beef brain, and pork skins), you can always try something new at Taqueria El Mezquite.

If you like big portions,

Go to Taqueria El Milagro. Owned by El Milagro Tortilla, this business has over 50 years of experience making tacos with their own tortillas. Fans of this taqueria love the huge tacos, so be warned before you order multiple - two tacos will likely fill you up.   

If you’re meat-free head to Logan Square

Photo courtesy of Lula Cafe

Logan Square is becoming the hipster epicenter, so it’s not surprising that more and more vegan and vegetarian options are popping up in this neighborhood.

If you want lots of selections...

Head to The Chicago Diner. This cozy hot spot in Logan Square has no meat on the menu but still serves tasty burritos, burgers, and wings. Taking into account all dietary restrictions, every dish at The Chicago Diner has a vegan option and several plates are also gluten free.

If you need a plant-based snack with your beer...

Stop in at Ground Control. You could spend a few hours at this bright, kitschy bar playing some arcade games, ordering a few craft beers, and snacking away. Try some of their fried green tomatoes or curry fritters.

If it’s brunch time...

Go to Lula Cafe.  An early pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, Lula Cafe has been a popular spot for locals for decades. Their brunch menu includes wholesome and locally sourced dishes like tofu and vegetable scrambles or fluffy buttermilk pancakes. 

If you need options, head to Rogers Park

Photo courtesy of Caribbean American Bakery

Still can’t make up your mind? Head to Rogers Park for a diversity of options. There you can make an impulse decision based on what your stomach tells you.

If you want Peruvian food...

Try Taste of Peru. This small, mom-and-pop shop is almost hidden in its strip-mall setting. Despite its underwhelming appearance, this restaurant delivers bold, authentic flavors. You’ll find plenty of seafood on its menu, and the large servings of paella will fill you up.

If you want Carribean tastes...

Stop in at the Caribbean American Bakery. They’re best known for their freshly baked meat pies, which makes a great quick lunch. Take home other baked goods like hard dough bread and specialty cakes while you’re there too.

If you want Ethopian food...

Go to Ethiopian Diamond II. In the northern part of the neighborhood, Ethiopian Diamond II is worth the drive.  This restaurant has an extensive menu, so bring friends and order several dishes to try. Weekends at Ethiopian Diamond also often feature live music, adding to the lively, bright atmosphere at this restaurant.