Chicago

Located in the Wicker Park area, this authentic and retro Italian eatery reminds one of wholesome Italian fare being cooked up in the kitchen by real Italian mammas. With homemade ravioli, Veal Parmigiana, and their flagship dish, Chicken Vesuvio with roasted potatoes, peas, white wine and garlic, this cosy Chicago favourite is one of the best when it comes to Italian cuisine. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday and Sunday dinner only. Reservations accepted.

Food Type :Italian

Address :1824 W. Wabansia Avenue

Website :www.clubluckychicago.com

Established by Thai native Penny Chiamopoulous, this simple and spacious Chicago eatery serves delicious authentic Thai cuisine and other Asian fusion dishes to perfection. Sample everything from Crab Rangoon - a crispy dumpling stuffed with cream cheese and seafood - and Tom Yum soup, to Hot Pepper Noodles and Thai ravioli dumplings stuffed with shrimp and pork and served with BBQ pork, lettuce, green onions, cilantro, and peanuts. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations not accepted.

Food Type :Asian

Address :950 W. Diversey Avenue

Website :www.pennysnoodleshop.com

Arun's has been called the finest Thai restaurant in the city. Dinner is an ever-changing fixed-price menu comprising of a gourmet banquet of 12 exquisitely presented courses that puts other Thai kitchens to shame. A special menu can be designed to suit individual tastes on calling ahead. The culinary experience is complemented by traditional Thai décor and displayed artwork. Reservations are required with a credit card. Closed Monday. Dinner only.

Food Type :Oriental

Address :4156 North Kedzie Avenue, Irving Park (North Side)

Website :www.arunsthai.com

Towering above the city with commanding views from the 40th floor, Everest is one of the city's premiere French dining rooms offering the world-renowned cuisine created by Alsatian chef Jean Joho. His distinctive style is a blend of 'noble' and 'simple' ingredients for unusual flavour combinations, such as caviar or foie gras with potatoes or cabbage, drawing inspiration from the cookery of his native Alsace. Everest includes classics like lobster and lamb, as well as a vegetarian menu, and some creative desserts. Closed Sunday and Monday. Dinner only. Reservations required.

Food Type :French

Address :440 South LaSalle Street, 40th Floor, One Financial Plaza building (The Loop)

Website :www.everestrestaurant.com

The black and white interior, splashed by the colour of carefully chosen artwork, provides an elegant setting for the prestigious patrons of Tru and its superb progressive French cuisine. The menu is divided into several fixed-price options ranging from three courses to a variety of multi-course 'collections' that showcase the creativity of the chefs. Excellent service, exquisite presentation, and award-winning desserts complement the dining experience. Closed Sunday. Dinner only. Reservations essential and jackets required.

Food Type :French

Address :676 North St Clair Street (Near North)

Website :www.trurestaurant.com

King of the Chicago-style steakhouses, Morton's on North State upholds its reputation as the best steakhouse in the region with huge succulent steaks cooked to perfection. It is famous for its signature tableside menu presentation, where a trolley is rolled out containing main course selections that are described in detail by the server. The menu features a variety of cuts, including the house speciality, the 24-ounce (680g) porterhouse steak, as well as fresh fish, lobster, veal and chicken. Open daily for dinner. Reservations recommended.

Food Type :American

Address :1050 North State Street (River North)

Website :www.mortons.com

High ceilings, crisp white tablecloth,s and black and white photos on the walls create a sophisticated dining experience, where the Indian-Latin food is as contemporary as the restaurant. Indian tapas such as cilantro tamarind shrimp, coconut chilli mussels, and duck vindaloo arepa tantalise the taste-buds. Signature dishes include chilli-glazed blackened tamarind ribs served with amchur tortilla crisps and a sweet corn salsa, or fiery culinary delights such as the Desi goat curry in a rich Indian gravy served with naan. This restaurant lives up to its reputation as one of Chicago's finest eateries and does not disappoint. Reservations recommended on weekends. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday and Sunday dinner only.

Food Type :Indian

Address :10 W. Hubbard Street

Website :www.thevermilionrestaurant.com

Chicago's chicest diners and celebrity clientele flock to this sought-after addition to the West's 'Restaurant Row'. Here the smart minimalist interior is the perfect backing to the ornate food presentation and creative renditions of French-influenced contemporary American food. The exterior of the restaurant is as stylish as the food. The seasonal menu is creative yet simple and features dishes such as wood-grilled California sturgeon with English peas, braised peanuts, crispy bacon and bourbon carmel. Closed Sunday. No lunch Saturday. Reservations recommended.

Food Type :American

Address :619 West Randolph Street (West Loop)

Website :www.blackbirdrestaurant.com

Top-quality sushi and sashimi dishes are to be found in this funky-hip eatery that exudes a youthful ambience. Fresh fish is flown in daily for the sushi bar where several inventive chefs whip up a list of delicious offerings to order. Upstairs the futuristic saké lounge is the city's most stylish place to sip saké or vodka with passion fruit. Dinner daily. Reservations recommended.

Food Type :Japanese

Address :2020 West Division Street, Wicker Park

Website :www.miraisushi.com

One of the prettiest settings in the city, North Pond is situated within the famous Lincoln Park, in a building that was originally an ice skaters warming house, overlooking Chicago's skyline. In keeping with the natural setting, chef Bruce Sherman emphasises organic produce and simple but delicious seasonal cuisine. The wine list focuses on boutique vintners. Dinner Tuesday to Sunday, lunch Tuesday to Friday (June to September), brunch on Sundays. Reservations recommended. Jacket and tie recommended for dinner.

Food Type :Modern Eclectic

Address :2610 North Cannon Drive, Lincoln Park

Website :www.northpondrestaurant.com

Pizzeria Uno is famous for its original Deep Dish Pizza, a pie-like crust stuffed with meat and fresh vegetables and cheese. This Chicago-style pizza originated at Pizzeria Uno in 1943 and both locals and out-of-towners pack into the panelled rooms for a filling meal. Other delicious dishes on the menu include Angus Beef steaks, ribs, and inventive new creations such as Chicken Milanese or Spicy Chicken Flatbread. There is often a wait, but regulars maintain it is more than worth it. Open from 11am daily.

Food Type :Italian

Address :29 East Ohio Street

Website :www.unos.com

Voted the best barbecue in Chicago, Smoque serves traditional Midwest barbecue. Dishes like the applewood-smoked baby back and St. Louis-style ribs, brisket (smoked for 15 hours), pulled pork (smoked for 12 hours) and sides like cornbread and mac and cheese. The restaurant is casual and diners stand in line to order at the counter. Smoque's location outside of downtown Chicago makes it inconvenient for some tourists, but it is located near an El station and most diners say it's worth the trip! Open Tuesday to Sunday 11am-9pm, closes 10pm on Friday and Saturday.

Food Type :Barbecue

Address :3800 North Pulaski Road, Irving Park

Website :www.smoquebbq.com