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Chicago is a colourful patchwork of neighbourhoods that reflect ethnicities from all regions of the world. Our restaurants and their authentic flavours are just as wonderfully diverse.

Little Italy - Italian is still the native tongue spoken on Taylor Street, at the heart of Chicago's Little Italy. Stroll the sidewalks and be lured by the smells of authentic Italian cooking.

Coco Pazzo - One of the top Italian restaurants in the city, Coco Pazzo focuses on creating traditional Tuscan cuisine. Dishes include homemade gnocchi, wood-roasted salmon and panna cotta.

Spiaggia - Chef Tony Mantuano cooks up inventive Italian dishes at the upscale Spiaggia. Located at the very chic corner of Michigan Avenue and Oak Street, Spiaggia offers stunning views of Oak Street Beach and Lake Michigan.

Vivere - The contemporary Vivere is located in the downtown Italian Village complex, which also includes the rustic La Cantina and Village restaurants. Vivere's focus is on new Italian cuisine from all regions of Italy. A popular spot for theatre-goers.

Chinatown - Share some dim sum and browse the dozens of fascinating little shops and grocers along Wentworth Avenue in Chicago's Chinatown. It's the place to find some of the most authentic Chinese cuisine in the city.

Japonais - Modern Japanese cuisine is the focus at this see-and-be-seen hotspot. It's a beautifully designed restaurant that melds industrial Japan with European elegance, and features a seductive downstairs lounge with seating along the Chicago River.

Opera - Opera's skilful kitchen gives traditional Chinese cuisine a decidedly contemporary twist, as with its triple presentation of Peking duck. The lush, whimsical decor is equally impressive. Book a table in the private "vaults" that held movie reels in the building's previous life as a warehouse.

Red Light - The pan-Asian menu takes its inspiration from the flavours of Thailand, China, Vietnam and Indonesia, bringing them together with a playful energy that's reflected in the vibrant décor. Save room for dessert—chef Jackie's Chocolate Bag is sensational.

SushiSamba Rio - The stylish SushiSamba Rio serves dishes that meld Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours in a hip, club-like atmosphere. Check out the sleek sushi bar, DJ booth and an all-season rooftop dining area.

Mexican & Latin American

Adobo Grill - There's always a crowd at this casually upscale Mexican spot, and with good reason. The guacamole is a must-try; it's prepared tableside with a mortar and pestle. The Oaxacan mole is chocolaty perfection, and the margaritas… ¡Dios mio!

Carnivale - Join the party at Carnivale, a lively Latin restaurant that serves dishes influenced by the flavours of Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, Peru and more. Specialty drinks include the popular caipirinha and a raspberry version of the mojito.

Frontera Grill/Topolobampo - Celebrity chef Rick Bayless is the brains behind two side-by-side Mexican restaurants that have both received critical acclaim. Frontera Grill offers casual dishes, while Topolobampo presents upscale Mexican cuisine.

Ambria - Celebrated chef Gabino Sotelino does double duty as chef/owner located right across the hall from his more casual Mon Ami Gabi. The beautiful Art Nouveau-style Ambria serves sophisticated French cuisine in an unpretentious atmosphere.

Mon Ami Gabi - Award-winning chef/owner Gabino Sotelino is the creator of the authentic bistro dishes at this cosy French steakhouse. Have a cocktail at the reproduction turn-of-the-century Parisian bar, then dine on house specialties such as the classic steak frites.

Pierrot Gourmet - This European-style café and wine bar is located at the tony Peninsula Chicago hotel. Don’t miss the homemade cakes and pastries. The outdoor seating offers great people watching during warmer months.

Greektown - Authentic Greek restaurants line the strip of Halsted Street known as Greektown, located just west of the downtown Loop. Have a flaming saganaki and shout “opaah” along with your waiter.

Athena Restaurant - This spacious fine dining restaurant in the heart of Greektown offers traditional dishes such as dolmades and Athenian chicken. The picturesque outdoor patio is a big draw during the summer.

Venus - The cuisine of Cyprus is on the menu at this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that features a unique bar in the shape of an ancient Greek warship. Try the 14-course mezes, offering a combination of Cypriot and Greek dishes.

Bin 36 - The contemporary American dishes at Bin 36 are meant to be enjoyed with wine, and the menu will direct you to some of the best pairings. Or simply pull up a seat at the cheese bar (with 50 selections available) and enjoy a glass of wine as you nibble.

Blackbird - Named "one of the 50 best restaurants in the country" by Gourmet magazine, Blackbird serves innovative seasonal dishes prepared with a spare elegance that is perfectly complemented by the minimalist décor.

BOKA - offers a smart and concise menu. Led by Giuseppe Tentori, 34, who was appointed executive chef this past March brings to BOKA his love for simple and straightforward cuisine coupled with a high regard for pristine and fresh ingredients. The 4,000-square-foot, 90-seat restaurant, located in the heart of Lincoln Park, just up the street from the Steppenwolf Theatre, offers three distinct seating areas, all of which can be made private: a more casual section in the front that overlooks Halsted Street; the formal dining room, a romantic and dramatic space, thanks to the fabric “sculptures” stretched across the ceiling, and the large outdoor patio area, which is tented and heated in the colder months. 1729 W. Halsted Street

Plan B Bar + Kitchen - Plan B offers something for everyone, from a low-key after work destination to an energetic, feel-good late night scene with great music. Led by principals Ryan Golden and Mark Perres, Plan B Bar + Kitchen offers a well-edited bar menu, straightforward beer selections and premium, reasonably priced cocktails against a perfect blend of sexy rock, vintage hip-hop, old school and 80s classics by local deejays. With seasonal menu items and drink specials, along with the installation of three plasma screen tvs (at seated eye-level), Plan B should be the first choice for entertainment. 1635 North Milwaukee

Chicago Diner - The Chicago Diner was one of the first vegetarian restaurants in the city. Try the garden vegetable loaf or the macrobiotic plate, and don't miss the vegan desserts.

Green Zebra - Green Zebra is a contemporary vegetarian restaurant that caters to a hip crowd. Imaginative seasonal dishes include crispy sweet potato dumplings with water chestnuts and dandelion miso broth.