Andersonville --

Il Fiasco
5101 N. Clark St. | 773-769-9700 | D
Serving up authentic Italian fare, this eatery is from Michael and Natalie Moore (formerly of Pasta Palazzo and Twist) and Eric Aubriot (formerly of Escargot & Aubriot's). Housed in the space formerly occupied by Rioja's and Atlantique, Il Fiasco's menu includes pan-seared sea bass with savoy cabbage, lardons, and red wine sauce; grilled chicken breast served with porcini mushroom risotto and broccolini; and pastas accompanied by traditional, flavorful sauces. Unlike its predecessors, Il Fiasco is probably headed toward a long and well-deserved future.

Charlie's Ale House
5308 N. Clark St. | 773-751-0141 | D
Surprisingly romantic for a casual neighborhood dining spot, thanks to its fireplaces, Charlie's expanded menu includes comfort food, burgers and sandwiches, and six varieties of flatbread pizzas. Oh yeah, there's also 20 by-the-glass wine choices.

Hamburger Mary's
5400 N. Clark St. | 773-784-6969 | D
Not surprisingly, burgers rule the menu here; however, comfort food entrees, healthy dining options, and an inventive selection of starters allow Mary's to please a wide range of palettes.

La Donna Italian Cuisine
5146 N. Clark St. | 773-561-9400 | L, D
Open since 1995, fresh pasta and seafood dominate the menu, which changes weekly to reflect different regions of Italy.

La Tache
1475 W. Balmoral Ave. | 773-334-7168 | D
This is a charming and cozy bistro that serves up classic French cuisine with a modern twist.

Edgewater --

Broadway Cellars
5900 N. Broadway St. | 773-944-1208 | D
Opened by the former General Manager of RoseAngelis, this neighborhood bar/restaurant looks like a wine cellar, complete with wine racks flanking the walls, features good food and of course good wine in a casual atmosphere. Wines from all over the world are carefully selected and pair up nicely with menu items such as duck lasagna, soy-glazed salmon with Thai slaw, a taco steak sandwich and a smoked chicken salad. "Mix-and-match" wine flights are offered in addition to the pre-set options.

Francesca's Bryn Mawr
1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. | 773-506-9261 | D
A part of the Francesa family of Italian restaurants, this location has been a significant part of the revitalization of the neighborhood.

Pepitone's
5437 N. Broadway St. | 773-293-3730 | D
This newcomer features contemporary American cuisine with Italian influences and an extensive wine list.

Lincoln Square --

Bistro Campagne
4518 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773-271-6100 | D
Despite its location in a historical German neighborhood, this thriving French bistro is known for classics such as Escargot, Steak Frites, and cassoulet.

Uptown --

Anna Maria Pasteria
4400 N. Clark St. | 773-506-2662 | D
Once located in Lakeview, this eatery is delighting its new neighbors with affordable southern Italian cuisine.

Crew Bar & Grill
4804 N. Broadway St. | 773-784-2739 | L, D
This classic sports bar takes pride in serving up high-quality from its unique and creative menu.

Magnolia Café
1224 W. Wilson Ave. | 773-728-8785 | D
This cozy restaurant serves tasty American cuisine and its cozy, intimate atmosphere makes for the perfect date place.

Lakeview -

Angelina Ristorante
3561 N. Broadway St. | 773-935-5933 | D
Famous for its raucous Sunday brunch, this Boystown institution is actually quite a charming restaurant that features delicious and affordable Italian cuisine.

Ann Sather
929 W. Belmont Ave. | 773-348-2378 | B, L
Always a hot spot, this traditional Swedish pancake house has a lively atmosphere, serves breakfast anytime, and is best known for its cinnamon rolls.

Arco De Cuchilleros
3445 N. Halsted St. | 773-278-4488 | D
This popular Spanish restaurant specializes in paella, tapas, and Sangria! What more could you ask for.

Baked Tomato
4358 N. Elston Ave. | 773-777-6430 | D
More than just a pizza parlor, this Avondale neighborhood spot also serves up lasagna, chicken Vesuvio and manicotti and the tasty pepper and egg sandwich.

Deleece
4004 N. Southport Ave. | 773-325-1710 | D
This popular neighborhood restaurant offers an eclectic and seasonally inspired menu with everything from steaks to chicken to pastas.

El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill
3906 N. Broadway St. | 773-502-6694 | D
This brand new Mexican restaurant is taking the cuisine to the next level with the freshest of ingredients. The extensive offering of tequilas is most impressive.

El Nuevo Mexicano
2914 N. Clark St. | 312-644-4043 | D
This family-owned Lakeview staple has long been a favorite of locals looking for straight-forward Mexican cuisine.

Fiorentino's
2901 N. Ashland Ave. | 773-244-3026 | D
The menu here features rustic Italian dishes, including antipasti, salads, pastas and entrees such as cioppino (spicy seafood stew), eggplant Parmesan, and penne with puttanesca sauce.

Firefly
3335 N. Halsted St. | 773-525-2505 | D
French inspired comfort food and quality cocktails are the attraction at this relaxing and cozy Boystown favorite.

Kitsch'n on Roscoe
2005 W. Roscoe St. | 773-248-7372 | D
You can't help but smile when eating at this retro 1970s themed restaurant. But while the décor may be dated, the menu is filled with contemporary takes on comfort food classics.

La Creperie
2845 N. Clark St. | 773-837-5833 | D
It's pretty much all about crepes here, both sweet and savory, and at very affordable prices.

Las Mananitas
3523 N. Halsted St. | 773-528-2109 | L, D
Truly a community institution, the consistency of the food, the drinks, and the service makes this Mexican restaurant a favorite of many in the neighborhood.

Mia Francesca
3311 N. Clark St. | 773-281-3310 | D
This flagship Francesca restaurant is still a favorite of many looking for high-quality Italian fare.

Nookies Tree
3334 N. Halsted St. | 773-248-9888 | D
If you're in the mood for breakfast food during dinner time, then Nookies is the perfect place. They also offer lunch and dinner options, but pancakes, waffles, and egg dishes are your best bet.

Sola
3868 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773-327-3868 | D
Garnering rave reviews both locally and nationally, Sola's seasonal menu includes selection such as peppered tuna with black beluga lentils and braised short ribs with glazed Brussels sprouts and truffle-laced white polenta..

Stella's Diner
3042 N. Broadway St. | 773-472-9040 | D
A diner in look and feel, the ambitious menu takes the food up a notch with Cajun offerings and other interesting items. And the milkshakes are to die for!

The Chicago Diner
3411 N. Halsted St. | 773-935-6696 | L, D
This grand-daddy of Chicago vegetarian restaurants has been serving up tasty organic and vegan fare long before it was popular to do so.

Downtown -

Carnivale
702 W. Fulton Market | 312-850-5005 | L, D
One of Chicago's most lively night spots, this Nuevo Latino restaurant features the cuisine of Brazil, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Colombia.

Signature Room at the 95th 875 N. Michigan Ave. | 312-280-0461 | D
High atop the John Hancock building, the Signature Room offers contemporary American fare, including steaks, roasted rack of lamb, and decadent desserts.

South Water Kitchen
225 N. Wabash | 312-236-9300 | D
Hotel Monaco's American-themed restaurant features classic comfort food faves (mac & cheese, short ribs, and garlic mashed potatoes) and a 100% American wine list.

Vivere
71 W. Monroe St. | 312-332-4040 | L, D
This long-time Loop eatery features classic Italian dishes with exotic ingredients and adventurous presentations.

Lincoln Park -

Cafe Bernard
2100 N. Halsted St. | 773-871-2100 | D
It's all about savory French cooking with daily blackboard specials such as trout stuffed with shrimp and spinach in lobster sauce.

Red Rooster Wine Bar & Café
2100 N. Halsted St. | 773-929-7660 | D
Sharing an address and an owner with Café Bernard, this cozy & romantic French restaurant serves up mouth-watering delicacies such as pork loin au poivre, pate forestiere and creme brulee.

Tsuki Japanese Restaurant
1445 W. Fullerton Pkwy | 773-883-8722 | D
This trendy eatery serves up delectable sushi spot with a tapas twist that encourages sharing am,ongst table-mates.

Vinci
1732 N. Halsted St. | 312-266-1199 | D
Robust regional Italian food, including antipasti, pizza, salads, pasta and other dishes are featured at this rustic restaurant.

Old Town & River North -

Citizen
364 W. Erie | 312-640-1156 | D
The menu here includes crostinis, paninis, and salads that get matched up with about 50 different wines.

Dinotto Ristorante
215 W. North Ave. | 312-202-0302 | D
This popular restaurant serves up traditional Italian fare, including grilled calamari with chili oil, pumpkin ravioli and grilled chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes in a roasted garlic sauce.

Salpicon
1252 N. Wells St. | 312-988-7811 | D
Authentic classic and contemporary Mexico City cuisine is featured at this upscale restaurant that also has an impressive wine and tequila lists.

Wicker Park -

Adobo Grill
2005 W. Division | 312-266-8538 | D
This upscale "Nuevo Latino" eatery features margaritas and its signature guacamole appetizer, prepared tableside with a mortar and pestle.

Cafe Absinthe
1954 W. North Ave. | 773-278-4488 | D
The menu here features contemporary American cuisine with world influences.

Cafe Matou
1846 N. Milwaukee Ave. | 773-384-8911 | D
Light French country fare is highlighted at this trendy upscale restaurant.

Club Lucky
1824 N. Wabansia Ave. | 773-227-2300 | L, D
This Italian supper club has maybe Chicago's best offering of Martinis and stuffed olives as well a menu filled with Silician specialties.

Francesca's Forno
1576 N. Milwaukee Ave. | 773-770-0184 | D
Sharing and small plate tapas, Italian style, are featured at this Francesca outpost.

Silver Cloud
1700 N. Damen Ave. | 773-489-6212 | L, D
This elegant and cozy diner serves old-fashioned comfort food such as pot roast, chicken pot pie, and meatloaf.

Suburbs -

Bluegrass
1636 Old Deerfield Rd., Highland Park | 847-831-0595 | D
This casual American restaurant features an eclectic lineup: from burgers and salads to steaks and seafood.

Cucina Paradiso
814 North Blvd., Oak Park | 708-848-3434 | D
The changing weekly menu offers updated takes on Italian classics such as veal saltimbocca and braciole made with pork tenderloin and a bechamel sauce.