Chicago, the largest city in Illinois with nearly 2.7 million residents, is home to a diversity of culture that spans through its city streets from neighborhood to neighborhood. Commonly referred to as Chi-Town, there is nothing ‘shy’ about the pride taken in the various authentic ethnic cuisines that can be found around the city.
Though it is mostly known for specialties such as the Chicago-style deep dish pizza, or the Chicago-style hotdog, and the Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich, the Chicago-style is evident in almost every type of food.
So, if you find yourself visiting this great city, be sure to treat yourself to a taste of Chicago. Choose from any number of eateries that offer Italian, Mexican, Polish, Middle Eastern, Ethiopian, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Germen, Greek, Thai, and so much more!
These are just some of the favorites around town and among locals!
Italian Cuisine:
Buca di Beppo located at 521 N. Rush St. serves up family-style authentic Italian food. Patrons of Buca have described the experience as, “When you first come here they ask if you’re celebrating anything. There is a reason they ask this, the food here is worth celebrating! The atmosphere and Italian music, the food and the service are all great.”

Freddy’s Pizzeria located at 1600 South 61st Avenue is known for the best gelato in all of Chicago, and one local says “the best pizza in all of Chicago!” Operating since 1968, that’s serving up smiles to a lot of happy customers!

Mexican Cuisine:
Taqueria El Asadero located at 2213 W. Montrose is an open kitchen small eat-in restaurant catering to a large number of customers. Walk in any day or time, and they are always busy preparing authentic Mexican food. The steak burrito has been described as “out of this world!” Have a seat in one of the six booths, or order for carry-out! If you decide to dine-in, you’ll be served with a basket of homemade tortilla chips and salsa and entertained with a small television usually tuned in to a soccer game or Spanish soap opera!  

Polish Cuisine:
Podhalanka located at 1549 W. Division St. specializes in Polish food, well known for its potato pancakes, perogies, or stuffed cabbage. Aside from the menu, the ambiance will make you feel like you are at a roadside restaurant in Poland. Tables are shared among strangers making everyone feel like family as they listen to Polish music playing from the Jukebox.

Indian Cuisine:
With two locations, Hema’s Kitchen has been voted “The Best Indian Restaurant in Chicago.” It is located at 2439 W. Devon and 2411 N. Clark. You will be greeted with all the flavors of a domestic Indian kitchen as soon as you walk in, leaving your mouth to water. The menu offers both vegetarian and meat dishes, catering to a variety of patrons.

Middle Eastern Cuisine:
Step into Alhambra Palace Restaurant located at 1240 W. Randolph and you will be taken away by the multi-level, 24,000-square-foot palace. Designed to serve as a restaurant as well as an entertainment venue, you are sure to have a spectacular evening. Traditional Middle Eastern dishes are prepared using old-world spices. Sit back and enjoy the ambiance of artifacts from Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco and enjoy the live entertainment of music and belly-dancers.

Variety Cuisine:
Steve’s Deli at 354 W. Hubbard St. has a menu that offers a little bit of everything. Dine-in or carry-out, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With so much variety on the menu, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Choose from apps, sides, soups, salads, fish plates, hot dishes, overstuffed sandwiches, lite platters, burgers and franks, no crab meals, breakfast, deserts, and drinks. Walk in hungry, walk out happy!

There still so many more options to choose from in Chicago. Every corner in every neighborhood is home to a variety of authentic cuisines made to fit just about anyone's taste palate! So come by and let Chicago fill you up!