Since 2009, Demera has dished up the vibrant flavors of chef Tigist Reda’s native Ethiopia. For many, the restaurant provides an introduction to northeastern African cuisine. Demera is also a source of comfort for those well acquainted with the berbere spice, a blend of cumin, cardamom, and coriander, and pillowy injeras (sour fermented flatbreads) that define Ethiopian cooking. Hungry Chicagoans flock here for family-style servings of traditional dishes such as doro wot.

Arturo Aucaquizhpi may have Ecuadorian roots, but one would never guess based on the chef’s precise renditions of Italian steakhouse classics. Aucaquizhpi spent 20 years at Chicago stalwart Gene & Georgetti before taking over a historic Avondale space in 2016. At Mirabella, Aucaquizhpi adapts his River North training for a more tranquil neighborhood.

The success of the much-lauded Duck Inn is a quintessentially Chicago story: Chef and owner Kevin Hickey has roots in the South Side neighborhood, lives a block away from the restaurant, and opened his gastropub (set in a 100-year-old, pre-Prohibition tavern) as a nod to his great-grandmother’s Depression-era restaurant. The Duck Inn gained attention for its succulent, signature rotisserie duck and the restaurant’s equally serious approach to Chicago-style hot dogs, beef sandwiches, and more.

Le Bouchon quells wanderlust for those missing the charm and sophistication of France. Eating here is like taking a mini-vacation to a quaint, Parisian nook. The charming, family-owned bistro has served French classics—think a decadent French onion soup and a lip-smacking beef bourguignon—since 1993. Le Bouchon is beloved by critics and neighbors alike for its commitment to timeless techniques and faithful favorites, including cassoulet, a hearty duck, sausage, and white bean stew.

The West Loop is nearly unrecognizable from the neighborhood it was when Haymarket, a rustic brewpub, opened in 2010. What used to be an industrial corridor filled with meatpackers and warehouses now bursts with trendy restaurants and bars. That rapid expansion forced many longstanding establishments to close, but not Haymarket. The beloved pub still stands, thanks to a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of TVs, plus house-brewed beers served alongside a menu of cheese curds, smoked wings, & pizza.

This modern Latin diner has satisfied Logan Square’s brunch cravings since 2001, joining other area stalwarts such as Lula Cafe and Cozy Corner. Cafe Con Leche stands out from the crowd for its flavorful Mexican American plates, including sopecitos benedict, a masa-forward take on the classic egg dish, challah French toast with lechera glaze, or a breakfast torta. The crowd-pleasing menu also features classic American standbys such as buttermilk pancakes and steak and eggs.

While 2022 saw a clutch of contemporary Greek spots opening in Chicago, Taxim, a modern Aegean spot, has held court in Wicker Park since 2008. Chef and owner David Nikolaos Schneider pays homage to dishes from the Anatolian peninsula’s Greek diaspora (including influences from Macedonia and Cyprus), with a robust selection of wood-grilled meats and seafood, innovative flatbreads, and housemade pitas. Taxim also prides itself on its Greek wine list.

A rotating botanical brew menu and one of the best burgers in the city, all served in a beautifully renovated theater, fuels the ultimate, easygoing night out at this Noble Square lair. Forbidden Root became a must-stop along Chicago Avenue soon after opening in 2016. The sophisticated brewery takes an elevated approach to both its food and brews, offering sparkling rosé ale and duck and dumplings in its rustic dining room slash bar.

Since opening its doors in 2015, Community Tavern has prioritized its surroundings, hence the name. This no-frills restaurant is run by husband-and-wife team, Joey and Brenna Beato. Chef Joey combines seasonal, Midwestern ingredients with pan-Asian influences in dishes such as cheese fries topped with housemade kimchi and roasted chicken roulade with harissa squash. Bonus points for being super family friendly.

Forget everything you thought you knew about Indian food. Superkhana International offers an inventive, global spin on South Asian classics with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. This philosophy comes to life via dishes such as its famous butter chicken calzone, mushroom masala fry, and chopped cheese bao. Don’t miss a weekly burger night, where the star player is an umami-rich, vegan mushroom patty that draws plenty of regulars.