Late last year, Lakeview welcomed Zia's Lago Vista on Ashland Avenue, serving some of the same classics as Zia's Trattoria in Edison Park, a neighborhood favorite. The décor is a stunner and has an almost palatial feel.

Zia's Lago Vista 3819 Ashland Ave., Chicago

Ziaslakeview.com

But don't let the opulent interior intimidate you if you have kids in tow. Children are welcome, and the kids' menu features a make-your-own entree with a choice of a favorite pasta topped with marinara and personal pizzas.

While kids dig into their customized meal, adults are in for a real treat, both in food and service. The grilled octopus is perfectly done as a starter and the meatball sliders are a great way to get the meal rolling.

For entrees, you can't go wrong with the pasta or meat. The rotola-tri-color pasta adorned with ground sausage, spinach, three cheeses and Barese sauce-is delicious, and seafood lovers will be thrilled with the linguini mixed with shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamari and clams with a spicy tomato sauce. Meat lovers should check out the filet stuffed with herb cheese served with asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes.

Gluten-free diners will be satisfied with the wide array of choices of appetizers, salads and main meals including carpaccio, Bolognese with pork and veal and braised lamb shank.