Every Las Vegas neighborhood is different, but there’s at least one thing that ties us all together, north, east, west or south. You’ve got your favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant, the place that feels like it’s been there forever even if it hasn’t, and this is the time of year when you can’t stop yourself from going back with friends and family and enjoying the soulful signature dishes you’ve been eating at your place for years.

And there’s a reason you believe your place has the best chicken parm or spaghetti and meatballs that have ever been plated: You know the story behind each dish. You know exactly how the cook is putting it together, and you may have even asked for the recipe. It’s the best. In honor of all our favorite neighborhood Italian restaurants, let’s explore some of the stories behind our favorite dishes. And let’s eat.