Since the recent identification of the expanding innate lymphoid cell (ILC) family, there has been an explosion of interest and research in the ontogeny, phenotype and function of these cells. In the intestine, ILCs are a significant component of the immune cell repertoire in the steady state and several recent studies have identified critical roles for ILCs in homeostasis and disease. In this review, ILC biology will be addressed in the context of intestinal homeostasis, inflammation and immunity to intestinal infections.