220
220 Merrill St., Birmingham, MI, USA
Phone: 248/645-2150
$30 to $40
Birmingham
Italian

This trendy downtown bistro is right next to the movie theater and is always packed. Specials like the penne pasta with sausage and the sautéed sole are big sellers, as are the steaks. Housed in what used to be the Detroit Edison building, the brick restaurant still has its original antique light fixtures. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.

Beans & Cornbread
29508 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield, MI, USA
Phone: 248/208-1680
Over $30
Southfield
Southern

This upscale eatery in suburban Southfield pays homage to its southern roots with period music from earlier this century, vintage Life magazine posters featuring famous African-Americans, and mounds of solidly prepared soul food. AE, DC, MC, V.

Big Fish
700 Town Center Dr., Dearborn, MI, USA
Phone: 313/336-6350
$30 to $40
Dearborn
Seafood

Chuck Muer's stylish fish emporium is a play on words, referring to both the menu and the automobile executives who frequent it. In addition to the plentiful fresh fish, excellent pastas, lamb, and steaks are served in a clubby atmosphere decorated with - what else - big fish. Try the signature Charley's Chowder and the soft, steaming rolls. French doors lead to a brick patio with open-air dining. AE, D, MC, V.

Big Rock Chop House
245 S. Eton St., Birmingham, MI, USA
Phone: 248/647-7774
Fax: 248/647-2103
$30 to $40
Birmingham
Steak

In the historic Birmingham train station, this lunch and supper joint is decorated like a Montana hunting lodge, complete with elk, moose, bear, and Indian artifacts adorning the walls. Specialties include the Big Rock Bone & Fillet, a 14-ounce tenderloin, as well as broiled Canadian whitefish, speciality salads, and sandwich "wraps." The establishment also brews its own award-winning beers. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Blue Nile
Trappers Alley, 508 Monroe Ave., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/964-6699
Under $40
Detroit
Ethiopian

Detroit's only Ethiopian restaurant is, oddly enough, in the heart of Greektown. Richly seasoned meats and vegetables are served on communal platters with injera, a crepe-like flat bread used to scoop up the foods. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Brigantino's
1063 Erie St. E, Windsor, Canada
Phone: 519/254-7041
$20 to $40
Windsor
Italian

This popular establishment serves traditional home-style Italian cooking with original twists, such as veal with cognac and Portobello mushrooms, or pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach and smothered in your choice of pesto, hot red, or cream sauce. Nightly entertainment adds festivity to the atmosphere, especially when accordion players are scheduled. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Cadieux Cafe
4300 Cadieux, Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/882-8560
$20 to $30
Detroit
Belgian

This Euro-style eatery is all that's left of a once sizable Belgian community on Detroit's east side. Belgian beers, mussels (a specialty), fish and chips, and other Belgian delights attract a loyal crowd. Feather bowling is available in the next alley. AE, MC, V.

Capital Grille
2800 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI, USA
Phone: 248/649-5300
Over $40
Troy
Continental

A see-and-be-seen favorite of Michigan politicos and local CEOs, this dim, clubby restaurant with mahogany booths and tables is in the upscale Somerset North shopping mecca. It's known for dry-aged steak on display in a glass-front locker. Steaks may be king, but the crab and lobster cakes and calamari are prepared with equal skill. You'll also drool over the strawberries drizzled with port and Grand Marnier. There's a cigar-friendly section. AE, D, MC, V.

Caucus Club
150 W. Congress St., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/965-4970
Over $20
Detroit
Continental

This venerable Detroit institution recalls a time when elegant restaurants had boardroom decor, lots of oil paintings, and wood. The menu is of similar vintage: corned-beef hash, steaks, chops, Dover sole, and the club's famous baby-back ribs. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed weekends.

Charley's Crab
5498 Crooks Rd., Troy, MI, USA
Phone: 248/879-2060
Over $40
Troy
Seafood

Opened in 1976, this chain restaurant is still known for seafood, although entrées now include global touches. Specialties include yellowfin tuna sashimi or poblano peppers stuffed with rock shrimp and Monterey jack cheese. Other favorites are whitefish, lobster, crab, halibut oscar, and crab cakes. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

El Zocalo
3400 Bagley, Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/841-3700
$20 to $30
Detroit
Mexican

Colorful Mexican artifacts and paintings add spice to this popular Mexican eatery in the heart of the neighborhood known as Mexicantown. Don't miss the excellent Mexican entrées. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen Cafe
400 Monroe Ave., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/965-4600
Over $20
Detroit
Cajun/Creole

This authentic New Orleans-style restaurant in the heart of Greektown is loud, brash, funky, and fun. The spicy Creole fare on the seasonal menu includes gator, gumbo, crawfish, and gulf oysters on the half shell. The whiskey ribs are tops year-round. If you're staying in the suburbs, check out the branches in St. Clair Shores and West Bloomfield. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Fox and Hounds
1560 N. Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA
Phone: 248/644-4800
Over $40
Bloomfield Hills
Seafood

This 72-year-old restaurant is a landmark in wealthy Bloomfield Hills. Housed in an English Tudor-style mansion with a gold-plated turret, the establishment is as casual as classy can get. A stock market ticker board runs the length of the old-fashioned mahogany bar. Favorite dishes of the clientele, which includes attorneys and stockbrokers, are the oysters, a slow-cooked prime rib, and the house seafood fettuccine. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No dinner weekdays.

Golden Mushroom
18100 W. Ten Mile Rd., Southfield, MI, USA
Phone: 248/559-4230
Over $40
Southfield
Continental

Excellent food, expert service, and an extensive wine cellar are the hallmarks of this local institution. Menu stalwarts include Dover sole, a velvety mushroom soup, game dishes, and fettuccine with truffles. Downstairs is the more relaxed - and less expensive - Mushroom Cellar. Here you'll find lighter fare such as burgers and pastas. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

The Grill
Ritz-Carlton Dearborn, 300 Town Center Dr., Dearborn, MI, USA
Phone: 313/441-2100
Over $40
Dearborn
Contemporary

Seasonal menus include dishes such as seared foie gras with mango and ginger tea, Muscovy duck breast with Armagnac, or Dover sole with crawfish and basil noodles. The Grill's well-known for house-made desserts, including orange-chocolate mousse with kumquat compote or fresh fig tart. A pianist and harpist perform on some evenings. Sunday brunch is worth the jaunt from downtown. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Intermezzo
1435 Randolph St., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/961-0707
$30 to $40
Detroit
Italian

The airy, loftlike space gives an urbane feeling to this whitewashed spot in the burgeoning Harmonie Park district. It's known for pasta dishes. There's open-air dining and entertainment Fridays and Saturdays. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Mon.

Kiernan's Steak House
21931 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI, USA
Phone: 313/565-4260
Over $40
Dearborn
Continental

The interior of this steak house features red fringed lamps, leather booths, and a clubby barroom. Steaks are the specialty, but the l6-ounce lobster tails and veal dishes are equally famous. AE, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

La Shish
12918 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI, USA
Phone: 313/584-4477
$20 to $30
Dearborn
Middle Eastern

One of Dearborn's original Middle Eastern restaurants serves up fresh fatoush salad (vegetables and mint served with pitas), shish tawook sandwiches (grilled chicken slathered in a tangy garlic sauce), and plenty of classic hummus and tabbouleh. The dining rooms are decorated with scenes of Lebanon, family photographs, and Middle Eastern art. The original restaurant is off I-94; other branches are in downtown Dearborn, Warren, and Farmington Hills. AE, MC, V.

Lafayette Coney Island
115 Lafayette St., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/964-8198
Under $20
Detroit
American/Casual

Detroit's contribution to gastronomy is the so-called Coney Island: loose beef in a hot-dog bun, smothered with cheese, onions, and chili. At 3 AM, suburbanites and visiting celebrities in stretch limos share counter stools with workers getting off the night shift at this area institution. Reservations not accepted. No credit cards.

The Lark
6430 Farmington Rd., West Bloomfield, MI, USA
Phone: 248/661-4466
Over $40
Bloomfield Hills
French

This local legend is well regarded nationally. The 50 seats are always filled with diners feasting on longtime chef Marcus Haight's signature rack of lamb "Genghis Khan" or the shellfish and chorizo in saffron sauce. The outdoor patio is open for drinks, cocktails, and appetizers. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun., Mon., early Jan., and early Aug. No lunch.

Le Metro
29855 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield, MI, USA
Phone: 248/353-2757
$30 to $40
Southfield
Continental

Traditional bistro-style cooking characterizes this delightful spot in an otherwise undistinguished strip mall. There's often a wait even if you have reservations. Signature dishes include the potato-crusted whitefish and pan-seared salmon. There's entertainment Wednesdays and Thursdays. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Lelli's Inn
7618 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/871-1590
Over $20
Detroit
Italian

When Detroiters think Italian, Lelli's comes to mind. Exceptional veal, minestrone, red sauce, and homemade ice creams are served in a cavernous, 650-seat dining room. Jacket and tie. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon.

The Mini
475 University W, Windsor, Canada
Phone: 519/254-2221
Under $20
Windsor
Vietnamese

Worth the drive across the border to Windsor, the tiny Mini is one of those places locals rave about, with spicy Vietnamese fare and wonderful fresh-fruit slushes. The Canadian exchange makes the meal that much tastier. AE, D, MC, V.

Mon Jin Lau
1515 E. Maple Rd., Troy, MI, USA
Phone: 248/689-2332
Over $40
Troy
Pan-Asian

This longtime favorite with its high, peaked ceilings, palms, and a soothing color scheme is the dressiest Asian restaurant in the metro Detroit area. The menu includes staples such as moo shu pork and General Tso's chicken. Other choices include the inventive Singapore noodles - chicken, shrimp, chiles, and curry on angel-hair pasta - or seared sea scallops with corn-chile sauce. Also worth trying are the ginger garlic eggplant and coconut shrimp. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Morton's of Chicago
1 Town Sq., Southfield, MI, USA
Phone: 248/354-6006
Over $40
Southfield
Steak

The Windy City meets the Motor City in this classic, Chicago-style steak house. The white tablecloths and a dimly lit dining room set the right tone. Everything here seems oversized, from the huge baked potatoes and the giant cigars in private humidors to the gargantuan steaks. If and when you get tired of red meat, the menu includes fresh seafood. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Motor City Grill
3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/875-7400
$20 to $30
Detroit
Contemporary

Once a bank, this popular lunch and pre-dinner spot features an automotive theme. The menu offers hand-cut steak, seafood, and prime rib. There's entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings, when it's open. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed weekends May-late Oct.

Musashi Japanese Cuisine
2000 Town Center, Suite 98, Southfield, MI, USA
Phone: 248/358-1911 or 888/358-1911
Over $30
Southfield
Japanese

This upscale restaurant is committed to providing an authentic experience of Japanese food and culture. You can dine sitting Japanese or Western-style, while the kimono-wearing staff serve specialties such as filet mignon teriyaki, shrimp tempura, the sushi and sashimi-filled bento box, or the delicacy Wagyu beef, which is cooked at your table. The restaurant is in the center of the town's Fortune 500 district. AE, DC, MC, V.

Opus One
565 E. Larned, Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/961-7766
Over $40
Detroit
American

French and American furnishings reflect the menu of one of Detroit's finest and most expensive restaurants. Try escargots and spinach in phyllo, savory strudel of duck, partridge, and pheasant. Delectable desserts include apple flan with cinnamon ice cream. There's a pianist Tuesdays through Saturdays. Jacket required. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Paul's Riverhouse
24240 North River Rd., Mt.Clemens, MI, USA
Phone: 810/465-5111
$30 to $40
Mt.Clemens
Continental

At this restaurant you sit beneath a vaulted ceiling of knotty pine, the Clinton River rolling before you. The menu emphasizes both steaks and fish - including the honey pecan pickerel among the latter. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Pegasus Taverna
558 Monroe Ave., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/964-6800
Under $20 to over $40
Detroit
Greek

Specialties such as pastitsio (Greek-style lasagna) and avgolemono (chicken-lemon soup) are prepared in a huge open kitchen at this bustling Greektown eatery. You'll also find American classics like Caesar salad and sandwiches. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Picano's
3775 Rochester Rd., Troy, MI, USA
Phone: 248/689-8050
Over $40
Troy
Italian

This is a relaxed, yet elegant place, with white linen and votive candles on the tables and quaint old scenes of the motherland on the walls. Here you can enjoy delicious homemade ravioli, lasagna, and several veal dishes. AE, MC, V.

Priya
72 W. Maple Rd., Troy, MI, USA
Phone: 248/269-0100
$30 to $40
Troy
Indian

Hard-to-find southern Indian cuisine reigns in this stylish and serene Troy eatery. The menu lists seven kinds of dosas (lentil and rice flatbread with a variety of spicy fillings) served with sambar (chile paste) and little bowls of mint, coconut, and tomato. Try tandoori chicken, ginger chicken, and spicy ginger shrimp. The restaurant is no-smoking. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Rattlesnake Club
300 River Pl., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/567-4400
Over $20
Detroit
Continental

The seasonally changing menu here highlights fresh ingredients and features innovative pickerel, salmon, and veal dishes, but the signature dish is rack of lamb. Top it all off with the homemade white chocolate ice cream with roasted macadamia nuts on purees of passion fruit and raspberry. The art-filled dining room is all marble and rosewood, with terrific views of the Detroit River and Windsor skyline. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Rugby Grille
Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St., Birmingham, MI, USA
Phone: 248/642-5999
Over $40
Birmingham
Contemporary

The "see and be seen" dining room in the posh Townsend Hotel could be in a men's club, considering its rugby prints and roaring fireplace. Popular dinner entrées include chicken teriyaki, Canadian whitefish with lemon-caper beurre blanc, and baby lamb chops with fruit chutney. Much of the preparation is done tableside. The outside gallery offers considerably lighter feel and fare, with daily changing spa-menu items. AE, DC, MC, V.

The Summit
Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/568-8600
Over $30
Detroit
Continental

This revolving restaurant on the 71st floor of the Westin Hotel has a superb view of Detroit; unfortunately the food is not always as memorable. Charbroiled steaks and swordfish à la Louisiana are staples. Jacket and tie. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Sweet Lorraine's Cafe
29101 Greenfield Rd., Southfield, MI, USA
Phone: 248/559-5985
Over $30
Southfield
Contemporary

Almost always crowded, this bistro has colorful walls with vintage posters and a globally inspired menu. Daily specials might include a Spanish paella, French potpie, or spicy Texas pork loin. Other options are the pecan chicken, shrimp Creole, and the vegetarian meatloaf. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Tom's Oyster Bar
29106 Franklin Rd., Southfield, MI, USA
Phone: 248/356-8881
Over $40
Southfield
Seafood

As the name suggests, Tom's is an area favorite with an extensive oyster selection. But don't miss the spicy crawfish bisque, the many fresh fish dishes, and the lobster fest on Tuesday nights. The walls are done in dark paneling covered by lots of old New Yorker covers. There's open-air dining on a flower-filled patio. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Traffic Jam & Snug
511 W. Canfield St., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/831-9470
Under $40
Detroit
American/Casual

The menu changes often, but you can count on wheatberry and other interesting breads, inventive salads, and daily specials like spinach lasagna and Caesar salad. Dessert is key: opt for a sweet "death by chocolate" sundae. Reservations not accepted. D, DC, MC, V. No dinner Mon.; no lunch weekends.

Tres Vite
2203 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/471-3500
$30 to $40
Detroit
Italian

This Tuscan-inspired eatery has burnt umber walls and large picture windows overlooking Woodward Avenue. Menus include Italian-inspired favorites like linguine with tomatoes and rock shrimp, as well as American staples. AE, D, MC, V. Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Sat.

Under the Eagle
9000 Joseph Campau St., Hamtramck, MI, USA
Phone: 313/875-5905
Under $20
Hamtramck
Polish

As with most of Hamtramck's modestly priced Polish cafés, the Eagle's food is first-rate, with generous portions of stick-to-your-ribs roast duckling and kielbasa. For the adventuresome there's czarnina (duck-blood soup). No credit cards. Closed Wed.

The Whitney
4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI, USA
Phone: 313/832-5700
Over $30
Detroit
Continental

Once the mansion of lumber baron David Whitney, this posh restaurant turns out creative American dishes, snappy pastas, and very fresh seafood. Brunch is served on Sunday. Reservations essential. Jacket and tie. AE, D, MC, V.