Primped and refined, Levantine cuisine draws crowds to this polished spot in Roncesvalles Village. Using a bounty of hyper-fresh ingredients, chef Abuzaid builds meals of muhammara and muttabaq, superlative roast chickens and glazed, glossy Angus short ribs so tender they practically render teeth redundant. With food this good, that the restaurant is alcohol-free is a moot point.

From the handwritten recipes decorating the entrance to the mid-century modern aesthetic and silky smooth service, this new Ossington spot oozes nostalgia. Still, its modern high-low menu, mixing steakhouse and deli classics, is where the team avoids hewing too closely to a dated retro path. Run by the team behind Sunny's and MIMI Chinese, the attention to detail is no surprise.

Local restaurateur Jen Agg's largest project to date, this delicious Geary Avenue spot is part British pub and part steakhouse, with nods to The Black Hoof weaving their way throughout the mix. With options ranging from opulent seafood towers to podgy, pickle-capped burgers, the menu allows diners to choose their own adventure.

A sibling to Lake Inez, this playful spot in Little India serves creative snacks alongside cocktails boasting names like "Soccer Mom" and "Going Home with the Drummer." Nods to the restaurant's namesake (Detroit's verdant island park), can be found in Coney dogs and mini stuffed hoagies, with shrimp toasts and crudos, wagyu jerky and naughty Jello-shots rounding out the fun.

A reimagining of Little Italy's beloved Pompette, this restaurant is now a best-of-both-worlds destination, where hallmarks of French cuisine partner flawlessly with crowd-pleasing Italian hits. On the menu, find classic antipasti, house-made pastas, grilled seafood and more, each enhanced by chef Bauer's artistic, experienced touch.

Though the bustling scene is reason enough to visit this new entrant to the King West scene, the team's bracing cocktails and buttery plates of pasta definitely sweeten the deal. Beyond the viral ravioles du Dauphiné, a selection of classic French (escargot, steak frites) and not-so-classic dishes have repeat diners jockeying for seats.

Join the perpetual party at this King West spot and, in addition to an entire menu of espresso martinis, you can look forward to Italian-American fare, from chicken parm to mortadella-striped pizza. In warm weather, the cozy indoor space trails behind the popularity of the buzzy rooftop patio.

Find a slice of "pure life," Costa Rica's national motto, at this cheery spot on St. Clair West. Here, a vast menu of vibrant snacks and meals attracts diners looking for vitalizing sustenance. Pair a fresh juice with everything from burritos and ceviche to seasoned, shrimp-flecked rice, then order a traditional Costa Rican coffee with one of the team's house-made desserts.

What happens when a pasta company opens a stylish restaurant? In this case, diners swarm in for a taste. Despite the team's pedigree, this Little Italy spot feels unpretentious and warm, with a simple menu of stunning Italian classics designed to delight diners of every age — from those using chubby fingers to guide saucy noodles to their lips to those inhaling saffron-hued lumache alongside chilled glasses of soave classico.