CLAYTON. Traditional elegance characterizes the interior of this fabulous restaurant. Begin your fine dining experience with turtle soup, poached salmon, or lobster bisque. Exquisite entrees include petite bouillabaisse de Marseille, game dishes, lobster Thermidor, and châteaubriand with delicious béarnaise sauce. Prix fixe 3-6 course meal $34-44.

Located outside Neiman Marcus on the lower level of Plaza Frontenac mall, this bistro-style restaurant is designed in taupe and ivory tones with hardwood floors and glass Moravian accent lighting. The menu changes daily and emphasizes seasonal and vegetarian specialties, many of which are cooked in a wood-burning oven. Try the Portobello mushroom stuffed with spinach, ricotta and Bel Paese cheese, roasted and served with an arugula-fennel salad. Reservations are recommended.

CENTRAL WEST END. Tables draped in crisp white linen fill this high-ceilinged bistro, which looks as if it's been transported from the streets of Paris directly to the Central West End. Large portions of French classics employ cream and butter unsparingly ­ dieters beware. Lump crab with avocado, tomato, and basil salad is a filling starter; try to save room for <i>plats principaux</i>, including roast free-range chicken with truffle sauce, braised sauerkraut with smoked pork chop and sausage, and sauteed veal in white wine and mushrooms. Three entrees can be sampled for $35 ­ a steal.

CLAYTON. This elegant restaurant features French- and Italian-inspired cuisine on a seasonal menu. Appetizers may include homemade three-cheese ravioli or steamed mussels with leeks. Dine on entrees like grilled beef tenderloin in Zinfandel sauce or lavender roasted chicken. For dessert, enjoy the restaurant's signature lemon-ginger crème brûlée. Reservations are recommended.

Dine on contmeporary American cuisine in this romantic country cottage complete with fireplaces and a lovely garden terrace. Enjoy fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, or escargot as an appetizer. Entrees include chicken piccatta, pan-seared scallops, and a good selection of grilled steaks. Reservations are necessary.