BLOOMINGTON. This charming restaurant has the distinction of delivering authentic, mouthwatering French cuisine. Elegant Chez Colette recaptures the ambience of a quaint, 19th-century Parisian café or brasserie ­ dark wood accents, banquette seating, and tulip lamps. Favorite dishes include garlic-tinged bouillabaisse, coq au vin, crepes, and braised lamb shank with garlic potatoes.

UPTOWN. This popular café serves three meals daily. Breakfast choices include the omelet du jour, breakfast burritos, and deep-dish quiches. Among the best options are double fruit-and-nut pancakes and a hashbrown platter, served with cheese and scallions. French Meadow Bakery also offers eclectic lunch and dinner menus that include everything from vegan shepherd's pie to a chicken caesar wrap.

ST. ANTHONY. This chic, elegant eatery draws diners to north Minneapolis for flavorful French fare. The menu changes often, but you can usually find a mix of beef, game, and seafood dishes, dressed simply and accompanied by veggies. Beef striploin arrives with aligote potatoes and leeks, while swordfish benefits from cauliflower fondant and shiitake mushrooms. Five-, seven-, and nine-course "tours" of the menu are also available for $65, $80, and $95, respectively. White chocolate crème brûlée with peach compote is a sinful after-dinner delight.

LORING PARK. Fresh flowers, fine crystal and china, and snow-white tablecloths ­ welcome to La Belle Vie, where the French and Mediterranean cuisine is as elegant and tasteful as the decor. A local newspaper once dubbed this establishment "the best restaurant in the history of Minneapolis," and it's not difficult to taste why. Whether ordering veal tenderloin with tarragon and sweetbreads or grilled chicken with chanterelles from the à la carte menu, or exploring the five- or eight-course tasting menu, you'll be impressed by the quality and aesthetic of the cuisine. The full wine bar is a relaxing spot in which to enjoy a glass from the 300+ selection.

BLOOMINGTON. This restaurant is a destination in its own right, attracting both hungry patrons from the neighborhood and hotel guests. Bright tiles animate the space, which is further enlivened by flamenco and Spanish guitar music during Sunday brunch. A pleasant blend of French and Mediterranean dishes compose the menu ­ lobster ravioli with leeks and artichokes, roast eggplant puree, and shrimp tabbouleh are just a sampling. An open kitchen, fireplaces for cold nights, and a patio for warm ones further enhance the restaurant's appeal.