Bistro 45

Housed in a meticulously preserved Art Deco bungalow, Bistro 45 has a knack for updating classic French dishes with a contemporary California sensibility. Seared foie gras gets dressed with pickled rhubarb, brioche and Stilton toast, and strawberry-balsamic syrup, while a roulade of organic salmon is escorted by toasted garlic risotto, pea shoots, and artichoke truffle tapenade. The restaurant consistently earns raves for its wine program. But some patrons come in just for the “chocolate soup,” a softly baked soufflé served with vanilla bean ice cream and warm chocolate sauce. Depending on your mood, you can choose to dine at the casual bar/lounge, on the ivy-covered patio, or in the dining room, where the burnt sienna tones of the entrance give way to sage walls, bamboo accents, and candlelight. With such artful cuisine and décor, the least creative thing about Bistro 45 may be its name, poached from its street number (45 South Mentor Avenue). Though similar to nearby Celestino and Madeleine’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro in its culinary ambition, Bistro 45 manages to pull off a jollier, more laid-back atmosphere.

TIPS: The $20 corkage fee is waived if you buy one bottle from the restaurant.