DOWNTOWN. Definitely a high point of the local restaurant scene, Chez Philippe specializes in French-Asian cuisine. Innovative fare, from the crisp Maine lobster cigar to the seaweed salad with white soba noodles and sugar-cane sesame vinaigrette, lines the menu. Consider the Tahitian crème brulee or roasted pumpkin flan for dessert. An extensive wine list ranges from $20 to $400 bottles.

DOWNTOWN. A lush interior, hip crowd and contemporary art greet you at Cielo. Each dish is a unique work of art, such as the Napoleon made with wafers of crunchy provolone alternating with smoked eggplant, a winter vegetable puree and goat cheese, all decorated with sautéed spinach and shiitake mushrooms and drizzled with balsamic syrup and arugula oil. Each dish features creative style that you won't find just anywhere. The desserts are sure to please as well.

EAST MEMPHIS. This fine French restaurant has been a favorite of Memphians for years. The menu is somewhat conservative but always features reliable combinations of lamb, game, pork and fresh vegetables complemented with unexpected fruit flavors in the form of sauces or glazes. It's worth a trip just for dessert ­ Chef Erling Jensen excels in this area. The list starts with tempting, house-made sorbets and ice creams, such as chocolate-marzipan chunk, and luscious tarts filled with fruit. A house specialty is the warm chocolate tart with roasted bananas served with honey-almond crunch ice cream.

EAST MEMPHIS. Don't think that Jarrett's will be short on creativity just because you find it located in a shopping plaza. Chef Richard Farmer creates superb cuisine with interesting combinations, such as the prawns with macadamia nut barbecue sauce or the roasted pork tenderloin on onion-apple compote and applejack-sage demiglace. A favorite is the smoked Tennessee trout ravioli with Arkansas razorback caviar. Attentive service complements the meal. A shady area with patio dining is available for warm nights. For dessert, try the lava cake with warm chocolate filling served with homemade chocolate chip ice cream.

MIDTOWN. Located near Overton Square, this mostly-French restaurant is reminiscent of a small country cafe in France. The kitchen staff demonstrates its inspiration and talent on a regular basis as special lobster dishes appear regularly on the menu as well as the occasional game dish. Dessert is another gustatory delight not to miss here. Featuring Grand Marnier crème brûlée, mascarpone cheesecake and a special cappuccino terrine layered with chocolate, espresso and caramel Bavarian with a cinnamon crème Anglaise. Lunch is served only on Sundays. Reservations suggested; award-winning wine list.