UPTOWN. This hip, sleek member of the Wolfgang Puck family of restaurants is right at home in Walker Art Center, where museum-goers enjoy haute New American fare with a decidedly Asian kick. Views of the Minneapolis skyline are prominent as you feast on fresh butterfish, short ribs, tempura shrimp, and roasted Cantonese duck. Ingredients are amazingly fresh, allowing for the food's true flavors to come bursting forth. Don't miss the signature dessert ­ Spoon, Cube, and Cherry ­ which mimics the famous Claes Oldenburg sculpture, Spoonbridge and Cherry, in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

DINKYTOWN. Al's greasy-spoon decor has been preserved for many years, along with a classic breakfast menu. Located near the university, the place attracts students and alums who are thrilled to return and find Al's just as they remember it. Deemed by some folks as the best breakfast place in the Twin Cities, Al's is known for blueberry and blackberry buttermilk pancakes as well as for omelets and eggs Benedict. They only take cash, and if you're in the door before 1pm, they'll happily serve you. A small place, so don't be surprised by waits.

Anodyne is a hip, funky coffee house that serves food throughout the day. The place is popular with Minneapolis's trendy folks, but you'll also see business folks stopping in at lunch, munching gourmet sandwiches, or putting away a delectable pastry or two. The beverage selection runs from espressos to teas and cocoas. Entertainments include open-mic events and various bands and performers. Local artwork is displayed too.

DOWNTOWN. Four young chefs combined their talents to create an innovative menu that gives a stylish twist to fresh, seasonal, Midwestern fare. The changing menu may include roast rabbit, parsley root and porcini mushrooms over homemade pasta, or brown rice-and-walnut croquettes with wilted greens. Desserts like star-anise crème brûlée or pear pie with sumac ice cream are not to be passed up. Reservations recommended.

SEWARD. Smartly decorated Birchwood is a coffee shop and cafe that also moonlights as an art gallery. Food offerings have a strong vegetarian slant and are prepared using fresh, locally grown, organic ingredients. Menu items range from pizzas and sandwiches to Tofu Creole and a quiche of the day. Birchwood also serves non-vegetarian items, including salmon cakes and turkey burgers. Breakfast and Sunday brunch are popular with locals too.