Dining guide: it's food too fine for angels; yet come, take and eat thy fill! It's heaven's sugar cake. ��Edward Taylor, 1644-1729

SOUTH BEACH

Blue Door 1685 Collins Avenue. 305-674-6400. This fabulous restaurant in the ultra-chic Delano Hotel on South Beach just gets better and better. Opt for Blue Sea's spanking-fresh sushi or Baby Blue's inventive prix fixe menu. And Sunday brunch is simply marvelous. Open daily, 7 a.m.-Midnight. $$$$

China Grill 404 Washington Avenue. 305-534-2211. Flashy and frequently packed, the meant-for-sharing Pan Asian cuisine is always good and highly innovative. Duck with scallion pancakes is especially tasty. Flash-fried crispy spinach is a must-try, as is the wasabi-glazed grouper with chipotle mashed potatoes. Great bar scene, cool interior. Open Sun.-Thurs., Noon-Midnight; Fri.-Sat., Noon-1 a.m. $$$$

Electric Blue (in the Roney Palace) 2301 Collins Avenue. 305-604-1000. Sushi lovers will certainly appreciate Electric Blue, the new dining spot in the Roney Palace Beach Resort. Don't miss the dancing-eel roll and kani su--crab-avocado-cucumber rolls. The chic restaurant provides an intimate dining experience for couples and larger groups too--in an elegant, lively space. Open 7 days, Noon-Midnight. $$$

Joe's Stone Crab 11 Washington Avenue. 305-673-0365. As widely known for the long wait as for its fresh stone crabs, Joe's is a worthy landmark regardless. Don't pass on any of a dozen types of fresh fish offered alongside the restaurant's namesake. Famous key lime pie makes for a tangy finish. Seasonal. Open for lunch Tues.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; dinner, Sun.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 5 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$

Mark's South Beach 1120 Collins Avenue. 305-604-9050. Mark Militello's eatery in the Nash Hotel is outfitted in gorgeous mahogany and linen wallpaper, but you can get an equally pretty plate of food. Case in point: cornmeal-dusted black grouper wrapped in Serrano ham and zucchini ribbons. Or try the yellowtail snapper with lemon couscous. Open 7 days, Noon-3 p.m., 7 p.m.-11:30 p.m. $$$$

Nemo 100 Collins Avenue. 305-532-4550. Nestled at the southern tip of the Beach, Nemo has been going strong since opening in 1995. Great raw bar selection as well as meat and poultry, but leg of lamb over apricot-cardamom sauce shines. Don't skip a great dessert by pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith. Lovely courtyard dining area. Open Mon.-Fri., Noon-3 p.m., 7 p.m.-Midnight; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 6 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$$

Nobu 1901 Collins Avenue. 305-695-3100. Chef Nobuyuki Matushisa brings one of NYC's most popular sushi restaurants to the Beach, and it's predictably popular. Signature black cod with miso, as well as "new-style sashimi" (hot olive oil poured over the raw fish) are not to be missed. Arctic char is especially tasty. Open Mon.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-Midnight; Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sun., 6 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$$

Pacific Time 915 Lincoln Road. 305-534-5979. Attractive, soothing modern interior and open kitchen make Pacific Time an elegant place to dine. Always packed, the restaurant's Asian-American dishes certainly hold their own. The Florida pompano entree is stunning, as is the cuttlefish appetizer. Cinnamon-grilled squab is also excellent. Open Sun.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-Midnight. $$$$

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Sushi Samba Dromo 600 Lincoln Road. 305-673-5337. The decor is richly accented in magenta and red, and the saketinis pack an appropriate wallop. But fantastic ceviches and Peruvian-style tiraditos are the real standouts on this comprehensive fusion menu. Kobe beef also shines, as does an excellent lobster tempura roll. Open Mon.-Tues., 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m.; Wed.-Sun., Noon-2 a.m. $$$$

Tuscan Steak 433 Washington Avenue. 305-534-2233. Typical steakhouse decor doesn't mean typical steakhouse fare at this Beach staple. Filet mignon with a Gorgonzola crust is appropriately rich, as is Florentine T-bone. Expect pastas imbued with earthy truffles and cream, risotto redolent of white truffle oil. Meat platters are served family style. Open Sun.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-1 a.m. $$$$

Twelve Twenty 1220 Collins Avenue. 305-531-8800. Serving progressive French-American cuisine in the ultra-chic Tides hotel, Twelve Twenty offers fabulously rich food to a ritzy crowd. Squab in port wine sauce as well as steamed sea bass with blanched lemons and fried shallots are delectable. Thin apple tart is a delicious dessert. Open 7 days, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$$

Wish 801 Collins Avenue. 305-531-2222. One of South Beach's prettiest and most cutting-edge restaurants, Wish serves fabulous food in a chic-yet-serene atmosphere. Try the cachaca-marinated tuna; plump veal chops over coconut-milk risotto is also especially tasty. A must-have dessert is the ritzy(!) s'mores with chocolate-ginger ice cream. Great service too. Open Sun.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 6 p.m.-Midnight. $$$$

NORTH MIAMI/AVENTURA

Chef Allen's 19088 NE 29th Avenue. 305-935-2900. Diners flock to Aventura to taste Chef Allen Susser's contemporary American masterpieces centered on local flavors. Five-pepper-charred yellowtail with grilled chayote is stunning, as is the appetizer of Bahamian lobster and crab cakes with tropical fruit chutney. Kirsch souffle for dessert. Menu changes often. Open 7 days, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. $$$$

Hanna's Gourmet Diner 13951 Biscayne Boulevard. 305-947-2255. Aptly named, this dining-car features excellent French-inspired food in an informal setting. Herb-crusted lamb and chicken chasseur are faves, as is the steamed artichoke with homemade pink vinaigrette. Don't miss a flaky, perfect custard fruit tart--it's heaven on a fork. Open 7 days, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $$

Hiro 3007 NE 163rd Street. 305-948-3687. This North Miami mainstay is packed nightly, with diners flocking to get artfully prepared sushi, sashimi and yakitori. The extensive menu offers some decent stir-fries, noodle dishes and teriyakis. The salmon tempura roll--with cream cheese and asparagus--is so good it's scary. Open 7 days, Noon-Midnight. $$

La Paloma 10999 Biscayne Boulevard. 305-891-0505. This 20-year-old restaurant is still wonderful. It's pretty much an Old World steakhouse, and that's the way we like it: teriffic chops, steaks and great oysters Rockefeller. Trout almondine is a standard not to be missed. Open for lunch, Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; dinner, Mon.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-Midnight; Fri.-Sun., 4 p.m.-Midnight. $$$

The Prime Grill 3599 NE 207 Street. 305-692-9392. This upscale kosher eatery in Aventura offers delicious options for meat-lovers, yet also aims to please with sparkling fresh fish such as salmon with baby bok choy, grilled tuna and a fine Chilean sea bass. Open for lunch, Mon.-Thurs., Noon-2:30 p.m.; dinner, Mon.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. night, 1 1/2 hours after sundown-12:30 a.m.; Sun., 4 p.m.-10 p.m. $$$

CORAL GABLES

Bangkok Bangkok 157 Giralda Avenue. Curries rule at this Thai eatery, which has an intimate, romantic atmosphere to boot. Fresh whole fried mackerel is a signature dish. Reliable Thai favorites such as pad thai and perfectly executed satays add to the restaurant's draw. The service is equally delicious. Traditional seating available, authentic decor. Open Sun.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. $$

Brasserie Les Halles 2145 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. 305-461-1099. Rich onion soup is a must-have for theater-goers who stop by for a pre- or post-show bite. Homemade charcuterie is nice, as is the cheese plate. Cote de bouef is tradition on a plate, but meaty steak frites are french-fry heaven. Excellent for executive luncheons. Open 7 days 11:30 a.m. to Midnight. $$

Christy's 3101 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. 305-446-1400. Long-standing Gables power lunch establishment. Great steaks, best prime rib in town and renowned Caesar salads. Open Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 5 p.m.-10 p.m. $$$$

Da Capo 60 Merrick Way. 305-774-1943. This new restaurant in Coral Gables serves up inventive Euro fare covering a wide range of cuisines and styles. Yummy lobster strudel is a nice treat. Open for lunch, Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner, Mon.-Sat., 5 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$

La Dorada 177 Giralda Avenue. 305-446-2002. Fine Spanish cuisine begins and ends at La Dorada, which flies fresh fish in daily from the Bay of Biscay. Whole fish baked in rock salt is satisfyingly moist and tender, and the gazpacho is a cool treat in hot South Florida. Traditional Spanish desserts are a must. Open Mon.-Sat., 11:30 am-3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Sun.; Noon-8 p.m. $$$$

Maroosh 223 Valencia Avenue. 305-476-9800. Delicious Mederiterranean food rules here. Kebabs are moist, flavorful and tender, while the baba ghanouj is simply teriffic. Rack of lamb with pepper sauce makes for a hearty entree, but ordering a slew of appetizers is also a great option. Open Tues.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., Noon-11 p.m.; Sat., Noon-Midnight; Sun., Noon-10 p.m. $$

Norman's 21 Almeria Avenue. 305-446-6767. Norman Van Aken is practically a household name in South Florida, and for good reason: His New World cuisine constantly pushes the culinary envelope. Try the wine-braised lamb shanks with caramelized root vegetables or his signature rum-and-pepper-painted grouper fillet. Great paella too. Portions small but exquisite. Open 7 days, 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m. $$$$

Pascal's on Ponce 2611 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. 305-444-2024. Offering innovative twists on traditional French cuisine, Pascal's is not the place to go for culinary stereotypes. Example: salade Nicoise features fresh grilled tuna. Lobster bisque is like liquid velvet, and the restaurant serves one of the best tarte tatins in town. Open Sun.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$

COCONUT GROVE/KEY BISCAYNE

Aria 415 Grand Bay Drive. 305-365-4500. This elegant, Mediterranean eatery in the brand-new Ritz Carlton-Key Biscayne is destined to become a Miami favorite. Braised veal cheeks over lentil ragout is accented by a rich veal stock, and the asparagus cappuccino is a whimsical froth emphasized by a bite of crabmeat frittata. Huge wine list is a plus. Open 7 days, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$$

Baleen 4 Grove Isle. 305-857-5007. Waterfront setting on modish Grove Isle gives way to serious food, with creations like fried snapper and stuffed trout. Meat and poultry dishes are also offered, but do try the hummus- and parsley-crusted salmon with tahini butter. Roquefort-crusted filet mignon is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Open for lunch 7 days, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; dinner, Sun.-Wed., 7 p.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs., 7 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 6 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$

Bice 2669 S. Bayshore Drive. 305-860-0960. Located in the Iavish Grand Bay Hotel, Bice's Italian cuisine is clever, with standouts being veal and spinach ravioli with mushroom and rosemary sauce. Also try grilled Black Angus steak served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes. A seductive piano bar beckons. Open for lunch 7 days, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; dinner, Sun.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-11:30 p.m. $$$$

Chrysanthemum 2911 Grand Avenue. 305-443-6789. Chinese food ain't just about greasy honey garlic chicken and pu pu platters, and nowhere in South Florida is that more apparent than at Chrysanthemum. The house staple--a must-have--is the flash-fried spinach with peppered chicken. Mongolian beef is also tasty, but Peking duck is simply unparalleled. Open for lunch, Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; dinner, Tues.-Sun., 6 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$

DOWNTOWN MIAMI

Azul 500 Brickell Key Drive. 305-913-8288. Named America's best new restaurant in 2001 by Esquire magazine. Chef Michelle Bernstein turns out delectable food that draws on a world of influences, from Asia to France. Whole snapper over fennel branches is a sure-thing, as is the lobster stir-fry. Great downtown views, unbelievably good desserts. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., Noon-3 p.m.; dinner, Mon.-Sat., 7 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$$

Cafe Sambal 500 Brickell Key Drive. 305-913-8251. Asian-inspired menu with stunning water-front location. Try Mandarin pad thai chicken or tofu and stir-fried beef with scallions and rice. Cafe Sambal also boasts an extensive sake menu. Some of the best outdoor dining in Miami. Open 7 days, 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m. $$

Capital Grille 444 Brickell Avenue. 305-374-4500. Classic steak house and power-lunch meeting spot for the business and political elite of Miami. Hands down best lobster bisque in the city, top-notch service. Lots of great beef, but the filet mignon is the most flavorful. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; dinner, Mon.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m.-10 p.m. $$$$

Blue Water Cafe 100 Chopin Plaza. 305-577-1000. The great view of Biscayne Bay and the mouth of the Miami River is reason enough to lunch at this "Floribbean" eatery, nestled downtown in the Inter-Continental Hotel, but the fresh grilled seafood isn't bad either. Salads and gourmet sandwiches round out the casual menu, and an array of smoothies is liquid lunch redefined. Good lobster Caesar salad. Open 7 days, Noon-6 p.m. $$

Japengo 400 SE Second Avenue. 305-358-1234. Tasty Pacific Rim cuisine dominates the eclectic menu at this downtown spot. Ten-ingredient fried rice is excellent, as is the barbecue duck breast with crispy rice roll. Sushi sparkles, the miso soup is silky and redolent with fragrant seaweed. A couple of salads provide lighter choices. Open for lunch, Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dinner, Wed.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-11 p.m. $$

Perricone's Marketplace 15 SE 10th Street. 305-374-9693. This trendy lunch and dinner place attracts a well-heeled lunch crowd and it bustles at dinner. And for good reason: the hearty, good-quality Italian food is simply fantastic. A gourmet market attached to the dining room brings takeout to a whole new level in downtown. Sandwiches and pastas are stellar. The baked brie drizzled with raspberry sauce is a must. Open Tues.-Sat., 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.-Mon., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. $$

SOUTH MIAMI/LITTLE HAVANA

Casa Juancho 2436 SW 8th Street. 305-642-2452. Suckling pigs are a specialty at this dark and rich restaurant that specializes in traditional Spanish fare. Carabineros a la plancha (jumbo red shrimp with head and shell, split and grilled) is succulent and meaty. Crema catalana is all burnt sugar and custard goodness. Open 7 days, Noon-Midnight. $$$$

Akashi 5830 S. Dixie Highway. 305-665-6261. This tiny restaurant hides one of the best sushi bars in town. Sparkling-fresh fish and innovative rolls complement the kitchen's teriyaki and katsu dishes. Especially tasty is the crab, cream cheese and masago rolled in cucumber and drizzled with rice wine. Open 7 days for lunch, 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. $$

Two Chefs 8287 S. Dixie Highway. 305-663-2100. Simply the best dining spot in South Miami, this restaurant offers big portions of unfussy, richly flavored all-American food. Stuffed chicken breast with mushroom risotto is nothing ordinary, and the meatloaf and mashed potatoes redefines the meaning of comfort food. Open 7 days for lunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. $$$

AIRPORT WEST

Armillary Grill 2505 NW 87th Avenue. 305-468-1400. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the elegant Armillary Grill in the Hotel Inter-Continental features a varied menu. But the real reason to come is the buffet, which is laden with sushi, canapes and various hot dishes, and a fine assortment of baked desserts. Open 7 days, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. $$$

Windows on the Green 4400 SW 87th Ave. 305-592-2000. This beautiful enclosed terrace restaurant at the Doral looks out on the resort's famed golf courses. Features an abundant lunch buffet, complete with sushi bar, pasta station and desert cart to die for. Seafood dominates the menu. Seasonal stone crabs and Florida lobster abound. Open 7 days, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. $$$$

ELSEWHERE

5061 Eaterie & Deli (Morningside) 5061 Biscayne Boulevard. 305-756-5051. Trendy restaurant in Miami's newest hotspot serves up delicious salads, sandwiches and other light fare, as well as good pastas, meat and fish. Open 7 days from 6:30 a.m. $$$

Shula's (Miami Lakes) 7601 Miami Lakes Drive. 305-820-8102. The original that became a chain, this shrine to the Dolphins football team serves up not only some of the best cuts of beef, but some of the biggest. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner 7 days, 6-11 p.m. $$$$

Soyka (Morningside) 5556 Biscayne Boulevard. 305-759-3117. This trendy eatery just north of downtown Miami is packed during lunch, but the dinner hour's just as busy these days. The huge charbroiled cheeseburgers are awesome, as are the thin-crust pizzas with toppings like goat cheese and shrimp. Pastas are also reliably good. Tasty desserts. Industrial-romantic setting. Open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-Midnight. $$$

FORT LAUDERDALE

Bistro Mezzaluna 741 SE 17th Street. 954-522-6620. This frenetic eatery is ultra-trendy, but the food--simply prepared bistro fare--is out of this world. Get there early--no reservations means a wait any day of the week. Pastas are a standout, but the meat and poultry dishes are the real deal. Try the perfect roast chicken. Open Mon.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-Midnight. $$$

Black Orchid Cafe 2985 N. Ocean Boulevard. 954-561-9398. Best described as eccentric, this contemporary French restaurant pushes the envelope with dishes such as buffalo carpaccio, Canadian elk and sauteed calf's liver. Dover sole is deboned tableside. Flambeed bananas Foster is a tasty ending. Great place for a business lunch. Open Mon.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. in-season. $$$$

Brasserie Las Olas 333 E. Las Olas Boulevard. 954-779-7374. You can't really go wrong with anything you order off the newly revamped menu at this chic, clubby restaurant. Pot roast with smashed potatoes, Maryland crab cakes with a pile of crunchy fries, frozen Key lime souffle--it's all good here. Open Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-Midnight; Sun., 11:30-11 p.m. $$$

Eduardo De San Angel 2822 E. Commercial Boulevard. 954-772-4731. Gourmet Mexican food is the name of the game at this eatery. There's plenty to drink, too, to the tune of 50 wines offered by the glass. Authentic Mexican spices and chiles--such as guajillo--mean meat dishes taste the part. Great power-lunch spot. Open Mon.-Sat., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Closed Sun. $$$$

Jackson's Steakhouse 450 E. Las Olas Boulevard. 954-522-4450. A favorite of the business elite of Fort Lauderdale, this steakhouse serves dry-aged steaks and chops. Always a plus: the place has a thorough wine list, and serves a top-notch martini. Open to the public for dinner, this mahogany-accented restaurant is a private club during lunch. Open Sun.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 5 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$$

Japanese Village 716 Las Olas Boulevard. 954-763-8163. Sparkling fresh sushi--some of the best in town--means that you'll probably have to wait for it, but it's definitely worth it. Inventive dipping sauces spice up maki and nigiri. The restaurant's one of the oldest on Las Olas, and for a reason. Open seven days for lunch, Noon-2 p.m.; dinner, Sun.-Thurs., 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$

Mark's Las Olas 1032 E. Las Olas Boulevard. 954-463-1000. A staple of Mark Militello's South Florida restaurant empire, this ever popular eatery is the place to see and be seen on Las Olas Boulevard. The New American cuisine is fantastic--try the Maine lobster brulee starter with truffled potatoes. The pork T-bone's pretty good, too. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner 7 days beginning at 6 p.m. $$$$

Riverhouse 301 SW 3rd Avenue. 954-525-7661. This absolutely gorgeous restaurant, flanked by ancient oaks and banyans, offers patio or outdoor dining on the New River. The produce is locally grown, the fish dayboat fresh. Almond fried brie in concord grape sauce is a great starter. Steaks and chops too. Open Tues.-Sun. from 6 p.m.; Sun. brunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $$$

Samba Room 350 E. Las Olas Boulevard. 954-468-2000. This is Latin fusion cuisine at its finest--with outdoor seating that makes scene-watching extra fun. Try Samba's signature entree: a whole two-pound deep fried snapper stuffed with cilantro rice. Or, you could opt for the sea bass with grilled onions, but don't miss the ropa vieja sandwich--it's tops. Open Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat., 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun., 5 p.m.-1 a.m. $$$

Shula's On The Beach 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd (A1A). 954-355-4000. Americana at its best, named for the coach who owns them all. Huge, succulent steaks, fresh seafood and all the right steakhouse sides makes this Shula's outpost a must-visit. Iceberg salad with blue cheese crumbles is awesome. Open 7 days, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. $$$$

Timpano 50 E. Las Olas Boulevard. 954-462-9119. This restaurant, which features live jazz Wednesdays-Sundays, serves fine Italian cuisine in an upscale environment--with a steakhouse twist. It's New York Strip is especially good, and the restaurant also does a great job with seafood. But the veal scallopini with Gorgonzola mashed potatoes ... mangia! Open Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-Midnight; Sat., 5 p.m.-Midnight; Sun., 5 p.m.-10 p.m. $$$

BOCA RATON

Johannes 47 E. Palmetto Park Road. 561-394-0007. You can get elk and antelope at Johannes when this exotic fare is in season, but you can eat good year-round at this tiny restaurant. We like the calamari and wakame salad in half a coconut shell and--on the other end of the spectrum--New York strip steak with a single-malt glaze. Open Tues.-Sun., from 6 p.m. $$$$

The Addison 2 Camino Real. 561-395-9335. We love this gorgeous Dennis Max eatery, named after architect Addison Mizner. It's just great steakhouse food. We like the mammoth rib eye over cheddar-whipped potatoes, and double-cut pork chops are also yummy. Reservations are a must. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner Sun.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$

Zemi 5050 Town Center Circle. 561-391-7177. The sea bass at Zemi is some of the best in South Florida and a study in simplicity, but Zemi's meat and poultry dishes are pretty good too. Try the pan-fried Asian dumplings for an appetizer, and try not to get too filled up on the restaurant's addictive hummus before your meal. Open Sun.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$

DELRAY BEACH

32 East 32 E. Atlantic Avenue. 561-276-7868. 32 East gets its influences from around the world, blending East with West, French with New American. The menu changes nightly, but always expect superb fish and red-meat dishes and spanking-fresh salads. Open Sun.-Thurs., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$$

Dada 52 N. Swinton Avenue. 561-330-3232. Dada's fare does run the culinary gamut. We especially like the Japanese bento box filled with orange-glazed beef, as well as the yummy fruit cobbler for dessert. Entertainment too. Open 7 days, 6 p.m.-2 a.m. $$$

WEST PALM BEACH

Big City Tavern 224 Clematis Street. 561-659-1853. This hot West Palm lunch spot hums at dinner too, but it doesn't matter for which meal you order the charbroiled burger topped with Gorgonzola--just get it. The fusion cuisine here is just yummy, especially lobster cake with citrus butter. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Dinner Sun.-Wed., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 5 p.m.-1 a.m. $$$

II Trullo 210 E. Ocean Avenue. 561-586-2912. This restaurant serves up classic Italian cuisine with a modern flair. Try the smoked salmon with asparagus tips or the mushrooms sauteed with mint leaves as appetizers. Don't miss the chicken breast sauteed in dry vermouth for dinner. Classic Italian desserts like spumone and tartufo. Open Mon.-Sat., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. $$$

PRICE GUIDE
      [per person]

  $$   $10-$20
 $$$   $20-$30
$$$$  over $30

Edward Taylor, 1644-1729

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