A touch of Paris plunked down in the Gold Coast: what more could Chicagoans ask for? Bistro 110's French-infused menu has been a hit with locals for more than a decade. It's also a popular stop for tourist types wandering Michigan Avenue who come in to sample some of the eatery's good (and garlicky; even the bread comes with a spreadable serving) menu items.

The restaurant features a colorful, vibrant design and a large dining room typically bustling with activity and noise. It's all part of the eatery's charm: Bistro 110 perfectly manages to be fancy without being pretentious; the courteous servers are happy to slightly alter menu items to suit your taste. In summer, an outdoor cafe offers comfy al fresco dining; in winter, patrons can gather around the copper-topped bar for a glass of wine selected from the eatery's extensive wine list, which includes its own private label wines.

But beauty isn't the only thing Bistro 110 has to offer. The Bistro's food is also top-notch. Signature dishes include an oven-roasted half chicken served with seasonal vegetables, a Robuchon lamb, roasted and braised for 20 hours, and a steak au poivre coated with a light cognac cream sauce.

Centerstage Reviewer: Erin Brereton