ONION RESTAURANT AND TEA HOUSE, 4211 Charlestown Rd., New Albany, (812) 981-0188. Part of the New Albany restaurant renaissance, this eatery is the perfect place for diverse tastes. Multiple menus offer fresh, flavorful entrees of Japanese, Chinese and American cuisine with no hibachi tables or knife-juggling chefs in sight. (Reviewed 7/25; Rating: N/A)

TRAN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI, 4317 Charlestown Rd., New Albany, (812) 941-0200. A traditional Japanese steakhouse, Tran offers an affordable variety of appetizers, entrees and Bento Boxes. Flavors work together to enhance the hot, fresh entrees — just watch out for the 2-inch, giant sushi rolls. (Reviewed 7/25; Rating: N/A)

610 MAGNOLIA, 610 Magnolia Ave., 636-0783, www.610magnolia.com. Chef Edward Lee’s recent Palindrome masterpiece, featuring eight courses with ingredients in entrees repeating themselves in desserts, cemented its status as Louisville’s best restaurant. These special dinners are worth the price tag; sign up on the e-mail list to catch them. (Reviewed 8/1; Rating: 99)

CAFÉ LOU LOU, 106 Sears Ave., 893-7776, www.cafeloulou.com. After leaving Clifton for St. Matthews, it’s nice to know that nothing got lost in the move. The popular eatery still serves up lavish Mediterranean-Italian-New Orleans portions, a festive atmosphere and striking art pieces. (Reviewed 8/8; Rating: 86)

CAFFÉ CLASSICO, 2144 Frankfort Ave., 894-9689, www.caffe-classico.com. Caffé Classico stands out on Frankfort Avenue for its cool, sophisticated Euro-style atmosphere and excellent coffee and espresso drinks. Owner-chef Tommie Mudd recently introduced a full dinner menu of reasonably priced French and Mediterranean-accented fare. (Reviewed 8/22; Rating: N/A)

MOJITO, 2231 Holiday Manor Ctr., 425-0949. The small, attractive venue hasn’t been hard up for business since opening. Their Sunday brunch only costs a laughably modest $15.99 for three tables stuffed with Spanish cuisine, and it’s worth coming back for the desserts alone. (Reviewed 8/22; Rating: N/A)

ORIGINAL IMPELLIZZERI’S, 1381 Bardstown Rd., 454-2711. The return of Impellizzeri’s lives up the excitement, and Benny Impellizzeri hasn’t forgotten anything with a menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, calzones and piled-high Louisville pie. Expect a noisy crowd and long waits, but it’s definitely worth it. (Reviewed 8/22; Rating: N/A)