UPTOWN. This restaurant and wine bar brings a sense of artsy cool to the Queen City. The main dining room sports polished hardwood floors, bold colors, sharp geometric lines, and thought-provoking sculptures suspended from the ceiling ­ a modern homage to the art of fishing. This bold sensibility carries over to the kitchen, which delivers edgy, beautifully presented fish and seafood dishes like lemongrass-enrobed corvina with Thai chili rock shrimp cakes or foie gras-stuffed sea scallops with chantrelles. Two things to note: If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the terrace (it overlooks the Green), and be sure to arrive early so you can enjoy one of their signature martinis at the bar. NB No smoking in the dining room, but smoking is allowed in the hallway adjoining the wine room and on the patio.

UPTOWN. Sophisticated and stylish, this restaurant in Hearst Tower has caused a stir with its provocative Mediterranean-inspired cookery. Indeed, the distinctive flavors of France, Greece, Italy, Spain and even Morocco are on showcase here each night, and patrons dive willingly into dishes of lamb tagine, whole-roasted Mediterranean sea bass and duo of wild boar. A favorite of the "expense account set," Blue promises an impeccible evening out, complete with fine wine, amazing food and even live jazz (Wednesday-Saturday).

UPTOWN. Combine a night on the town with a memorable meal at LaVecchia's Seafood Grille. Located in the neon-clad Seventh Street Station in Uptown, this colorful and noisy spot features an unparalleled selection of fresh seafood preparations and even a few things for the hard core meat and potato eater. Light eaters may enjoy combining several appetizers, ranging from divine shrimp concoctions to oyster samplers. For high-energy friends in a hip locale, Lavecchia fits the bill. Reservations available.

SOUTHPARK. Comfortable and clubby, McCormick and Schmick's has built a solid reputation on fish and shellfish drawn from Atlantic and Pacific waters. Oysters on the half shell or a bowl of oyster stew are primo taste-whetters for Dungeness crab, parmesan-crusted flounder, seared yellowfin tuna, or sauteed sea scallops. Pastas and steaks served if you're not in a seafood sort of mood. Popular with business folks, especially at lunch, the restaurant also features a great bar and a sociable happy hour.

SOUTH END. Billed as one of Charlotte's top places for surf-and-turf, McIntosh's surely has won over its fair share of devotees. Indeed, a first-class experience awaits at this classy South Ender, where the main dining room is dressed in elegant linens, yellow walls with stained wood elements, chandeliers and arrangements of fresh flowers. The kitchen, meanwhile, dazzles patrons with courses of Chilean sea bass, broiled Atlantic salmon, steak au poivre, and the 3-lb. Prime porterhouse for two. Outstanding sides, which can serve two or more, range from asparagus with hollandaise to horseradish mashed potatoes.