$=$5-10; $$=$10-25; $$$=$25-50; $$$$=$50+

FERNDALE

Anita's Kitchen 22651 Woodward Ave.; 248-548-0680; anitaskitchenonline.com; $$: In warm weather, a large, covered outdoor dining area allows outside dining. The bar serves beer, wine, juice, smoothies and wine and craft brews. Salads, veggie-intensive appetizers, pita pizzas, kebabs or shawarma, lamb chops, shanks and kibbeh dazzle the palate. 

Assaggi Mediterranean Bistro 330 W. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-584-3499; assaggibistro.com; $$$: Attractive atmosphere, creative menu of Mediterranean dishes influenced by Italian, French, Middle Eastern and Spanish cuisines. Full wine list, sangria and a full bar. Seating for 80 in the courtyard patio in fair weather. Closed Mondays. 

Blue Nile 545 W. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-547-6699; bluenilemi.com; $$: At this Ethiopian joint, you get to eat with bread, choosing from two all-you-can-eat choices: four meats and seven vegetables for $17.90, or all-veg for $15.90 (kids eat for half price). In a nod to the West, a full bar. 

Buffalo Wild Wings 280 W. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-744-4470; buffalowildwings.com; $$: The nation's leading chain sports bar offers its winning formula; see website for dozens of Michigan locations.

Cantina Diablo's 175 W. Troy St.; 248-808-6633; cantinadiablo.com; $$: Our readers went for this purveyor of Tex-Mex cuisine in a big way, voting it the Best Mexican Cuisine in Oakland County. The restaurant offers a blend of stick-to-your-ribs fare and frosty drinks.

Christine's Cuisine 729 E. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-584-3354; $$: A casual, comfortable place to dine, the menu dances from Eastern European into Italy, America, France, and burritoville. Daily house specials.

Como's 22812 Woodward Ave.; 248-548-5005; comospizza.com; $$: Though they do serve pizzas and pastas, Como's is best-known as a lively bar scene, particularly on their commodious tent patio, even on a frigid night.

The Fly Trap 22950 Woodward Ave.; 248-399-5150; theflytrapferndale.com; $: You can get a burger and fries, or bacon and eggs, but after that the menu goes in all sorts of interesting directions, including sandwiches with such names as the Pea Patch or the charmoula chicken. Closed Mondays.

French Gourmet 23421 Woodward Ave.; 248-541-1200; $$: Grapevine-wrapped pillars, classical background music and jeweled murals provide the setting, but the prepared-to-order entrées are gems. The pastries are beautiful to behold.

Howe's Bayou 22848 Woodward Ave.; 248-691-7145; howesbayouferndale.net; $$: Cajun and Creole food pleases those seeking a bit of Nawlins living. Full bar. Great sweet potato fries and bread pudding.

Inyo Restaurant & Lounge 22871 Woodward Ave.; 248-543-9500; inyorestaurant.com; $$$: Wide-ranging menu, striking presentations, pleasing texture contrasts within a dish and excellent sushi and specialty cocktails. 

Maria's Front Room 215 W. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-542-7379; mariasfrontroom.com; $$: Old-line Italian classics and some new lighter fare. Full liquor license.

MiChigo Pizza 255 W. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-439-6195; michigopizza.com; $$: Chicago-style deep dish pizza even diehard Chicagoans can appreciate. Sumptuous desserts and locally roasted coffee.

Omega Hawg & Dawg Deli 2100 Hilton Rd.; 248-548-5700; $: Minimalist diner decor and "coney" fare. But expect inventive twists, such as a bag of sliders, "chilly dilly" (chili with all the fixings) and all-day breakfast. Cash only.

Pete's Place 1225 Woodward Heights; 248-544-4215; petesbroadwaycafe.com; $$: Peter Mel has transformed a dreary Coney Island into a hip eatery that's open all day. Broadway-themed posters and soundtrack, reasonable prices. Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable waitstaff.

Pinwheel Bakery 220 W. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-398-8018; pinwheelbakery.com; $: It's a cozy neighborhood bakery, but also a gourmet bakery. Pinwheel focuses on mostly simple, made-from-scratch delights. There are a variety of bite-sized cookies sold by the pound and boxed with a ribbon. 

Sakana Sushi Lounge 22914 Woodward Ave.; 248-336-2555; sakanasushilounge.com; $$$: Upscale sushi lounge, lush electro-acoustic lounge and raw fish artfully prepared. Good sake selection. 

Star of India 180 W. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-546-5996; $: Classic Indian menu includes two variations on korma, a creamy, yogurt-based sauce with a mild blend of spices punctuated by yellow raisins and slivers of almonds.

Toast 23144 Woodward Ave.; 248-398-0444; $: Beautiful to look at. Weekday egg-fests include some pretty fancy fixings along with more regular fare, but it gets more lavish on the weekend (think wild mushroom or French omelets and challah French toast).

Torino Espresso + Bar 201 E. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-247-1370; torinoespressobar.com; $$: A modern urban twist on the authentic Italian cafe, with select coffees and espressos, breakfast items, sandwiches, small appetizers. Wine and signature spirits too. Open on 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 6 a.m.-2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. Free WiFi.

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