SOUTH PARK. One of the South Park area's culinary "grande dames," La Bibliothèque has long romanced diners with its elegant, white linen approach to French cuisine. Indeed, the space has a distinctly formal quality, one that is no doubt perpetuated by the knowledgeable, refined staff. Of course, this in no way means La Bibliothèque is content to rest on laurels and rep alone. No, the kitchen continues to push the envelope, along the way giving familiar favorites like flounder stuffed with shrimp mousse or duck à la orange new, flavorful turns.

DILWORTH. Queen City Francophiles have much amour for this Dilworth standout, and it certainly has the role of neighborhood bistro down to an art, offering as it does cozy yet upscale quarters, live jazz (Wed-Sat, usually) and, of course, terrific fare. Start off your experience with an appetizer of fresh oysters or pate. From there, your meal can take several routes ­ crêpe stuffed with shrimp, scallops and fish, filet mignon with Roquefort sauce, or even braised rabbit with mustard sauce. On Sundays, meanwhile, brunch appetites are posed a deliciously enviable quandary: Croque-monsieur or crêpes?

SOUTHPARK. Housed in the Wall Street Capitol Building, few restaurants epitomize Charlotte's cosmopolitan flair like Zebra, a beacon of style and refinement where French cuisine shakes off traditional constraints to reveal dishes that are innovative and invigorating. Here, dining experience is taken to a higher level, from the elegantly appointed dining room with its fine silver and white linens to the outstanding wine list. As to the fare, the chef's seasonal tasting menu includes such temptations as potato crisp salmon, Dover sole with noisette butter and macadamia-crusted quail.