Spoon and Stable (211 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-224-9850, www.spoonandstable.com) is the latest restaurant to receive four stars from the Star Tribune (find the review at Startribune.com/taste). Here are three other four-star options:
Diner's Journal: Three examples of four-star dining
Chef/co-owner Russell Klein digs deep into his Eastern European heritage at handsome Brasserie Zentral, cooking modern takes on Hungarian and Austrian classics, including a dizzying array of foie gras stunners. Order the rabbit spaetzle, the kamut-stuffed cabbage rolls, the paprika-cured mackerel, the excellent sausages; the list goes on, and on. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sun., brunch Sun.
505 Marquette Av. S., Mpls., 612-333-0505, www.zentral-mpls.com
At modest, ultra-gracious Piccolo, chef/owner Doug Flicker nudges diners out of their comfort zones, then rewards them with spectacular, singular cooking (do not, under any circumstances, miss the pickled pigs' feet with scrambled eggs). Order a la carte, or stick with the five-course $56 option. Lovely wine list, too. Dinner Wed.-Mon.
4300 Bryant Av. S., Mpls., 612-827-8111, www.piccolompls.com
The kitchen crew at Restaurant Alma — led by chef/owner Alex Roberts, chef Bryan Morcom and pastry chef Carrie Riggs — find inspiration in the seasons and in locally raised ingredients, channeling their creativity into a la carte options or a three-course meal for $52 (vegetarian option is $42). Wine director James Hirdler oversees one of the city's most discerning bottle and by-the-glass lists. Dinner daily.
528 University Av. SE., Mpls., 612-379-4909, www.restaurantalma.com
RICK NELSON
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