Poplar Inn and Suites

Opened in 2008, the flagship restaurant from Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman remains one the city’s most enticing efforts. Divided into several small rooms, the cozy house in Brookhaven Circle celebrates Italian cooking with Southern influences. Appetizers and pastas are the strongest features, starting with the signature house breakfast of pork belly, pork rinds, polenta, and a runny egg. For a lighter beginning, swing for the tuna tartare with sundried tomatoes or tender squid stuffed with Barese sausage and set in a sharp puttanesca sauce. Mafaldi coated in a rich bianco veal ragu is as

Opened in 2013, this Chinese restaurant has taken the city by storm—and rightly so. Although there are a number of offshoots around town, the original location in an unsuspecting Cordova strip center is the place to be. For those who love heat and savor spice, this is ground zero for fiery, tongue-numbing, chili-laden Sichuan cuisine. Focus on classics like the umami-packed mapo tofu, stir-fried cumin lamb, crispy chicken tossed in a mound of dried chilis and properly charred green beans. Portions are generous so bring friends and order with abandon.