EDINA. This fun, neighborhood restaurant offers a gourmet menu with Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Chinese dishes. Featured items include spicy Kung Pao, pad Thai, and lemon chicken ­ all prepared right before your eyes. Homemade ginger ale is also a must.

UPTOWN. Known for its "street food from the hot zone," Chino Latino features scrumptious, exotic food and drink from a variety of equatorial regions around the globe. The wild, festive decor features a cushioned orange vinyl wall, giant round booths, and an open kitchen, not to mention oft-commented-on restrooms. The eclectic menu includes dishes from Asia and South America: wok-seared noodles, paella, empanadas, suckling pig, sushi, satays, and more. Reservations are suggested, especially during weekends.

BLOOMINGTON. A pleasing mix of Cantonese dishes and American favorites can be had at this Bloomington mainstay. Hot and spicy beef, moo goo gai pan, and shrimp with snow peas tempt Chinese-food devotees, while filet mignon, broiled lobster tails, and fried jumbo shrimp entice those looking for a steakhouse experience. An array of soups, noodle dishes, and fried rice is also on offer. Dinner specials are permanent and nightly, often featuring entrees that blend the kitchen's Cantonese and American sensibilities. A kid's menu and a take-out menu win points with families and diners on the run, respectively.

UPTOWN. One of the area's first Japanese restaurants, authentically designed Fuji-Ya is still one of Minneapolis's favorites. Thanks to traditional decor and a menu featuring favorites like chicken and shrimp tempura and Yose Nabe (a medley of seafood, vegetables, noodles, and mushrooms), the restaurant has a loyal following. Fuji-Ya offers a variety of platters for sushi lovers as well. Reservations are suggested.

DOWNTOWN. This pagoda-shaped Japanese steakhouse features slicing, dicing, chopping, sizzling, and serving ­ all from a tableside grill. Chef-servers prepare lobster, shrimp, scallops, chicken, and filet mignon as diners watch from U-shaped booths. At the sushi bar, fresh rolls are served in miniature boats. Reservations accepted.