6Smith

Boasting Wayzata's only unobstructed view of Lake Minnetonka and a double-decker patio, this sprawling restaurant and bar — offering the likes of California burgers and pan-seared salmon — stays busy with view seekers, particularly in the warm months.

Find it: 294 E. Grove Lane, 952-698-7900, 6smith.com

Baja Haus

Step through the strip mall doors and you'll be whisked away to a beachside Mexican paradise, complete with fish tacos, mezcal cocktails and day cruiser bicycles and surfboards mounted on the walls.

Find it: 830 Lake St. E., 952-476-0816, bajahaus.com

Bellecour

With a homegrown legacy and international experience, chef Gavin Kaysen has brought his latest beauty — a French bistro featuring a skillful bakery — to the suburbs.

Find it: 739 Lake St. E., 952-444-5200, bellecourrestaurant.com

Benedict's Morning Heroes

This sunny breakfast emporium, touting loaded tot hashes, mini-doughnuts and "day drinking" cocktails, filled a niche in the brunch-starved area.

Find it: 845 Lake St. E., 952-923-1903, benedictswayzata.com

CoV

Lobster rolls, oysters on the half-shell and a New England-esque palette of navy and white are the name of the game at CoV, where the tag line is "Where Minnesota Nice meets East Coast spice."

Find it: 700 Lake St. E., 952-473-5253, covwayzata.com

Crisp & Green

At lunch, lines form quickly at this fast-casual, made-to-order eatery from mega restaurateur Ryan Burnet, featuring grain bowls and salads with names such as Yacht Club, plus kombucha on tap.

Find it: 755 Lake St. E., Suite 120, 952-476-2591, ­crispandgreen.com

Gianni's

One of the area's mainstays, this old-school steakhouse with 11 cuts along with lobster tail, king crab and more has manned Lake Street for more than 20 years.

Find it: 635 Lake St. E., 952-404-1100, giannis-steakhouse.com

Nine Twenty-Five

The new Hotel Landing's restaurant snagged a longtime Minneapolis chef, former Lucia's kitchen master Ryan Lund, to create dishes such as the steamed mussels with grapefruit, jalapeño and chimichurri broth.

Find it: 925 Lake St. E., 952-473-2089, ninetwentyfive.com

Sushi Fix

One of the first restaurants in the new wave of them, Sushi Fix has earned respect as a serious sushi restaurant, highlighting ultra-fresh fish and a notable collection of sake and Japanese whiskey.

Find it: 862 Lake St. E., 612-217-0330, sushifix.net

AMELIA RAYNO