Ristorante Luci
The Smith family's cozy (translation: tiny) Italian restaurant nearly made it to its 30th birthday. Celebrate with the four-course tasting menu ($35), and take comfort in the knowledge that the Smiths aren't going anywhere; their neighboring Luci Ancora (2060 Randolph Av., St. Paul, 651-698-6889, luciancora.com) will continue to serve lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner daily. Luci's doors close for good on Dec. 31. Reservations suggested. Dinner Thursday through Saturday.
470 S. Cleveland Av., St. Paul, 651-699-8258, ristoranteluci.com
Saffron Restaurant & Lounge
After 10 delicious, influential years, brothers Sameh Wadi and Saed Wadi have chosen not to renew their lease. Hurry in: Dec. 3 is the last chance to enjoy the duck meatball tagine, the famous lamb bacon BLT, the splendid whole-roasted branzino, the bar's colorful cocktails and the kitchen's ultimate talker, delicately fried lamb brain. Reservations suggested. Dinner Monday through Saturday.
123 N. 3rd St., Mpls., 612-746-5533, saffronmpls.com
Heartland Restaurant & Wine Bar
For 14 years, leading locavore (and six-time James Beard award nominee) Lenny Russo has thrillingly showcased the bounty of Midwestern farmers with a changes-daily menu. Get in one last hyper-seasonal, taste-of-the-prairie meal before the final dinner on Dec. 31. Do not miss the splendid house-made charcuterie, and if there's pork or trout on the menu, order it. That said, Russo never overlooks his vegetarian guests. Reservations suggested. Dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
289 E. 5th St., St. Paul, 651-699-3536, heartlandrestaurant.com
