VERMILION. A breathtaking setting on the river is ample reward for making the drive from Cleveland to dine at Chez Francois. Even so, the incredible French cuisine tips the scales completely. The romantic ambience only enhances the seasonal menu, which includes roasted rack of lamb with tomato-herb crust, veal sweetbreads, seared filet of Atlantic salmon topped with a fresh horseradish crust, and grilled filet mignon with Stilton blue cheese. Guests can choose more formal indoor dining or patio dining, which provides incredible river views. New additions to the property are the Parisian Room which is a lounge and private party room, and Touché, a martini & wine bar located above the restaurant. Jackets required inside.

Docked on Lake Erie, this floating restaurant offers fine dining and spectacular views of the skyline, the lake, the USS Mather and the Rock and Roll Museum. Popular with seafood-loving visitors, it serves everything from crab cakes to shark steaks in a unique, upscale environment. Attentive service. Reservations recommended. Dress is business casual.

Awards are numerous for this restaurant, which was voted "Best Steak House" by readers of Cleveland Magazine for five years in a row. A short drive from downtown, Hyde Park is situated in trendy Cleveland Heights. The business crowd heads here for fine steaks, chops, lobster tail and crab legs as well as an extensive and varied wine list. All patrons enjoy the elegant, upscale ambience. Reservations recommended. Dress is business casual.

For classic continental dishes of veal, beef and pasta in an elegant, clubby atmosphere, Johnny's simply can't be beat. Consistently rated tops in Cleveland, Johnny's sumptuous northern Italian dishes are memorable, as is the nostalgic, art-deco dining room. Light-as-air pasta and famous gnocchi in garlic cream sauce are served up in substantial portions. Reservations highly recommended. Dress is business attire.

In the trendy Warehouse District, Mallorca serves a taste of sunny Spain. The Old World ambience is relaxing, and the continental cuisine is varied. The Spanish-born chef shows his heritage in his stunning creations. Large portions of gazpacho, veal in cream mozzarella sauce and pork chops in pungent garlic sauce are served with rice, fresh vegetables and Spanish-style potatoes. At least 20 seafood specialties are sure to satisfy any appetite. Flan or rich rum cake top off the meal. Reservations recommended. Dress is business casual.