DA Nang Restaurant and Bucci Ristorante

Restaurant veteran Molly Abraham noshes around town, tracking down some top spots

Banh Xeo, Vietnamese crêpes filled with ground pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, from Da Nang.

Photograph by Joe Vaughn

DA Nang Restaurant: Most of the local Vietnamese cafés are bare-bones. This one, however, is handsomely put together and has the amenities of carefully chosen linens and table appointments. Best of all, of course, is the authentic fare from the kitchen of Lan Dao — such dishes as the traditional beef and noodle soup, pho, in several varieties, as well as wonton shrimp, steamed chicken salad, and grilled boneless beef short ribs. 1 S. Main St. at 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248-577-5130. L & D Mon.-Sat. $12 H
 
Bucci Ristorante: An east-side gem, it has steadily progressed since Bujar (Bucci) Mamuslari took over what had been an unexceptional neighborhood restaurant and turned it into much more. Seating includes space at a granite-topped counter overlooking the kitchen, as well as at linen-covered tables under European-style artworks. Elegantly sauced dishes include artichoke hearts Tosca, pan-seared salmon, and chicken breast with hazelnuts and dried cherries. An appropriate wine list accompanies the Italian/continental fare. 20217 Mack, Grosse Pointe Woods; 313-882-1044. D nightly except Mon. $18 H
 

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