Molly’s Picks: Bucharest Grill & Bella Piatti

Restaurant veteran Molly Abraham noshes around town, tracking down some top spots.
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Bella Piatti QUAGLIE AL FORNO: Roasted quail with mushroom risotto. // Photograph by Joe Vaughn

BUCHAREST GRILL
This bustling little sandwich shop, tucked into a corner of the Park Bar, is a cult favorite that made it into the mainstream with its fresh Mediterranean fare, notably the best chicken shawarma wrap sandwiches in town. No frills here. The food, including falafel, bratwurst, and Angus burgers, is all on disposables, ready for carryout or to eat at the bar. 2040 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-965-3111. $9 H

BELLA PIATTI
The name is the same, but everything else has been completely revamped at this intimate little spot in downtown Birmingham. Executive chef Francesco Apollonia, a native of Venice, turns out a nicely pared-down menu of such dishes as roasted quail with mushroom risotto, osso buco, and pan-seared scallops in a romantic setting centered by a chandelier-shaded table for eight surrounded by a glittering transparent curtain. It’s a collaboration between proprietor Bob VanHellemont and restaurateurs Liz and Nino Cutraro. 1167 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-494-7110. L Tue.-Fri. D Tue.-Sat. $18 H

Symbol: H Handicap accessible. Note: Dollar amount is the average entree price