Café Via

2941
Photograph by Marvin Shaouni

Birmingham’s new destination restaurant has the feeling of a small European inn, with its wood-lavished 65-seat interior and canopied courtyard patio that includes a fireplace. The food is simple and simply elegant, featuring grilled salmon, blackened grouper, herb omelets, and one of the best hamburgers in town. The eight seats at the granite-topped bar are vied for nightly. 310 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham; 248-644-8800. $22 H Smoke-free