Cinco Lagos and Ernie’s Mediterranean Room

Restaurant veteran Molly Abraham noshes around town, tracking down some top spots
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Grilled chicken, lamb, and shrimp kebabs from Ernie’s Mediterranean Room. // Photograph by Joe Vaughn

Cinco Lago: Brian Polcyn’s take on festive Mexican food has replaced his upscale regional American menu, and the transition has worked well. With his Mexican heritage, it has been easy for Polcyn to rework the menu to reflect the enchiladas, tacos, and chile rellenos of his mother’s homeland. Though the direction is different, the emphasis on quality hasn’t changed; virtually everything is prepared in-house. The setting is bright with murals and painted furniture. 424 N. Main St., Milford; 248-684-7455. D Mon.-Sat. $15 H

Ernie’s Mediterranean Room: In the new scheme of things here, first to the tables is warm pita fresh from the oven, along with little bowls of multi-colored Greek olives, roasted garlic, and sliced radishes. It’s part of the festive Greek approach from the heritage of the Backos family, who carry on what Ernie started many years ago. The menu includes lamb and beef meatballs sparked with oregano and fresh mint; lamb ribs glazed with ouzo and nutmeg; charred lamb chops; and a daily-changing whole fish. 16655 19 Mile Rd. at Garfield, Clinton Township; 586-286-8435. D nightly. $18 H