Mediterrano

If it's healthy, unique, Mediterranean-influenced food you're seeking, Mediterrano is probably your best choice in Ann Arbor. A native of Greece, the owner has embraced a smorgasbord of cuisines--French, Spanish, Greek and North African--to create an innovative selection of menu items that are seasonal, fresh and flavorful. You really can't go wrong at a place that serves malloreddus pasta (spicy lamb meatballs, French Valbreso feta, oven-roasted tomatoes and spinach), ortillitas de camerones (shrimp cakes spiced with cilantro and serrano chili and served with citrus and romesco and basmati rice) and herb-and-mustard roasted rack of lamb with Yukon gold potatoes mashed with leeks and roast garlic and served with a veal-mushroom jus. The menu also stands out for its inclusion of a section of healthy and low-fat options, a rarity among high-end restaurants. (Dinner entrees from about $14 to $30.) If it's on the menu, don't pass on the taramousalata appetizer (a Greek caviar spread) that's served with warm pita bread ($7). And be careful not to overindulge in the bread and homemade olive oil they serve at the beginning of the meal; it's easy to do. As for the dcor, it's a modern take on old Greece. While you may not feel the mix of Mykonos-type colors and Mediterranean-inspired art equal to the prices charged here, the light, airy room makes for a comfortable dining experience.