Metro Detroit's best new restaurants

California's wine country doesn't feel so far away when you're dining at Mindy VanHellemont's small, beautifully understated Tallulah. With its airy look, linen-covered tables, serenely white décor and show-stopping bar, it was an instant hit when it opened in February. The enticing wine list and combination retail shop and tasting room next door are supposed to make wine the center of attention, but chef Jake Abraham's simple, sophisticated menu more than holds its own. -- Sylvia Rector

If you're expecting to find a formal, expensive white-tablecloth restaurant at Baronette Renaissance hotel in Novi, Toasted Oak will come as a surprise. It's casual, relaxed -- and even a touch rustic -- and more affordable than you might expect for the quality of food. But what most sets it apart is its unexpected and distinctive menu, one that reflects chef Steven Grostick's deep Michigan roots, his made-from-scratch cooking style and his love of charcuterie cured meats and sausages. --Sylvia Rector, Free Press Restaurant Critic

In Shelby Township, casually sophisticated Metropolitan Café stands out with its eclectic American bistro menu and stylish urban-loft vibe. We love the nighttime feel of the place, with its citified views of traffic through two expansive walls of glass and the big, comfortable bar in the center of the room. The menu by chef Alexis Henslee, former sous chef at Tribute, strikes a nice -- and necessary -- balance between familiar and adventurous dishes. Try the rustic braised lamb with pappardelle pasta or the mussels in a luxurious white wine cream sauce. -- Sylvia Rector

The beer list features more than 40 craft beers on draft -- 22 from Michigan -- and more than 70 bottled brews, all described by style and alcohol content in addition to the brewery's name and location. Drafts are $5-$9 per glass. Oh, and there's a full bar. --Sylvia Rector

It's not just the ultra-thin Neopolitan-style pizzas with their crisp, blistered crusts that wow us at chef Luciano DelSignore's Pizzeria Biga in Southfield. It's the terrific small plates, imported meats and cheeses, creative salads and playful desserts that set its menu apart from every other restaurant we know. The name, pronounced BEE-guh, refers to the natural yeasts that allow him to bake using only flour, water and sea salt to produce crusts with surprising complexity, tenderness and body. The open dining room is exceptionally casual, and service is smart and quick. Pastas were recently added to the menu; beer and wine can be ordered for pickup, along with food. Delivery is available to some areas. -- Sylvia Rector

Zazios turns the open kitchen concept into culinary theater. The Chef's Table offers an intimate, interactive five course dinner and wine pairing for 2-24 people in stadium seating. A full menu and regular seating are also available.

Lockhart's BBQ is dedicated to bringing real authentic Texas style BBQ to Metro Detroit. Owners, Drew Ciora and Rick Ghersi, spent almost two years planning and building their Texas style BBQ joint. Lockhart's BBQ is named after the legendary BBQ town Lockhart, TX. Ciora's goal is to bring the great tradition and love of BBQ that towns like Lockhart represent to SE Michigan. Lockhart's BBQ boast the only 100% wood-fueled (no gas or electric heat) smoker in SE Michigan and a 100% wood-fueled Santa Maria grill to help prepare their BBQ plates.

A creative menu of mostly small plates, combined with several well-conceived entrées and luxurious desserts, is complemented by a list of more than 150 individually chosen wines, inspired cocktails and an extensive list of spirits. A retail wine shop and tasting room adjoin the restaurant. Set in tiny Pleasant Ridge, Cork's lively atmosphere, interesting menu and well-priced beverages have kept it packed since its November opening. From the entrées list, the pork tenderloin with tender-crisp braised cabbage and delicate spatzle is outstanding. So are sophisticated, grown-up desserts like silky butterscotch pudding with toffee sauce. -- Sylvia Rector