When searching for a new location for Bisque, a New American restaurant from Lakewood, chef Gino Marrone and business partner Patty Gurevich considered their diners. “Many of our customers were from Cherry Creek, so the move felt right to us,” Marrone says.

The two transformed the old EcoBurger location into a charming split-level space with a rustic, French country ambience. The menu, heavy with French and Italian influences, offers classically prepared cuisine that's upscale but not overly finessed. Creamy lobster bisque is a delicious mainstay served with a splash of sherry, house-made croutons, balsamic, and chopped Italian parsley. Duck confit salad (pictured) is another favorite, with fall-off-the-bone meat, fresh mesclun, dried cranberries, hazelnuts, sliced apple, goat cheese, and a citrus-balsamic vinaigrette.

Bonus: Cherry Creek North's mini dining renaissance—thanks to the recent additions of La Merise, Vinue Food and Wine Bar, Phat Thai (which opens on Wednesday), and, of course, Bisque—is an added benefit for diners looking beyond downtown.

2817 E. Third Ave., 303-955-7940