"The clean and bright dining room at Rijsel (the Dutch name for the Flemish city Lille, which is also a perfect day trip from Paris ) masterfully mixes traditionalism with today's industrial-inspired design trends. It's remained perennially packed with locals since opening in 2012 (book in advance). Opt for a three-course meal to taste as many of the constantly changing Modern Flemish dishes as possible. Expect expertly-prepared classics like Russian salad, fish soup, juicy roast chicken, or côte de boeuf. Rijsel is casual enough for a weekday meal but also special enough to warrant the trip outside of the Canal Ring." - Meredith Bethune