"Open for: DinnerPrice range: $$$$Two-time James Beard semifinalist chef Thomas Melvin artfully designs seven- and four-course tasting menus at Vida, a fine-dining experience in the charming downtown Lockerbie Square. As one stares through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows at the neighborhood’s enchanting 18th-century architecture, perfect dishes arrive on the table, stealing the spotlight and highlighting Melvin’s deft skill with flavors. Expect items like seared scallops with crisped Brussels sprout leaves, powerful chunks of salty bacon, and a swirl of gochujang maple brown butter, or an ever so slightly seared bluefin tuna topped with salty bubbles of smoked trout roe, yuzu kosho aioli, and sesame ponzu.Know before you go: Sit in the bar for a more casual dining experience." - Brian Garrido
