Bistro Bella Vita

DOWNTOWN. Boasting "French twist with an Italian flair," this upscale restaurant is a favorite with the after-work crowd, who appreciate its sleek martini bar, billed as Western Michigan's largest. After enjoying a cocktail, retire to the main dining room, where the professional waitstaff can point you towards dishes like grilled duck and confit of duck over spaghetti squash, North Carolina quail and potato gnocchi with figs, or four-cheese ravioli à la ratatouille with Sicilian olives. Save room for dessert – chocolate-macadamia nut bread pudding, cremé brûlèe with Chantilly cream, and Grand Mariner soufflé are nothing short of extraordinary.