La Provence, a rustic, yet elegant country French-style restaurant plopped down amongst gnarled, ancient oak trees, offers patrons some of the loveliest outdoor dining in the region. Sit under a big umbrella on the serene outer patio, soothed by soft jazz tunes and the heady scent of rosemary, and you’ll forget all about the bills and piles of laundry waiting for you at home. Inside, the restaurant takes patrons back in time with its thick, rough ceiling beams, earthen tile floors and country-wooden sideboards. The enormous fireplace, which dominates the room, is especially delightful in the colder months, contributing a convivial cheeriness to the spacious dining area. A glance at the menu (which changes seasonally) will reveal both traditional French and Mediterranean items, such as soupe au pistou, a Provençal spring vegetable soup topped with basil pesto, and lapin a la moutarde—rabbit roasted with thyme and mustard—alongside more creative dishes like the hamburger Provençal (served on a ciabatta bun, with caramelized onions). If you get the chance, order the kitchen’s carpaccio de petites artichauds marinés, thinly sliced baby artichokes marinated in extra virgin olive oil and dotted with Meyer lemon slices, feathery shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and bits of Serrano ham. This is a wonderful and refreshing flavor combination on a balmy summer’s evening with a glass of sparkling wine. Other recommendations include the huge onglet sauce échalotes—juicy slabs of heavily marinated, grilled hangar steak drizzled with an intense shallot and red Côtes du Rhône wine reduction, accompanied by super-crispy hand-cut frites (French fries). Do save room for dessert—the pear tarte tatin (a deeply caramelized, upside-down fruit pastry) is ravishing. - Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Parents, La Provence has a very friendly and inexpensive kids menu. (All items are only $3–$4 and include a beverage and an ice cream sundae.) Choices include a grilled cheese sandwich, crispy chicken strips and a corn dog.

Reservations: Recommended

Payment methods: AmEx, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Full bar

Corkage fee: $13

Hours: Lunch Tues.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Dinner Tues.–Thurs. 4–9 p.m.
Dinner Fri.–Sat. 4–10 p.m.
Sunday Brunch 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Closed Sunday evening and all day Monday