Best New Restaurant

From polished seafood plates to plant-based “pub” food.

HIGH END: Third Coast Provisions

In late 2016, Merriment Social's owners made their power move, opening an elegant Downtown seafood house. Their idea to build on our Great Lakes history was brave, and delightful. Filling a gap in our market is something these restaurateurs set out to do, and with everything from char-grilled oysters and lobster pot pie to Lake Superior walleye, Third Coast Provisions (724 N. Milwaukee St.; thirdcoastprovisions.com) is doing it very well.

LOW END: Cloud Red

With windows that open breezily to the sidewalk and a chalkboard menu with many plant-based choices, Cloud Red's transformation from a former pub is complete. The farm-raised focus keeps some menu items fluid, but there's a good grass-fed burger, falafel pita, a crispy Brussels sprouts app and a giant homemade chocolate chip cookie. The Margarita Monday and Taco Tuesday deals are the bomb. (4488 N. Oakland Ave.; cloudredmke.com)