Half-moon banquettes and dark-wood paneling add warmth and class to this upscale hot spot for Hartford's trendsetters. Giant modern paintings adorn the airy space and artisanal chandeliers hang from the high ceilings. A black-and-white clad waitstaff is knowledgeable and provides impeccable service.

Max's food looks like it was prepped for a glossy cooking magazine and tastes even better. The sumptuous lump crab cake appetizer pairs well with crunchy pepper slaw. Beef and potato pierogis with buttery seared foie gras are arranged like artwork. Fragrant, spicy tomato broth, smooth ricotta and fresh basil accent the pan-seared jumbo shrimp with fallen herb kerchiefs (noodles) entree. The bone-in filet mignon is cut thin and served like a chop. Desserts include the Chocolate Bomb, a luscious chocolate cake and mousse sculpture slightly smaller than a tennis ball. Fresh berries provide a refreshing contrast to creamy vanilla bean crème brulee.

This is a formal dining experience.