Atmosphere: Tucked just off bustling Main Street in downtown Royal Oak, this cozy landmark serves perhaps the finest vegetarian food in Metro Detroit. Unlikely, though, are candlelight and crystal chandeliers in a room brimming with antiques and warm smells. Inn Season draws an eclectic crowd of young hipsters and sophisticated boomers -- anyone, really, seeking excellent no-meat food in a romantic, smoke-and-booze-free environment

Menu: Gorgeous, complex salads and nods to Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine are the restaurant's draws, which use only all-organic grains and beans, the freshest fruits and vegetables, filtered water, sea salt, unrefined sweeteners, and low-fat, animal rennet-free cheeses. Executive chef Thomas Lasher's specialties, such as jambalaya, zucchini cashew kofta with coconut sauce, or his weekend risottos -- say, pesto with roasted tomatoes -- are standout, and his signature bread is memorable. Sunday brunch as well.

Price range: Inexpensive (entrees $6.50-$14.95).

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tues.-Fri. and noon-4 p.m. Sat. lunch; 4:30-9 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. and 4:30-9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. dinner; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday brunch.

Address: 500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak.

Phone: (248) 547-7916.