This seen-and-be-seen restaurant is located in the heart of downtown and upscale Birmingham next to the Downtown Theatre. The tastefully decorated space features lavender ceilings, ocean blue walls, distinctive light fixtures, rich upholstery accents, and two giants framed mirrors in the main dining room. The open kitchen at the back of the restaurant allows diners to watch executive chef Ty Gerych create scrumptious dishes such as butternut squash risotto, short ribs, and soy-wasabi marinated yellowfin tuna.

Forte' Information:

• International menu. Lunch, dinner. Closed Dec 25. Bar. Business casual attire. Reservations recommended. Valet parking.