The List of Lists 2012: Dining

Yet again, 112 Eatery (112 N. 3rd St., 612-343-7696) tops the Best Restaurants in Minneapolis list, attracting foodies near and far with its high-technique, top-notch comfort food like lamb scottadito with goat milk, tagliatelle with foie gras meatballs, and lusty desserts. Both the high-minded, food-centric humility of the 112 and the stylish Italian fare of No. 2 pick Bar La Grassa (800 Washington Av. N., 612-333-3837) are the brainchild of executive chef Isaac Becker. W.A. Frost (374 Selby Av., 651-224-5715) leads St. Paul's list with its locally sourced, classic American fine dining. With its lush oil paintings, cushy chairs, glowing fireplace and picturesque garden patio, it's the sort of place where it seems like F. Scott Fitzgerald could stop by at any moment, linger over a whiskey flight and an artisan cheese plate, and have an emotional but cathartic talk about Zelda. Lion's Tap (16180 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie, 952-934-5299) is the reigning king of the suburban jungle with its no-nonsense style, easy prices and award-winning burgers. Bring the whole softball pride here to feast on melt-in-your-mouth cheeseburgers with fried onions and craft beers made from glacial water. - KAT KLUEGEL