Maisonette
Serving French cuisine in an elegant setting, the Maisonette is the pinnacle of upscale restaurants in Cincy. Donald Trump first started making his big deals here, the only five-star restaurant in Ohio. A fantastic menu is complemented by a stylish environment, the perfect combination to impress your date. But because the menu is so expensive, the Maisonette definitely is not a first- or second-date restaurant. It was awarded Mobil's Five-Stars for an unprecedented 36 consecutive years, the only restaurant to have achieved this honor. Reservations, and tie and jacket, are required. 114 East Sixth St., Cincinnati, OH, 45202; 513/721-2260; also check it out at www.maisonette.com.

Palace
The name says it all. This restaurant, located in the Cincinnatian Hotel, has been compared to Maisonette by several customers. The menu is diversified and offers some great seafood choices. It's not overly pricey, but your date will still be impressed with your taste and the live entertainment. And, if you've really impressed her, the Cincinnatian's rooms are right upstairs! 601 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH, 45202; 513/381-3000.

La Normandie Taverne & Chop House
A downtown tradition for almost 70 years. Check out the specialties like dry-aged steaks, fresh fish and rack of lamb. Stop in for a downtown happy hour. 118 E. Sixth St., Cincinnati, OH, 45202; 513/721-2761.

Primavista
While the view overlooking the river and the city will impress you, the food at Primavista will win you over. With great chicken and pasta dishes on the menu, the choices are diverse enough to please almost anyone, even a picky date. Call for directions, though, as Primavista is tough to find. Queens Tower, 810 Matson Place, Cincinnati, OH, 45204; 513/251-6467.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

Scalea's Ristorante & Italian Market
Authentic fine dining Italian Ristorante, Scalea's is one of the newer restaurants located in a trendy part of town. The extensive all-Italian wine list is impressive; garden private dining areas available. Attached to Scalea's, a gourmet Italian market/bakery and located in Covington's Historic Riverside District, Scalea's was established in 1925. 320 Greenup St., Covington, KY, 41011; 859/491-3334.

Dee Felice Cafe
The perfect place to enjoy some satisfying Cajun or Italian food while listening to some funky live jazz. The menu could be more complete, but the food is still great. Come across the river on a Wednesday night to taste a phenomenal steak while listening to some local jazz bands crank out great music. 529 Main St. Covington, KY, 41011; 606/261-2365.

Chart House
Classic American entrees offering fresh seafood and aged beef. Nice view of downtown Cincinnati across the river. 405 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY, 41071; 859/261-0300.