There’s a pervasive attitude among those in the know that the Twin Cities dining scene is something of a two-headed creature. On the one side are the invariable losses: the deaths of treasures like Farm in the Market and jP American Bistro—places that have served to elevate the landscape. On the other side, there are the invariable phoenixes: For every loss, we are blessed with two or three births. As a diehard optimist, I say the dining outlook is as half-full as ever, and here’s why.

Rinata—an Italian name loosely translating to “reborn”—is the latest newcomer to turn heads. In a city with a dearth of Italian authenticity, I can scarcely think of a more welcome addition to Uptown’s topography than a fresh-pasta joint that serves a full menu until 1 a.m.—an amenity that almost smacks of big-city ideals. As a longtime fan of al Vento, chef-owner Jon Hunt’s other venture in the Nokomis neighborhood, I’m as giddy as a birthday girl smashed on Prosecco to have this as a late-night option. [2451 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.374.8998]

If an urbane all-night party is what you’re after, there’s no cooler place to be right now than Barrio, the latest venture by Tim McKee and Josh Thoma of La Belle Vie and Solera fame. Billed as a tequila bar, the space feels more like a hip European-style club for the grown and sexy 25+ crowd. The kind you find on vacation with house music pumping out of the floor-to-ceiling windows and well-dressed revelers flirting happily with the assistance of free-flowing top-shelf spirits. Barrio has some decent bar food: made-to-order guacamole and corn-tortilla tacos, that sort of thing, but I say the star of this show is the vibe: a much-needed breath of funky-fresh air into downtown’s staid Nicollet Mall. [925 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.333.9953]

Initially, the announcement that Manny’s and Parasole would be the main dining option for Minneapolis’s edgy, ultra-modern W hotel concept was met with some confusion. But upon closer inspection, what could make more sense? The big boy’s steakhouse is best known for its “bludgeons of beef” and big bank accounts, and is now squished together with the hotel’s Living Room—a fashion plate’s dream hangout—all pink and purple and pearly white, while the menu serves up dainty treats like girl-sized “butter burgers.” And with the two spaces joined together by a suggestive green door (a wink to the infamous adult movie), well, just consider the possibilities. [825 Marquette Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.339.9900]

The fact that Stillwater—best known for paddleboats, overpriced antiques and Americana kitsch—got its own Jamaican jerk shack this year gives us hope that anything’s possible in the Minnesota culinary scene. Smalley’s, the other new project by Thoma and McKee, has received a lot of press for its pirate-bar theme, which is just a tongue-in-cheek nod to the “pirate” lifestyle of cooks and chefs. The restaurant features authentic Jamaican-style barbecue cooked over pimento wood—the source of allspice and the basis of all good jerk. [423 Mainstreet, Stillwater; 651.439.5375]