Not so long ago, fine dining was not a phrase most people associated with Wyoming. Over the last couple of decades, that has changed. It's still easy to find dinner houses that specialize in generous portions of beef and potatoes, but food lovers can find much more if they know where to look.

As you would expect, the area around Jackson Hole has the highest concentration of upscale eateries, but gastronomic explorers will find some delicious surprises in other corners of the state. Bon appétit!

The Blue Lion, Jackson
Elk tenderloin, rack of lamb, fresh fish and seafood flown in daily are some of what you will find at this Jackson favorite. This place is expensive, but you get a 20 percent discount with the "early bird special" if you dine before 6 p.m. in summer and 6:30 p.m. the rest of the year.

Jenny Lake Lodge, Grand Teton National Park
Amazing food with an unsurpassable view at a reasonable price -- it sounds too good to be true, but that is what you'll get here. The best deal is the fixed price six-course dinner which may include appetizers like chilled lobster salad or smoked sturgeon ravioli and entrees like rack of lamb or prime rib of buffalo, plus a selection of decadent desserts. But you better dress for the occasion or you won't be seated.

Paisley Shawl, Glenrock
Located in the Hotel Higgins in a small town about 20 miles east of Casper, this restaurant offers the area's finest dining. Entrees include filet mignon, duckling, shrimp scampi and rack of lamb. The tables, which seat 60, are set with fine linen and crystal. The walls are hung with rifles, hunting trophies and bear skins. The Highlander Pub, adjacent to the dining room, serves appetizers and simpler fare along with more than 30 kinds of domestic and imported beer.

Overland Restaurant, Laramie
This restaurant shines at night, when dinners can pair vintages from the huge wine cellar with wild game dishes like venison, ostrich and local trout. The menu also has pasta, quiche, beef, chicken and seafood entrees, so it's easy to please most tastes.

Nani's Genuine Pasta House, Jackson
It's not so easy to find, but the food here makes the search worth the effort. Chef Camille Parker grew up eating at Nani's and studied Italian cuisine in Sicily and Rome. Nani's specializes in authentic regional Italian dishes with a classic menu served year round, a regional menu that changes monthly and nightly specials.