This restaurant has earned a loyal following thanks to its Californian cuisine, which features oak-grilled meat dishes, fresh seafood and pasta creations, crisp salads, and hand-tossed pizzas.

Amaretto French toast, breakfast burritos, eggs Bernardo (eggs and hollandaise on toasted rosemary bread), freshly squeezed juices and bakery muffins ­ what more could you ask for? Well, there's plenty to go with that, including huevos rancheros, buttermilk pancakes, chorizo and eggs. You'll also find fragrant coffee drinks, including cafe au lait and a robust Italian roast. Bountiful breakfasts in an energetic atmosphere.

OLD SACRAMENTO. Part of the reputable Fat family culinary dynasty, this restaurant is a wonderful tribute to the presence and contributions of early Asian immigrants on the West Coast. The interior meshes the rusticity of a historic warehouse with the refinements of Asian art and the airiness of the tropics. The cuisine is an amalgam of Asian and Californian styles, including dishes like spicy orange chicken and honey walnut prawns. Deliciously seasoned steaks are also a strong draw.

Atmosphere and food are both top draws at this restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner only on Fridays. The gracious place is warm and airy, adorned with frescoes and tapestries for Old World interest. The lunch menu is Californian, boasting crisp salads, an antipasto plate, and entrees that range from a barbecued pork sandwich to salmon fritters and crab cakes. You can also opt for a wood-fired pizza, seafood jambalaya, or the house burger. If you stop by for dinner, a pianist adds a romantic touch to the experience.

This fine dining establishment has it all and is known for serving wonderful steaks and seafood in an open atmosphere, complete with live piano music. While dinner is a leisurely experience (three hours of valet parking is complimentary), the midday meal is popular for power lunches during the week. Lunch is served in the comfortable bar area, which is where you can also find sushi and sashimi.