COW HOLLOW. One of the Bay Area's best values is this Cow Hollow classic. Boasting a trendy Pan-Asian (or, Pacific Rim) menu and sleek, vintage Chinese décor, Betelnut is great for celebrating big events, business deals, or just enjoying long meals. Specialties include tasty appetizers like chile-encrusted calamari and wok-roasted clams and innovative entrées like spicy coconut chicken and tea-soaked duck.

RICHMOND DISTRICT. This charming bistro, happily ensconced in its small, friendly neighborhood, always issues a warm welcome. Its comfortably upscale dining room is busy but romantic, and patrons delight in Chapeau!'s well-executed French country fare. Classics like steak au poivre, roast chicken, cassoulet and duck a l'orange are served a la carte, but multi-course prix fixe menus and the early bird special are incredible deals. Crowning everything is a fabulous wine list that features more than 300 selections.

MISSION DISTRICT. Charanga adds a Latin twist to San Francisco's melting pot of restaurants. Reasonably priced dishes are a great find and include patatas à la brava (fried potatoes with tomato dipping sauce) and grilled pork chops with potatoes and green beans (which gain kick with a passion-fruit jerk sauce). In fact, many dishes pair meats, seafood, and rustic bases with a sweet-tinged accompaniment, creating a terrific combination of flavors.

MISSION DISTRICT. Simplicity and authenticity reign at this small, popular restaurant. Zinc tabletops and exotic hardwoods bear this out, as does the incomparable Italian fare with its top-notch ingredients. Treat yourself with grilled calamari salad, braised rabbit, steak frites, roasted chicken, or salmon with fresh vegetables. Although Delfina has garnered much acclaim since it premiered, the trattoria still delights with casual ambience, friendly service and satisfyingly reasonable prices ­ all boons to dining aficionados.

THE TENDERLOIN. A little homey, a little kitschy and a lot of good. If you crave homemade breakfast foods and substantial portions, Dottie's is definitely the place to go. In the morning, wonderful pancakes, French toast, frittatas and baked goods bring satisfied grins to hungry, appreciative patrons. As noontime rolls around, sandwiches, salads and hamburgers take center stage. Although Dottie's isn't in San Francisco's best neighborhood, fans don't seem to mind. The charming diner is one you won't want to miss.