Located downtown on historic Route 66, the Artichoke Café has a cosy, modern décor with rotating art exhibits and a creative Mediterranean and American cuisine. Its fine-dining menu focuses on New American cuisine, using fresh, seasonal ingredients and classic French cooking techniques. Choices range from crab cakes or fried artichokes for starters to lamb rack, duck breast or scallops for mains.

This Old Town restaurant has a colourful history. Built as a private hacienda in the 18th century, it later became a gambling parlour and, so they say, a brothel. Modern-day diners are urged to find their inner cowboy by tucking into great steaks and wild game. The signature High Noon steak is a brown, sugar-coriander cured tenderloin, served atop wild mushroom enchiladas, while spicier alternatives include crab relleno and green chilli stew.

A handsome, romantic, yet reasonably priced restaurant in hip Nob Hill, Zinc serves an exemplary French bistro menu, complemented by a wide selection of wines by the glass or bottle. Expect warm colours, stained glass, and freshly cut flowers in the dining room, a zinc-top bar serving up cocktail, plus a bar offering views of the open kitchen. Come to savour steak frites, French onion soup, smoked trout on potato pancakes, or sea bass served over a chilled noodle salad.