DOWNTOWN. Hip and stylish, Andaluca is a study in rich tones and sculptural shapes. The menu features local produce prepared with a Mediterranean twist. Among the small plates and shareables, you can choose from lamb dolmas, green gazpacho with crab, or vegetable meze, which includes grilled asparagus, tabbouleh and mushrooms a la Grecque. Entrees include Andaluca Paella with seafood, or roasted quail with blood orange-saffron sauce and rosemary polenta. Every dish can be accompanied by the recommended wine or beer. The wine list has a number of good options in a variety of price ranges. Complimentary valet parking is provided.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND. An interesting union of Northwestern and Mediterranean fare emerges at this romantic eatery, one of Bainbridge Island's culinary treasures. House specialties include Cornish hen with wild rice-almond stuffing, and chicken medallions with Egyptian curry sauce. More exotic dishes are featured as well, such as coffee ground-encrusted ostrich filet with fresh seasonal vegetables. Although the elegant dining room is lovely, during fine weather the best tables are on the tranquil garden patio. In addition, the restaurant promotes regional wines, so you'll have quite an array of choices.

BELLTOWN. This sultry Mediterranean dining spot is one of Belltown's favorite denizens. Along with clean lines and a mix of textures, the restaurant features an open-fire grill that produces incredible dishes like cinnamon-scented quail in black bean sauce, chicken with apricot and green peppercorn cream, and foie gras pizza with arugula and white truffle oil. You'll also find Sonoma duck, roasted red tilapia, and a luscious suckling pig. The helpful staff are glad to help you choose a vintage from the well-rounded wine list.

LANGLEY. Whidbey Island's quaint town of Langley is home to this charming café, which is nestled among family-owned antique and specialty shops. The Garibyan brothers have crafted a Mediterranean menu that's appealing to locals and tourists alike, making the restaurant a favorite dining destination. Appetizers might be stuffed grape leaves, spanakopita, sautéed Penn Cove mussels, or hummus and baba ganouj with fresh warm pita bread. Robustly flavored dinner entrees include sea bass with roasted red bell pepper sauce, moussaka, grilled steaks, lamb, and pastas. For dessert, baklava is a classic!

GREENWOOD. Residents of Seattle's north side definitely count themselves lucky to have this gourmet vegetarian nearby, where the innovative kitchen emphasizes local seasonal produce, grains, cheeses, and herbs, most of it organic. Specialties include English pea agnolotti with asparagus and foraged mushrooms, heirloom tomato risotto cakes with artichoke hearts and summer squash, and parsnip gnocchi with vanilla butter and rapini. For those looking to add a touch of romance, ask for a table on the garden patio out back. It's heated, too, so you can enjoy al fresco dining well into the cooler months.