BELLTOWN. Filled with rich wood accents, snowy white tablecloths, and elegant table settings, this restaurant offers Northwest-influenced French classics in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Start with the soup du jour; French onion soup, rich with caramelized onions and gruyère cheese, is a comforting favorite. A grilled sea scallop brochette, served over warm chorizo-potato salad, and a giant mushroom ravioli with white truffle cream are indicative of the menu's breadth. Traditional dishes like coq au vin, beef bourguignonne, and steak frites arrive with delicious sides and don't disappoint. Save room for tiramisu profiteroles or the crème brûlée of the month!

DOWNTOWN. North of Pike Place Market, Etta's is known for its take on superb, fresh-caught seafood. Tourists and locals alike pack the place, and although there's sometimes a wait, the food always compensates for the slight inconvenience. The innovative cuisine features Asian influences and a desire to move beyond traditional preparations. Signature dishes include deep-fried tilapia with scallions and black beans, seared halibut, tuna sashimi, oysters on the half-shell, spice rubbed salmon, and Dungeness crab.

WEST SEATTLE. The view of the skyline is spectacular at this West Seattle hot spot, which received a "most improved award" by a national magazine. The picture window offers a postcard-like vista. The only thing that may distract you from the scenery is Sunday brunch, regularly voted tops by Seattle's citizens in local publications. Sit on the breezy wrap-around deck or the patio, and enjoy a massive array of options, including delectable homemade cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones, sausage, eggs benedict, crab, salmon, fruit, pizzas, salads, omelets, cakes, pies ­ the works! Salty's also provides complimentary limo service from most downtown hotels. Ask your hotel concierge for more information.

DOWNTOWN. Brick walls, beamed ceilings, and patterned carpets surround diners with comfort and warmth at this hotel establishment. Some dishes occasionally feature a Mediterranean sensibility, although the menu is largely American. Steak lovers often frequent the place for prime-grade beef, but you'll also find veal, pheasant, Dungeness crab cakes, and rainbow trout. The selection of bisques also meets with rave reviews, as does the dessert list, which includes tarts, pies, and crème brûlées. After dinner, take your coffee or liqueur into the Fireside Room, where folks play board games or cards and relax by the hearth.

BALLARD. Named after the Tuscan hill town where the owner/chefs met, Volterra brings an authentic slice of Italy to the Northwest. Although the tiled dining room may get noisy, you'll be too enthralled by the signature Tuscan Limoncello Rosemary Drop cocktail to notice. Careful attention to cooking and presentation of fine ingredients like truffles, homemade pastas, wild boar, and beef tenderloin result in dish after luscious dish. Savory orechiette in lamb ragu, accompanied by steamed asparagus in lemon-cheese sauce, is a favorite. Desserts include a rich tiramisu and chestnut panna cotta. The knowledgeable staff won't let the largely Italian wine list get the better of you.