Continental in California

The French Laundry is one of Napa Valley's hidden treasures. The upscale restaurant, which takes reservations up to a year in advance, is headed by Chef and owner Thomas Keller. Everyday the restaurant creates two unique nine-course tasting menus. The small courses, in which no ingredient is used twice, are designed to excite the mind and pique curiosity. 

For an authentic fine dining Italian meal, locals flock to La Vecchia Cucina located on Main Street near Ocean Park Boulevard. It offers pasta, pizza, panini and salads. Entrees include Filet Mignon, Salmon and Roasted Chicken all prepared with the finest Italian spices and freshest ingredients. This is a great spot for a family meal or a romantic first date. The atmosphere is classy yet warm and welcoming, and the staff offers first class service.

Family-owned and -operated, this quaint restaurant offers up some of the tastiest Italian foods in town, from spaghetti Angellina to Margarita pizza.  Moderately priced with free parking, K Pasta has limited tables but does offer indoor and outdoor seating. Open seven days a week, K Pasta also offers takeout.   

Linguini's is a casual pizza joint and fine Italian restaurant in one location. Grab a pie and a beer, or dine on pasta and wine. Orders can be placed via phone or Internet, and free Wi-Fi is available for customers. The restaurant opened in Alameda in 1988.

Sprazzo Cucina Italiana serves authentic family recipe Italian cuisine. Stephen and Odilia Chinelli, originally from Abruzzi, Italy, own and operate this restaurant decorated with the charm of a European cafe. Several paninis are served at lunchtime, along with some of the dinner selections. Pasta choices include fettucine al salmone, ravioli portabello, linguini diavolo and risotto scampi. Several chicken, veal and fish plates are served, along with a New Zealand rack of lamb. A specialty here is the gnocchi, with eight varieties made from an old Florentine recipe. Four different 10" pizzas are served all the time. The extensive wine list here includes many varietals from Italy, California, Oregon, France, New Zealand and South Africa. Reservations can be made by phone or online.