The atmosphere at Buca di Beppo is warm and friendly, even fun. For an entree, the Ravioli al Pomodoro filled with mild cheese and tomato sauce is sure to please. Choose from several huge Neapolitan-style pizzas, each two feet long and one foot wide. The crusts are thin, crisp and wonderfully smoky tasting. A selection of salads and an amazing selection of desserts like lemon cream puffs is also available, as well as special Buca bread pudding and a very unusual chocolate cannoli. Portions are large at the Buca di Beppo and are meant to be shared.

The big Buddha statue and gurgling fish fountain appeal to kids, but its blend of traditional Chinese and Polynesian dishes is the calling card. A favorite is the Seafood Bird Nest, a combination of prawns, calamari, scallops and mixed vegetables assembled in the shape of a bird's nest. The Cashew Chicken is another star on the menu. An interesting twist on its tradition is the "Empress Fitness" menu featuring entrees prepared without cornstarch. The restaurant also has a full bar with lots of variations of pina coladas and daiquiris.

This eatery has been voted the Best Ribs and Barbecue in Sacramento by readers of Sacramento Magazine and the Sacramento News and Review. Its oak wood fires, slow-smoked cooking techniques and special blends of sauces convey a tangy flavor to the ribs, brisket and burgers. Do not look for frilly sides here; traditional beans, Texas toast, potato salad and home-style fries are the only side dishes available.

This unique cafe combines fine wines and delicious food from an innovative Mediterranean menu. The decor is cozy and romantic. You can order wine by the glass or by the bottle. The cafe has a corkage fee. From the dinner menu, its Pan-seared Salmon with Fava Bean Ragout is a favorite. For a truly romantic and unforgettable dining experience sit at one of the patio tables. This great dining spot is only open for dinner.

Head on to the Kitchen on weekend evenings, for the Demonstration Dinners-five-course meals that last four hours. Throughout the dinner, you will marvel at the chefs working in full view of the dining room in a open kitchen. The menu changes from day to day, but diners can always be sure of the freshest of ingredients and innovative entrees. The prix-fixe dinners are rather expensive compared to most Sacramento restaurants, but the wines are reasonably priced. Reservations are emphatically recommended; all seats can be booked months in advance. Call ahead for opening hours.

The name is pronounced so-chee-mill-co which is the floating gardens in Mexico City. This eatery serves tasty traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly family atmosphere. For a tasty break from enchiladas and fajitas, try the flaky fish tacos, zesty chili verde or shrimp ranchero. Burgers and fries are also offered for the less adventurous. The building and decor are nothing special, but the place has developed a loyal clientele of very satisfied diners.

Gunther's Quality Ice Cream is a small diner and ice cream parlor. Its menu features sandwiches, soups and its namesake ice cream. Most of the ice cream is homemade and scooped generously into cones or piled high into sundae dishes. The popular flavors include Bing cherry and chocolate mint. Specialty items include mud pie on a stick cheesecake dipped in chocolate, and chocolate-dipped banana slices. You can eat inside at one of the four booths or sit at a table outside on the sidewalk.

Founded more than 100 years ago, this combination restaurant and winery is the oldest family-owned wine producer in Sacramento. The Frasinetti's features Redwood walls, burgundy tablecloths, candlelight and huge wooden vats. The cozy bar features a beautiful rock fireplace and French doors leading to the deck and gardens. Capellini Pomodoro (pasta in tomato, basil, mushroom sauce with Mozzarella cheese), and Risotto Encrusted Salmon (topped with mushroom risotto) are among entree choices. Free wine tasting is available in the gift shop or tasting room.

This unique restaurant offers a Japanese variation on shish kebabs, the Turkish grilled and skewered meat and vegetable dish. One-inch cubes of shrimp, bacon, chicken or calamari are placed on bamboo skewers with Yaki Onigiri (grilled rice balls), tofu, and various veggies. The shish kebabs are quickly grilled while being constantly brushed with barbecue sauce. See their website for further information.

This charming little house with a swing on the porch is a cafe. The small dining room is decorated with matching blue tablecloths and curtains. The breakfast menu features more than 40 different omelet creations, filled with meat, vegetables, fruits, or seafood. For lunch, select from burgers, sandwiches, crepes and several kosher items. The cafe's hot and gooey cinnamon rolls are the star of the dessert menu. The dining room's 40 seats fill up fast at breakfast.