CALIFORNIA

1515 Restaurant Lounge: Always lively and fun with flavorful pastas and fresh fish. The heated outdoor patio is a good spot to people watch. 1515 N. Main St., 939-1515. www.1515wc.com

Va de Vi Bistro: Small plates, wine flights, striking atmosphere. A highlight is sitting outside under the massive oak tree, weather permitting. 1511 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 979-0100. www.vadevi.com

c-blue Bistro: California/Asian fusion foods at this hip health club and hotel. 2805 N. Jones Rd., 938-8700. www.renaissanceclubsport.com

Vesu: Striking new restaurant in heart of the downtown serves a globally-inspired menu of small plates in a contemporary setting. Open for lunch and dinner. 1388 Locust St., 280-VESU. www.vesurestaurant.com

Bing Crosby's: It's upscale, with lots of singles in the piano bar, especially on Thursday nights. 1342 Broadway Plaza, 939-2464. www.bingcrosbysrestaurant.com

ITALIAN

Montecatini Ristorante: An Italian restaurant with staying power; it opened the day of the big earthquake in 1989. The traditional menu features excellent seafood, pastas and veal. 1528 Civic Dr., 943-6608. www.montecatinirestaurant.com

Prima Ristorante: Everything's made on the premises at this acclaimed contemporary Italian restaurant. Try the salumeria selection or reserve a spot at a winemaker dinner. 1522 North Main St., 935-7780. www.primaristorante.com.

Massimo: Upscale restaurant with a piano bar, serving food from Northern Italy. Perfect for dinner before or after a performance at Lesher Center for the Arts.
1604 Locust St., 932-1474. www.massimoristorante.com

Il Fornaio: Italian food so innovative, you'll forget it's a chain. Lovely dining room with lots of outdoor seating in the heart of downtown shopping.
1430 Mount Diablo Blvd., 296-0100. www.ilfornaio.com

PIZZA

Rocco's: This renowned pizza joint serves delicious pies and so much more. The house specialty is Dante's Inferno. Don't miss the fried ravioli appetizer.
2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 947-6105. www.roccospizzeria.com

The Pizza Place: Convenient spot for downtown lunch crowd. Food is fresh, pizza crust crispy and burgers are served on French rolls. 1521 N Main St., 935-0100. www.thepizzaplacewc.com

Skipolini’s: Hand-rolled dough tossed in a fun, kid-friendly environment. This local favorite has been serving great pizza and beer for over 35 years. 1535 Giammona Dr., 280-1100. www.skipolinispizza.com

Extreme Pizza: Like cactus or peanut sauce on your pie? This is the place for fun gourmet pizzas (and "normal" ones, too). 1630 Cypress St., 930-6100. www.extremepizza.com

SEAFOOD

Scott's: Elegant surroundings, attentive service and good food. They also do Sunday brunch, catering and social events. 1333 N California Blvd., 934-1300. www.scottsrestaurants.com

WC Yacht Club: Always bustling (make a reservation), for a reason.
Best New England clam chowder around; have it with their fish tacos.
1555 Bonanza St., 944-3474. www.walnutcreekyachtclub.com

STEAKHOUSES

Vic Stewart's: Walnut Creek's original elegant steakhouse where you can dine in a Pullman train car. It's a classic all the way, from the food to the martinis.
850 S. Broadway, 943-5666. www.vicstewarts.com

Flemings: Steaks with great sides such as scalloped potatoes and creamed spinach. Start with the lobster tempura. 1685 Mt Diablo Blvd., 287-0297. www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Ruth's Chris: Stylish in surrounding and presentation. We know someone who comes here just for the lemon drops. 1553 Olympic Blvd., 977-3477. www.ruthschris.com

AMERICAN

Hubcaps Diner: On sunny weekends people eat breakfast on the sidewalk, and after hours you might see actors popping in for a late bite after a show down the street. Burgers, shakes, typical diner food. 1548 Bonanza St., 945-6960. www.hubcapsdiner.com

Katy's Kreek: Comfort food, especially big on breakfast. Cozy and casual. Bring your mom here and try the Eggs Benedict. 1680 Locust St., 946-0949. www.katyskreek.com

McCovey's: If you like your ribs and burgers served with personality, this is the place. Kids can run the bases while you watch sports on one of the big screen TVs.
1444 California Blvd., 944-9444. www.mccoveys.com

Lark Creek: Craving meat loaf? This upscale Bradley Ogden restaurant serves American fare with flare, specializing in fresh seasonal produce. Try the Cobb Salad. It's the best. 1360 Locust St., 256-1234. www.larkcreek.com

Stadium Pub: Always bustling, this sports bar has great food including NY pastrami, fish tacos and prime rib. 1420 Lincoln Ave., 256-7302. www.thestadiumpub.com

The Counter: Upscale burger joint where they make it the way you want it, from exotic to classic, and top it with your favorites. 1699 N. California Blvd., 935-3795. www.thecounterburger.com

Sunrise Bistro: The emphasis here is on healthy food, but it's also delicious. For dinner, try the smashed sweet potatoes and brisket. 1559 Botelho Dr., 930-0122. www.sunrisebistrocatering.com

DELI

Genova Delicatessen: Italian meats, fresh ravioli and sauces. Take a number, they line-up for the fresh roasted turkey sandwiches at lunch. Two WC locations:
1105 S. California Blvd., 939-3838 & 2064 Treat Blvd., 938-2888. www.genovadeli.net

Kinder's: Famous for their tasty tri-tip sandwiches and original barbeque sauce.
1831 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 952-9393. www.kindersbbq.com

Morucci's Deli: Fans travel from several towns away for these sandwiches. Try the turkey, tomato and mozzarella on ciabatta or the popular chicken Caesar sandwich. 1218 Boulevard Way, 939-2426.

MEXICAN

Maria Maria: This beautiful restaurant sits on a creek, with seating inside and out.
Try the tortilla soup, seafood guacamole and margaritas. 1470 N. Broadway, 946-1010. www.mariamariarestaurants.com

360 Gourmet Burrito: Fresh delicious burritos made to order. Don't miss their sweet and spicy salsa. 1558 Newell Ave., 935-0126. www.360gb.com

Mi Casa: The owners are from Honduras and the menu may fool you. Mildly spiced cuisine mixes tastes of Mexico and Central America. Try the pupusitas and carne asada. 2195 N. Broadway, 937-8800.

INDIAN

Breads of India: Traditional Indian food with a hip flair. A sister restaurant in Berkeley has constant lines of people waiting for tables; you'll probably luck out at this one. 1358 N. Main St., 256-7684. www.breadsofindia.com

Saroor: Authentic food, with a lunch buffet and sit-down dinners.
2580 N. Main St., 937-2031. www.saroorindiancuisine.net

MEDITERRANEAN

Babalou's: Great food at great prices. Kabobs, gyros and falafels served in a brightly muraled room. 1645 Bonanza St., 930-8000. www.babalous.com

Silk Road: Patio dining, decadent dipping sauce. You can make a meal from the appetizer plate and Greek salad. 1440 N. Main St., 932-9090. www.silkroadwalnutcreek.com

Bijan: Authentic Persian food served in an often boisterous atmosphere (especially on weekends, when there's belly dancing!) 1690 Locust St. 935-1972. www.bijanrestaurant.net

VIETNAMESE

Huynh: This gorgeous restaurant serves delicious, innovative dishes. If you like spicy, try the stuffed squid, if not, the shrimp rolls are a hit. 1512 Locust St., 952-9898. www.huynhrestaurant.com

Le Cheval: Renowned for its authentic dishes and huge selection of classic Vietnamese cuisine; vermicelli salad, ginger crab and lemongrass chicken. 1375 N. Broadway,938-2288. www.lecheval.com

Vanessa’s Bistro 2: Serving “Vietnamese Tapas with a French Twist,” the menu features French onion soup and steak, spicy salmon tartare and Saigon chicken rolls served in a bright atmosphere.1329 N. Main St., 891-4790. www.vanessasbistro2.com

ASIAN FUSION

The Door: Indonesian and Asian flavors blend in sumptuous dishes such as seared scallops, lamb-shank curry and prawn papaya salad. Dine outdoors on the creekside patio, complete with firepit and cozy bar. 1448 S. Main St., 930-8088. www.thedoorrestaurant.com

THAI

Plearn Thai: This cheery little restaurant serves consistently good food; try the pineapple fried rice and fresh coconut juice. 1510 N Main St., 937-7999. www.plearnthaipalace.com

Do Sit Thai Cuisine: New addition to WC dining scene serving authentic food, with a friendly owner on site.1520 Palos Verdes Mall, 933-3889. www.dositthai.com

JAPANESE

Shiro: This is where the hipsters go when they crave raw fish. Nightclub feel, try the ginger and white tuna roll drizzled with lime and sea salt. 1523 Giammona Dr., 945-1400. www.shirowc.com

Sakana Sushi: Don't let the strip mall location fool you. People rave about the fresh food here, as well as the service. 1280 Newell Hill Plaza, 938-6050.

Sasa: Upscale izakaya with dazzling décor and decadently fresh fish. Try the chef’s sushi plate at lunch and the duck, steak and oyster small plates at dinner. 1432 N. Main St., 210-0188. www.sasawc.com

CHINESE

P.F. Chang's: It's a chain restaurant, but doesn't feel like one. Try the lettuce wraps, dan dan noodles and salt & pepper prawns.1205 Broadway Plaza, 979-9070. www.pfchangs.com

OI-C Bowl: Chinese food served with style in a lovely setting. Don't miss the bento box lunch specials. 1616 N. Main St., 287-8118. www.oicbowl.com

COFFEE

Peet's Coffee & Tea: First opened 43 years ago in Berkeley, it's now internationally known as a place to get some serious coffee. Two WC locations: 1343 Locust St., 933-9580 & 1835 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 946-9046. www.peets.com

Pacific Bay Coffee Co.: Locally roasted beans served inside and out.
Cool art and wifi. 1495 Newell Ave., 935-1709.

Whole Foods Coffee Bar: The coffee is organic and delicious and the foam on the latte' is perfect. 1333 E. Newell Ave., 274-9700. www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Café La Scala: Great buzz. A favorite for actors and opera singers after rehearsals and shows. They also serve delicious soups and salads.1655 N Main St., 935-7779.

FROZEN TREATS/DESSERTS

Gelateria Naia: Fresh, local ingredients are used to make stracciatella, pistachio and special flavors like whiskey. 1245 North Broadway, 943-1905. www.gelaterianaia.com

Red Mango: Frozen yogurt with a healthy twist. Survivor fans, take note: Cook Islands winner Yul Kwon owns this franchise and occasionally serves it up.
1157 Locust St., 280-6667. www.redmangousa.com

San Francisco Creamery: Perfect for birthdays and celebrations serving up ice cream and toppings the old fashioned way.1370 Locust St., 926-0228. www.sanfranciscocreameryco.com

CocoSwirl: New kid on the block serving over twenty tempting flavors of frozen yogurt and toppings from fruit to candy.1273 Locust St. www.cocoswirl.com

Yogurt Station: Self-serve and fresh, there are fro-yos for every taste.
2913 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 977-9111. www.theyogurtstation.com

Leonidas Chocolates: Pick up a handful or a pound of Belgian chocolates from this tiny emporium. Indulge while you sip an espresso at one of the shop’s outdoor tables. 1397 N. Main St., 932-6666. www.leonidas.com