Bay City reveals culture, scenic escapes

San Francisco is famous for its vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, and famous landmarks. When it comes to dining and entertainment in the Bay Area, there is something for everyone.

DINING

No matter what you're craving, you'll find a wide variety of great restaurants within a short walk or cab ride from the Moscone Center. From American to European to Thai, you'll find something to fit your palate and your budget.

Chop Bar ( http://www.chopbar510.com/; 510/834-2467) An eco-friendly atmosphere created with reclaimed, recycled, and reused materials, this pub serves up great meals using the finest locally grown and raised ingredients.

Fifth Floor ( http://www.fifthfloorrestaurant.com/; 415/348-1555) Fifth Floor features innovative contemporary American cuisine served à la carte, as well as on tasting menus and includes vegetarian options.

Mel's Drive-In ( http://www.melsdrive-in.com/; 415/227-0793) Reminiscent of the tastes, sights, and sounds of a 1950s drive-in, Mel's Drive-In features good food, prompt and friendly service, cleanliness, and reasonable prices.

Asian

Ame ( http://www.amerestaurant.com/; 415/284-4040) Ame features Asian-inspired cuisine, an assortment of artisan cheeses, and an extensive list of sakes and handcrafted wines in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.

Canton Seafood and Dim Sum Restaurant ( http://www.cantonsf.com/; 415/495-3064) Canton Seafood and Dim Sum Restaurant has won local awards for its authentic Cantonese style cuisine, featuring dim sum or bite-sized delicacies famous in the Guangong province in China.

Straights Restaurant ( http://www.straitsrestaurants.com/; 415/668-1783) Straights Restaurant offers Singaporean dishes in a warm, sophisticated atmosphere combined with an innovative cocktail list.

French

Lulu ( http://www.restaurantlulu.com/; 415/495-7810) Set in a 1910 warehouse transformed into a colorful contemporary space, this venue features an open row of rotisseries and grills used to serve up a family style seasonal Provencal menu.

Le Charm French Bistro ( http://www.lecharm.com/; 415/546-6128) With its rustic décor and bistro favorites, Le Charm French Bistro will transport you to a garden patio in the French countryside.

Italian

Ducca ( http://www.duccasf.com/; 415/977-0271) The upscale Ducca offers an authentic taste of Venice just minutes from Moscone Center.

Puccini & Pinetti ( http://www.pucciniandpinetti.com/; 415/392-5500) This family-friendly spot is a casual setting for pasta, sandwiches, and pizzas featuring full Italian flavors made with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients.

Indian

New Delhi Restaurant ( http://www.newdelhirestaurant.com/; 415/397-8470) Named one of the finest Indian Restaurants in the United States by The New York Times, the New Delhi serves up recipes culled from royal Indian menus dating back 400 years.

Thai

Cha-Am ( http://www.chaamthaisf.com/; 415/546-9710) A popular neighborhood lunch and dinner spot, patrons enjoy Cha-Am's modern décor and authentic Thai cuisine, inspired by the owner's family home cooking.

Osha Thai ( http://www.oshathai.com/; 415/278-9991) With multiple chic locations in the city, Osha Thai features delicious curries, seafood, lamb, duck, savory soups, and fresh spring rolls. Each dish emphasizes the balance of each ingredient's flavor, texture, and seasoning.