Elegant northern Italian cuisine and luxurious surroundings make this a special-occasion destination.

The Scene
This venerable Italian restaurant has the same rarefied dignity it's always had, with pale yellow walls and watercolors of Venetian scenes glowing softly in the elegant Murano lamplight. Sparkling crystal decanters and oversized flower bouquets add drama to the small dining room, where anniversaries are celebrated, marriages are proposed and San Francisco's Italophiles come to worship.

The Food
Culinary treasures continue to impress with elegant but earthy takes on dishes like Parmesan budino (a savory custard), accessorized with spinach and zucchini. A tasting menu with paired wines challenges the taste buds with flavors that range from the delicateness of black truffles served with asparagus tortelloni, to robust parsley-crusted lamb loin. For dessert, try a bourbon-caramel semifreddo with amaretto sauce.