Favorite Restaurant

Oliveto

There's no need to introduce Oliveto, a Bay Area institution and a world-renowned restaurant that consistently serves up outstanding classic Italian fare any night of the week. Housemilled polenta, expertly cured meat, tender handmade pasta--Oliveto has it all. Vogue describes Oliveto's repast as " ... probably the most subtle and authentic Italian food outside Italy." Esquire proclaims the eatery "[One of ] The Finest Italian Restaurants in America." Here in Oakland, we just call it "the best." 5655 College Ave., (510) 547-5356, www.oliveto.com.

New Restaurant

Tamarindo Antojeria Mexicana

Since opening its doors in summer 2005, Tamarindo has packed its tiny Old Oakland space to capacity with Mexican food aficionados eager to sample a variety of regional cuisines in bite-size servings. Owner Gloria Dominguez has created an atmosphere that's warm and inviting--think exposed brick accented with tea candles--and a menu packed with antojitos or "little whims" like Cochinita Pibil and Chile Poblana con Verduras that delight the taste buds and, two bites later, are gone. 468 Eighth St., (510) 444-1944, www.tamarindoantojeria.com.

Best Beer

Barclays Restaurant & Pub

For 15 years, Barclays has combined one of the most extensive beer selections in the East Bay with great food and a warm atmosphere. The College Avenue bar is below street level and reminiscent of Cheers in more ways than one. "It's a neighborhood bar, a home away from home," says manager Ryan Westerman. "Everybody knows everybody else." Each beer at Barclays--and there are always 30 of them on tap--is given a number. Drink 100 different varieties and earn a permanent place in history with an engraved plaque over the bar. 5940 College Ave., (510) 654-1650, www.barclayspub.com.

Ice Cream/Kid Friendly

Fentons Creamery & Restaurant

Disneyland aside, it doesn't get much better than this for a kid. Thirty-plus flavors of homemade ice cream, milk shakes, floats, splits, fresh-baked pie a la mode and sundaes dripping with hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream and more. Patrons travel across the country to satisfy cravings for The Black & Tan, the creamery's most popular frozen dish, which pairs toasted almond and vanilla ice cream with toppings of house-made caramel, chocolate fudge, whipped cream and sprinkles of almonds and cherries. If you save room for dinner, try the house specialty: a crab salad sandwich "made the old-fashioned way." After a century of business, Fentons has it down to a science. 4226 Piedmont Ave., (510) 658-7000, www.fentonscreamery.com.

Breakfast

Mama's Royal Cafe

Since 1974, Mama's Royal Cafe has been the breakfast king in Oakland. The funky and hip location is a local favorite that plates up some of the best breakfasts in town to those willing to brave long lines. Also a favorite lunch and brunch spot, the cafe features quality ingredients from local producers including Acme breads, Petaluma eggs and Peerless coffee. "We make a breakfast like your mama never made," says owner George Marino. While dining make sure to check out the napkin art gracing the walls--the cafe holds a yearly contest to judge the best doodles. 4012 Broadway, (510) 547-7600, www.mamasroyalcafeoakland.com.

Dessert

Bittersweet

There's no better way to spend a rainy day than sipping a rich, frothy chocolate drink at Bittersweet's French country-style cafe. It's no ordinary cup of cocoa--the White Chocolate Dream features Venezuelan white chocolate infused with cardamom and exotic spices; the Spicy! packs the power of pepper with traces of cinnamon and rose. If you're not in the mood for liquid sweets, no worries; Bittersweet offers chocolate in the form of confections, baked goods, lip balm, literature and 120 different types of bars. "Chocolate can be intimidating," says Penelope Finnie, one of Bittersweet's four founders. "Our goal was to create a relaxed, informal setting where people could learn about and enjoy chocolate from all over the world." Mission accomplished. 5427 College Ave., (510) 654-7159, www.bittersweetchocolatecafe.com.

Outdoor Dining

Pasta Pomodoro

What better way to enjoy Fettuccine Alfredo, Rigatoni Bolognese and Penne Portobello than on a cozy outdoor patio? The Pasta Pomodoro porch is the perfect place to simultaneously enjoy authentic, affordable Italian cuisine and one of the best scenes in the city. The patio, which looks out on the Rockridge business district, is accented with cool metal tables and potted geraniums and birds of paradise. On any given summer night, you'll find it packed to capacity with diners soaking in the warmth of the heat lamps, the hustle-bustle of street traffic and the heaping plates of pasta. Mangia! 5500 College Ave., (510) 923-0900, www.pastapomodoro.com.

Coffee

Peet's Coffee & Tea

There's no mistaking the rich flavor of Peet's coffee. Known as the "grandfather of specialty coffee," Peet's got its start on the corner of Vine and Walnut streets in Berkeley's now-famous gourmet ghetto. Forty years after Dutch-born Alfred Peet opened the flagship, the aromatic brews have spawned a nationwide cult following and are currently bagged, blended and poured in 120 retail stores in six states. For those who prefer a gentler jolt, Peet's also offers 35 varieties of tea, ranging from the traditional (like English Breakfast and chamomile) to the exotic (i.e., Chinese Ti Kwan Yin and Golden Dragon Oolong). 3258 Lakeshore Ave., (510) 832-6761 (Lakeshore); 2066 Antioch Court, (510) 339-6075 (Montclair) and 4050 Piedmont Ave., (510) 655-3228 (Piedmont); www.peets.com.

Margarita

Dona Tomas

This Temescal hot spot serves up three different kinds of margaritas: the de Casa (hand-shaken Pepe Lopez, triple sec and fresh lime on the rocks), the Especial (hand-shaken Sauza Blanco, Citronage and fresh lime on the rocks) and the de la Reyna (hand-shaken El Tesora, Cointreau and fresh lime served up). A favorite for upscale and seasonal Mexican dishes, Dona Tomas boasts some pretty long lines, so grab a seat at the bar (aka the red room) and sample some of the best margaritas in town while you wait--it's worth it. 5004 Telegraph Ave., (510) 450-0522,  www.donatomas.com.

Editors' Pick

Best South-of-the-Border Flavor

Cactus Taqueria

California cuisine meets traditional Mexican fare at this Rockridge favorite. Far from your local hole in the wall, Cactus puts an emphasis on freshness, sustainability and health, cranking out gourmet burritos, tacos and dinner plates. Choosing a filling is no easy task--but Niman Ranch carne asada, mole-slathered chicken and camarones sauteed in garlic lime and butter top the list. Standard Mexican dishes like enchiladas, chile rellenos and tamales also tempt and keep the local following coming back for more. 5642 College Ave., (510) 658-6180, www.cactustaqueria.com. (Also at 1881 Solano Ave., Berkeley, 510-528-1881.)

Editors' Pick

Best Spot for the Homesick (and Hungry) Chicago Transplant

Zachary's Pizza

With more than 100 best pizza awards under its belt, Zachary's empire is hardly a secret (expect a busy signal when ordering out and a lengthy wait for a table when dining in), and there's a reason for that. The ooey-gooey cheese, the buttery crust, the expertly seasoned chunky tomato sauce--it's a recipe for perfection that Zachary's has spent the past 23 years mastering at its two East Bay locations. The spinach-and-mushroom stuffed pie, Zachary's "pride and joy," is about as good as it gets on this side of the Mississippi and maybe the world. 5801 College Ave., (510) 655-6385, www.zacharys.com. (Also at 1853 Solano Ave., Berkeley, 510-525-5950.)

Editors' Pick

Best Bar to Bond with the Raider Nation

Ricky's Sports Theatre & Grill

Named by Sports Illustrated as the second-best sports bar in America, Ricky's has been a local institution since 1946. There's no better place to view the silver and black than on one of 80 TVs at this massive bar, which boasts Raider players among the clientele and walls lined with team paraphernalia. Even the menu is football-oriented featuring Game Day Burgers dedicated to NFL teams and Hall of Fame Sandwiches named after Raiders enshrined in Canton. 15028 Hesperian Blvd., San Leandro, (510) 352-0200, www.rickys.com.

Shops & Boutiques