PALM BEACH. Simple wooden tables and chairs, clustered and close-set, front an exhibition kitchen in this spare, comfortable restaurant. Popular with the Palm Beach crowd, the place is constantly bustling with patrons who clamor for the flavorful Northern Italian cuisine. Risottos that incorporate fresh seafood and vegetables make for an ideal meal. Homemade pastas also have a loyal following, thanks to spinach ricotta ravioli, rigatoni with roasted eggplant, and pappardelle with fresh lobster in a brandy sauce. Roast duck, sauteed snapper, pan-seared veal chops, and lemon chicken also tempt patrons with their rustic goodness. A substantial selection of wines, along with a full bar at the entrance, give license for festivity long after the meal ends.

PALM BEACH. Housed in the Brazilian Court Hotel, this beautiful yellow dining room is outfitted with large windows, upholstered coral chairs and an irresistible patio. Before dinner, enjoy a cocktail in the comfortably furnished bar overlooking the terrace. An interesting variety of starters includes smoked salmon with herbed salad and Scandinavian brown bread, a Spanish tapas platter, and veal ravioli. Diners feast on artfully prepared mains such as the squab tartine with mushroom duxelle. Exquisite desserts draw the meal to a close ­ try the pear struesel with cinnamon ice cream.

MANALAPAN. From the marinated tenderloin tips and stuffed mushrooms to the delectable roasted prime rib, Callaro's splendid fare is worthy of the indulgence. Main dishes, such as crabmeat stuffed shrimp, NY strip steak and grilled lamb chops, are served with a side salad and baked potato, mashed potatoes, fries or rice. A glass of wine and one of their tantalizing sides, like creamed or garlic spinach, round out the meal. Come by at 5:15pm to take advantage of the early bird menu, which includes a salad, side dish, beverage, and dessert with each main dish.

PALM BEACH. No matter which of the dining rooms you sit in, you'll be delighted by the incredible food served at Charley's. Situated just across from the beach, the restaurant offers ocean views from the lounge and delicious seafood throughout. The menu changes frequently, capitalizing on what's freshest. The catch of the day can be grilled, blackened, broiled, or sauteed, and the raw bar offers oysters, clams, and crab claws. You'll also find terrific Dover sole, filet mignon, broiled lobster, and Maryland crab cakes. At lunch, a selection of sandwiches, salads, and pastas figures more prominently, and there's even a bento box available. The well-stocked bar offers great wines, single-malt scotches, and cognacs.

WEST PALM BEACH. The entrance to this restaurant, bakery and bar is grand, with huge Doric columns and impressive tilework. Inside is just as awesome, a dining room ornamented with tons of handpainted details in the style of a latter-day Egyptian temple. The large menu tempts diners with its incredible variety of foods, but it's the dessert fare that really breaks down wills. The cheesecake menu alone offers three dozen options, and that doesn't even include such devilish delights as black-out cake, tiramisu and warm apple dumplings. If you're trying to be good, opt for a goblet of fresh strawberries, or convince yourself that carrot cake is a vegetable. Any way you spin it, don't leave without trying one of their specialties. Patio dining offers views of City Place's piazza.