OAKLAND. At this trendy downtown cafe, a changing supply of local art enlivens brick walls, and modern furnishings add to the upscale ambiance. Gourmet sandwich combinations have garnered a following among area professionals, who line up for baguettes filled with feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and eggplant or turkey with fontina. Grilled focaccia sandwiches and organic salads are available as well.

OAKLAND. Jade Villa's vast dining room stays busy with patrons who can't get enough of the huge selection of authentic dim sum tidbits. Seafood dishes are consistently delicious, as are delicate steamed dumplings and well-stuffed rice wrappers.

OAKLAND. Located in the East Bay, this coffee shop-style restaurant ignores dining trends but gets high marks for its interesting, vaguely Asian atmosphere and appealing, diner-like menu. Considered a local treasure by many, it's the best place to go for hash browns, bacon, 20 kinds of omelets, eggs Benedict, great coffee, waffles, and huevos rancheros. The quirky favorite even displays the best of its patrons' napkin art on the walls.