ANAHEIM. Former presidents, celebrities, and princesses have all dined here, enjoying owner Bruno Serato's Northern Italian cuisine. A signature dish, Gucci Chicken, is baked in parchment with leeks, shiitake mushrooms, and fresh sage and then served with whole-grain mustard sauce. The award-winning restaurant ­ set in a romantic Victorian mansion with intimate dining rooms, candlelit tables, and incredible service ­ has it all, including a little something called the Pastry Chariot that's certain to make any meal unforgettable.

FULLERTON. Mamma mia! Had P.T. Barnum been Italian, this is the type of restaurant he would have created. From the Piazza Fantasia with Christmas lights to the flying Gelardis (high-wire dummies), there's entertainment for everyone. Nevertheless, fun doesn't overwhelm the food. From pizzas with gourmet toppings to hand-stuffed ravioli, calamari, and vegetarian dishes, this Italian fun house promises delicious food and guarantees a great time!

IRVINE. A calming space detailed with draped fabrics, subtle colors, and traditional artwork sets the scene for an updated taste of the subcontinent. The cuisine is an amalgam of past and present, defined by earthy spices and spot-on preparation. Masala-roasted halibut, tandoori-cooked lamb chops, and seared, spiced scallops hint at the menu's richness, along with curries and classics like chicken tikka masala. An outdoor patio is available, and a lounge offers exotic cocktails favored by UC Irvine students and local professionals. Great Sunday brunch buffet too.

LAGUNA BEACH. For seafood with an Asian flair, locals head to this charmer, which sits right on the beach and serves deliciously sinful portions of Manila clams with cha soba noodles, rock shrimp linguini with chili-lemon pasta, Cajun-style tilapia, and Mediterranean bouillabaisse. The scene, ideal for a romantic dinner, features panoramic views of the Pacific ­ a setting even more picture-perfect as the sun sets in the evening. Look for an elegant brunch as well.

WESTMINSTER. Since the late 1980s, this East Coast-style bagel chain has helped make morning drives more tolerable. Get a specialty bagel topped with anything your heart desires: lox, chives, spinach, mushrooms, artichokes, Southwestern turkey sausage, or even Egg Beaters. Of course, regulars know to go the shmear route, opting for a heaping swipe flavored with sun-dried tomato, jalapeno, maple raisin walnut, or fat-smoked salmon. A cup of hot roasted house coffee makes the breakfast of commuters complete.