OLD CITY. Owner-chef Jose Garces' tantalizing tapas ­ Spanish octopus and garlic shrimp among them ­ give his fabulous lobster paella, suckling pig and other main courses a true run for their money. If you're with a group, for an especial treat let Garces hand-select the tapas for your table; at $45 per person, it's well worth the price. Flamenco dancing is featured every Wednesday, and their sinfully good signature sangrias are available throughout the week.

DOWNTOWN. A casual alternative to George Perrier's Le Bec Fin, this restaurant serves contemporary French cuisine with Asian and Italian influences. The modern deco interior features warm rich colors and lighting, and a large bar area. Starters include escargot with sauteed spinach and macadamia pernod, and yellow tomato gazpacho. Entree choices may include seared flank steak with black pepper fettuccini, or wild striped bass with lemon couscous. Dessert is a must-have ­ try the pistachio crème brulee or a citron tart.

OLD CITY. Where do they mix Philly's top martinis? Many folks'd tell you it's at the white-toned bar of Market Street's über urbane diner, The Continental. Without question, the evocative elixirs served up here have few rivals. What's more, they're perfect complements to the global tapas prepared by the kitchen ­ dishes like beer-battered shrimp and calamari with saffron aioli, grilled octopus or crab pad thai. As for the scene, try to envision a Kubrick-esque take on the diner concept, complete with sleek olive-green banquettes and olive-shaped halogen lamps.

CENTER CITY. This Center City restaurant and lounge made its debut in 2000, and in the years since has done nothing except cement its place atop the list of Philly's most attractive gathering places on or off the Avenue of the Arts. Indeed, the stylish space, which pairs exposed brick walls with cool, contemporary furniture, has become a neighborhood fixture, and many of its regulars are folks who are intimately involved with the arts. Come early in the evening and enjoy a pre-theater feast of Mediterranean and Latin-influenced tapas; stop by bar after the show, and you'll find the mixed crowd is comprised of more than a few pretty faces.