KEY WEST. Reserve will in advance if you want to dine at this authentic Italian restaurant. Professional servers bustle around the intimate wood-paneled dining room. Start with exquisitely fresh carpaccio served drizzled with truffle oil. Favorite entrees include the traditional veal Marsala, the yellowtail snapper poached with leeks and served on artichoke risotto and the fettuccine with asparagus and shiitake mushrooms. All of the pastas are homemade, as is the warm-from-the-oven focaccia bread. Smart-casual to business-dressy attire. Reservations essential.

KEY WEST. Café Sole's classically trained chef prepares delicious meals that have become favorites around Key West. A variety of salads are available for your first course ­ try the tomato salad or the endive salad. Next, sample the nightly risotto special. Popular main entrees are snapper with mango salsa, roasted duck served with cranberry compote and marinated pork loin with caramelized onions. After your meal linger over a cup of rich French roast coffee or a cognac.

KEY WEST. You know a restaurant is superb when it has been in business for more than 20 years. Café des Artiste maintains their reputation by serving excellently prepared traditional French cuisine. The duck liver pate appetizer is served with fresh truffles and heady cognac. There is also a daily escargot special. The house specials are lobster flambé with mango and basil, and the ginger-rosemary lamb chops. Your server can help you choose the perfect wine to complement your meal. Smart-casual attire. Reservations recommended.

KEY WEST. Authentic Cuban food at excellent prices ­ what's not to like? The locals line up to feast at El Siboney. Cuban sandwiches, juicy roast pork and heaping portions of rice and beans are common meal selections. Try the black bean soup or the paella with fresh seafood and chicken. Be sure you have some cash on hand ­ credit cards are not accepted. Casual attire.

KEY WEST. This spot has everything a good Italian restaurant should ­ friendly staff, warm ambiance and homemade pasta. Snack on bruschetta or proscuitto with melon while you read the menu. The penne Venezia is tossed with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and crabmeat. The cannelloni is stuffed with veal and spinach. Or for something lighter, try the eggplant stuffed with ricotta and roasted peppers. Homemade tiramisu is a dessert that properly tops off any meal. Smart-casual attire. Reservations suggested.