Convention Wisdom

> Athens Market Taverna
A longtime favorite of local business folk, this lovely taverna ranks as one of San Diego's best Greek restaurants. Best bets include lamb chops and leg of lamb; lentil or lemon-chicken soup; moussaka; and garlicky Greek-style meatballs. Adjacent to Horton Plaza. Sundays are reserved for private parties.

> Chive
Don't let the minimalist décor fool you: Chive is a great place to indulge the senses. Along with an impressive list of cocktails and wines by the glass, the restaurant serves some of downtown's best fare. Look for imaginative preparations of fresh fish, duck, beef and pork, along with several vegetarian dishes and desserts worth a trip in themselves. Dinner only.
www.chiverestaurant.com

> Dobson's
A smart, well-dressed business crowd frequents this clubby bar and grill for topnotch food and great people watching. In addition to tables in the busy, conversation-filled bar area, there's an upstairs dining room that overlooks the scene below. Signature dishes are mussel bisque, veal sweetbreads, lamb and fresh fish specials.
www.dobsonsrestaurant.com

> Greek Islands Café
Located in Seaport Village, this ultra-casual Greek restaurant offers good cooking and a choice of indoor or outdoor seating with terrific harbor views. The menu features gyros sandwiches, roast chicken, spanokopita, stuffed grape leaves and other Greek fare.
www.greekislandscafe.com

> Lou & Mickey's
Located right at the foot of Fifth Avenue, this handsome restaurant/cocktail lounge is a favorite with the meat and potatoes crowd. The menu is heavy on steaks, chops and fresh seafood, but offers pastas, salads and lots of hot appetizers as well. Friendly, upscale atmosphere; some patio seating.
www.louandmickeys.com

> Monsoon Fine Cuisine of India
You'll find well-prepared Indian food (including numerous vegetarian dishes) at this lushly decorated dining room and bar near Horton Plaza. Highlights of the lengthy menu are authentic chutneys and relishes; fragrant curries and stews prepared from lamb, chicken or seafood; chicken tandoori; and excellent Indian breads. Sidewalk seating available.
www.monsoonrestaurant.com

> Sally's
Talk about location: this Seaport Village restaurant right on the boardwalk has some of the best views in town. Outdoor tables and seats in the bar offer the best vantage points; the restaurant also offers an unusual "chef's table" in the kitchen which can be reserved for up to 12 diners. Specialties include fresh oysters, divine crab cakes, and several types of fresh fish daily.
www.hyatt.com

> The Yard House
This vast, fun-loving beer bar and restaurant offers more than 120 varieties of brewskis on tap. Better yet, it offers a crowd-pleasing menu ranging from appetizers to main dishes and desserts. Standouts are the seared ahi, individual pizzas, grilled fresh fish and wonderful burgers. Dinner until midnight on Friday and Saturdays.
www.yardhouse.com