One of downtown Davis’ prettiest dining options, Bistro 33 offers an exciting menu of Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes. The former site of Davis’ historic City Hall, the meticulously renovated restaurant has a stunning patio dining area that gets thronged in the warmer months. Bistro 33 is a fave of the university crowd, and it gets especially packed at lunch time, so it’s a good idea to make reservations, especially if you have a preference for the location of your table. The lower dining area is dominated by a very large, circular bar, flanked by springy booths. Loud and crowded, this can be a less than ideal spot for a business lunch or serious conversation. Upstairs, the dining area is a bit quieter and patrons can choose between a booth or table—there are also several very spacious, pretty tables available that are great for an office party or large group. The focus of the upstairs dining area is a large wood fired oven, behind which is a stunning, metallic-abalone shimmered tile mosaic wall. Swags of burgundy-colored cloth swoop elegantly from the ceiling and a pretty wine collection rests against one wall. Calamari lovers will enjoy Bistro 33’s feather-light rendition, served up with a smoky grilled lemon half and two yummy dipping sauces: Thai sweet chili and lemon aioli. In fact, people who like small plates will be very pleased to see the kitchen’s wide selection, from the popular espresso barbecued baby back ribs and the Dungeness crab cakes to the indulgent baked hazelnut crusted goat cheese. Recommended entrees include the panini sandwiches, for which the restaurant is famous (don’t miss The Rainier, filled with roasted chicken, smoked mozzarella cheese and caramelized onions); and the luscious Bistro meatloaf, a fabulous dish for a chilly Davis afternoon. Service can be slow, so plan accordingly, but you can’t find a more attractive venue in Davis in which to wait for your meal. — Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Like live comedy and poetry readings? You’ll find both, plus an interactive “pub quiz” night at Bistro 33. Call for details.

Reservations: Recommended

Payment methods: AmEx, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Full bar

Corkage fee: $10

Hours: Monday–Wednesday: Lunch/Dinner (same menu) 11:30 .am.–10 p.m.
Thursday–Friday: Lunch/Dinner 11:30 a.m.–12 a.m.
Saturday: Breakfast 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; Lunch/Dinner 11:30 a.m.–12 a.m.
Sunday: Breakfast 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; Lunch/Dinner 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.