They're on the way to nowhere, but because they're among the city's best, it would be a crime to leave out these destination restaurants. If you're not familiar with the streets of San Francisco, be sure to call first to get directions; otherwise, you'll spend more time driving than dining.

42 Degrees, at 499 Illinois St., 1 block from Third St. (tel. 415/777-5558; Streetcar: 22), is an oh-so-chic supper club. A jazz trio sets the mood in the warehouselike two-story dining room. Sleek cocktailers crowd the dark bar area, which specializes in Scotches, cognacs, and a selection of small vintners' wines. The dining mezzanine has a men's smoking-club feel; downstairs is all 1940s sophistication, from the velvet curtains that frame 22-foot windows right down to the waitstaff and clientele. There's also a dining patio that's a perfect spot for a sunny luncheon. The Mediterranean-influenced menu is rather expensive (main courses run $18-$26), but portions are large, and the food and atmosphere are exceptionally good. The very concise menu changes weekly but usually includes house favorites such as hearts of romaine with dressing, marrow bones with toast, blood sausage, great fish dishes, and Niman meats. (The slow-braised Sonoma lamb shank with polenta, kale, and dates is amazing.) It's easier to book a table at lunch, but the time to come is at dinner, when the chi-chi vibe is full-force; reservations are definitely recommended. 42 Degrees is open Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 9pm, and Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10pm. Jazz is featured on weekends only.

The Ramp, 855 China Basin St. (at the end of Mariposa St.; tel. 415/621-2378; bus: 22 or 48), is an out-of-the-way mecca for seaside snacks, dancing, and drinking that's at its best when the sun is shining. If you're lucky enough to be in San Francisco on one of those rare hot days, head to this bay-side hangout. The fare is of the basic pub grub variety -- burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups from $7 to $11 -- but the rustic boatyard environment and patio seating make this a relaxing place to dine in the sun. In summer, the place really rocks when live bands perform and when tanned, cocktailing singles prowl the area. It's open for lunch from March to December Monday through Friday from 11am to 3:30pm; brunch Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am to 4pm. The bar is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 8pm. From May to October, live music and outdoor barbecue are offered daily from 4 to 7:30pm; the rest of the year, music and appetizers are featured daily from 5:30 to 8pm.

The Sun on Your Face at Belden Place--San Francisco has always been woefully lacking in the alfresco dining department. One exception is Belden Place, an adorable little brick alley in the heart of the Financial District that is open only to foot traffic. When the weather is agreeable, the restaurants that line the alley break out the big umbrellas, tables, and chairs, and voilà -- a bit of Paris just off Pine Street.

A handful of adorable cafes line Belden Place and offer a variety of cuisines. There's Cafe Bastille, 22 Belden Place (tel. 415/986-5673), a classic French bistro and fun speakeasy basement serving excellent crepes, mussels, and French onion soup; it schedules live jazz on weekends. Cafe Tiramisu, 28 Belden Place (tel. 415/421-7044), is a stylish Italian hot spot serving addictive risottos and gnocchi. Plouf, 40 Belden Place (tel. 415/986-6491), specializes in big bowls of mussels slathered in a choice of seven sauces, as well as fresh seafood. B44, 44 Belden Place (tel. 415/986-6287), serves up a side order of Spain alongside its revered paella and other seriously zesty Spanish dishes.

Conversely, come at night for a Euro-speakeasy vibe with your dinner.