DOWNTOWN. What's not to like about a Mexican restaurant that serves tasty margaritas and also teaches you how to make them? That's right, cooking classes are available at Aldaco's, but you should really stop by for dinner and sample the goods first. Along with flautas and grilled chicken, check out the Enchiladas Divorciadas ­ according to the menu, they're "separated by irreconcilable rice." Still hungry? Don't worry; fajitas are available by the pound. An MPO (that's the acclaimed Margarita Pour Off Queen) nicely washes everything down.

SAN ANTONIO. No time to jet to Italy? Get the next best thing at Aldino, where Roman-style architecture and authentic Italian food are sure to please. Wall murals and a lovely patio add to the charming ambiance. Try pappardelli pasta with sausage, red peppers, and goat cheese, and then satisfy your sweet tooth with a decadent helping of tiramisu. Chicken, beef, and seafood are the focus of other main courses. The comprehensive wine list features a "cutting edge" section.

NORTHWEST. Fine service and consistently satisfying Italian food are what make Aldo's a popular choice for locals, business travelers, and tourists. Dishes like veal Marsala or pesto-laced and crab-laden Snapper di Aldo are well-presented and delicious. Enjoy a glass of top-quality Italian or Californian wine as you dine on the patio beneath stately trees, if the weather allows.

DOWNTOWN. Guests at the Marriott Plaza San Antonio are fortunate ­ they don't even have to leave the premises to sample Anaqua Room's Southwestern take on contemporary American fare. Stand-out dishes include crab meat pancakes with fava beans and blackened salmon with blue corn-fried oysters. Views of historic cottages and a garden make the dining room an enticing space. Anaqua also offers a decent wine list, and a slightly more hectic hotel bar is adjacent. Easy access to the courtyard demands a romantic after-dinner stroll.

SAN ANTONIO. Annie's offers an immense variety of desserts, and each one is just as delicious as the last. The quiet ambience allows for a relaxed repast, just as you'd hope to have while enjoying a mouthwatering sweet. Although Annie's is best known for scrumptious desserts like sawdust pie and carrot cake, patrons can treat themselves to sandwiches and soups at lunch.