MARINA DISTRICT. Alegrias means "joy," and that's exactly what you'll get after sampling the great tapas at this friendly, family-style place. Among its delicious dishes are conejo à la cazuela (stewed rabbit and vegetables), brandy-flamed cheese, and sweetbreads. Alegrias is also well-known for its paella, prepared with either seafood and chicken or vegetables only. Friendly staff and addictive sangria add to the fun.

MISSION DISTRICT. This spacious establishment offers both globally inspired tapas and a selection of wines that is similarly far-reaching. Ahi tartare tacos and Vietnamese spring rolls hint at the food options, and reasonable prices make it easy to share a variety of dishes. The large wine list is available by the glass, flight, and half-bottle ­ treat yourself to Spanish reds, German whites, and a host of Californian vintages. While you sip, enjoy Andalu's upbeat ambience and clean-lined decor.

SOMA. Consistently regarded as one of the city's best bistros, Fringale has a reputation as a noisy, crowded place that offers sensational Basque-inspired cuisine. Within the neutral-toned space, diners are treated to unique, flavor-packed dishes and a broad array of Californian and French wines. Among the temptations you'll encounter are pan-roasted salmon, rack of lamb, confit of duck leg, steamed mussels, and a Black Angus rib-eye. It can be tough to secure a reservation, but doing so ensures an unforgettable culinary feast.

MISSION DISTRICT. For a taste of Spain in San Francisco, stop by Pintxos and its cozy, comfortable interior. The menu offers a wide variety of tapas-appetizers (as the name translates), main dishes, and desserts. The breadth of offerings includes sautéed sweetbreads with mushrooms, sardines, pork tenderloin, swordfish in tomato sauce, and chicken cooked in beer, prunes, and nuts. Desserts include a fresh citrus flan that can't be beat.

EMBARCADERO. Warmed by wood detailing and golden-hued lighting, Piperade is as inviting as a friend's home, and its sociability is just as great. Impeccable cuisine is also of enormous appeal. The chef often comes out to chat with guests and share information about food and wine, and his expertise is justified by dishes like braised rabbit, tuna and potato soup, and veal sweetbreads. Marinated lamb chops and steamed snapper are among the large plate offerings; small plates include artisan foie gras and squid, Dungeness crab salad, and garlic soup with rock shrimp and bacon. Desserts are crafted with just as sure a hand, and wines embrace the Basque region, France, Spain and California.