NORTHWEST LAS VEGAS. Chain restaurants usually don't distinguish themselves as much as this California export, which specializes in fresh, tasty Mexican fare. Favorites include chicken quesadillas, fish tacos, and massive steak burritos. Fajitas, salads, and soups are other options. The wide variety of fillings and sauces means you can create a feast tailored to your tastes. An outdoor terrace and casual atmosphere make Baja a great lunchtime choice.

THE STRIP. Opening to much fanfare in 2003, this eponymous restaurant brings to the Strip the skills of its accomplished chef and a quintessentially Californian focus on freshness. The warm, sleek space promises elegant dining, and the menu offers delights like wood-fired pork loin, slow-roasted Muscovy duck, and wild salmon, all accompanied by inventive, pristine side dishes. The quality of ingredients ensures that flavors all around are exquisite. West Coast wines are the oenological standard.

THE STRIP. This familiar eatery is ideal for a quick, affordable business lunch or for a break from a shopping expedition. The kitchen serves steaming pies topped with everything from roasted duck and Japanese eggplant to fresh pineapple, sausage, and bacon. In addition to tasty pizzas, the menu offers appetizers, salads, soups, pastas, sandwiches, and desserts. Families are welcome, and the range of fare ensures that everybody will be satisfied.

THE STRIP. Shimmering, silvery NOBHILL pays due homage to its namesake city not only in classic San Francisco dishes but in the ingredients themselves, most of which are shipped in from the City by the Bay. As a result, diners can revel in a North Beach cioppino, dazzling lobster pot pie, and Niman Ranch veal chop. Accompanying all are the restaurant's fresh bread and an assortment of whipped potatoes ­ both capable of provoking immediate loyalty. Unusual cocktails and superb wines also distinguish the much-awarded establishment.

THE STRIP. Wolfgang Puck's original creation had Tinseltown's elite fighting for a seat, and this offshoot has found just as loyal a clientele in Las Vegas. Signature pizzas, expectedly, are fabulous, as are duck, porcini-crusted halibut, veal wienerschnitzel, and an array of salads. A fun atmosphere and a slew of local and national celebrities ensure that Spago continues to hold court as a prime dining experience.