Lucca Ristorante & Wine Bar   

With its massive maroon awning and romantic subtly lit interior, Lucca is the preferred spot in Oakland for luxury dates, anniversaries, family gatherings and university students fresh from graduation. Set in the middle of the neighborhood's most fashionable byway, Craig Street, Lucca's brick porch overlooks pedestrians below like a castle's parapet, and is a favorite spot for smartly dressed professionals indulging in a glass of pinot grigio from Italy. Within, discriminating diners enjoy tables for two, a plush upholstered metal chair at the restaurant's intimate bar or a larger table by the windows, which provide scenic views of Oakland's quaint side streets. Fall in love with Italian cuisine all over again while sampling cauliflower vichyssoise, penne "fra diavolo" (spicy red sauce with seafood) and fettuccine with yellow squash, Portobello mushrooms and caramelized onions. Bigger appetites can satisfy a fame grande with pan-seared Black Angus filet. After a few bites of accompanying mint couscous, you'll be calling "Bravissimo." -- Robert Isenberg