DOWNTOWN. Hip and stylish, Andaluca is a study in rich tones and sculptural shapes. The menu features local produce prepared with a Mediterranean twist. Among the small plates and shareables, you can choose from lamb dolmas, green gazpacho with crab, or vegetable meze, which includes grilled asparagus, tabbouleh and mushrooms a la Grecque. Entrees include Andaluca Paella with seafood, or roasted quail with blood orange-saffron sauce and rosemary polenta. Every dish can be accompanied by the recommended wine or beer. The wine list has a number of good options in a variety of price ranges. Complimentary valet parking is provided.

MADISON PARK. If zesty food, full-flavored and rich, constantly tempts you, Cactus stands poised to satisfy the craving. You should be prepared to wait a bit when you go, but the food is worth it! Offerings are consistently good and inventive. The menu is full of well-prepared delights, such as carnitas, tamales, fajitas, and pork steak adobo. You'll also find a great selection of tapas items, which could satiate your appetite on their own. The festive atmosphere adds to the good mood, and the staff is helpful and friendly too. While you wait, try a mojito!

MADISON PARK. Cozy ambience and authentic Spanish cuisine make this small, charming eatery a local favorite. A wide-ranging tapas selection features both hot and cold options and promises to make you a return customer. The small plates are lush, with dishes composed of rich, salty, flavorful foods, such as chorizo, aioli, lamb, and authentic cheeses. Desserts are also spectacular, especially the legendary chocolate bread pudding. Space is limited, and they seat right up until 10pm.

GREEN LAKE. A quiet gathering spot for after-work drinks, this cozy bistro has earned quite a reputation as a date place, so plan to impress someone special with a candle-lit table overlooking Green Lake and superb Mediterranean-Italian fare. Patrons in the sleek bar can enjoy expertly mixed cocktails, as well as a full array of tapas ­ a great prelude to a bottle of port shared among friends. From Wednesday till Saturday, live jazz or spinning DJs add to the distinctly uptown air.

QUEEN ANNE. Highlighted with tones of its namesake color and funky Tunisian pottery, this fantastic eatery pays homage to the foods and flavors of the western Mediterranean. Booths set with exotic textiles and glowing candles remove diners to a place that's not entirely Seattle, while servers ply them with fragrant, sun-kissed dishes. Grilled Algerian chicken, cinnamon-accented lamb stew, a chunky paella, and sherry-steamed mussels are among the delicacies you'll encounter. Starters, from an earthy baba ghanouj to crisp salads and savory tapas items, are sumptuous, filled with accents from distant lands. A relaxed environment perfectly fits the scheme, and a full bar, homemade baked goods, and a well-attended brunch round out the appeal.