INNER CITY. Although Alio's ambiance can be noisy, the decor is festive and the restaurant, spacious. Alio's food is first class and the restaurant gained notoriety through its association with England's "naked chef," Jamie Oliver. The menu features simple Italian cuisine like polenta and saltimbocca. Notable entrees include slow-cooked pork loin and lamb cutlets in a parmesan herb crust. The food is fresh and the decor has a new bistro appeal. BUS: Cleveland Street. TRAIN: Redfern Station, then a 10-minute walk.

EAST CIRCULAR QUAY. Aqua Luna, popular with opera house patrons, is the perfect spot to start or end an evening. The ambiance is trendy, the clientele stylish, and the food very Italian. Entrees range from roasted scallops served with borlotti beans to linguine with clams in squid ink, chili, lemon and parsley. Aqua Luna's house specialty is wood-roasted snapper with organic beets and roasted garlic. The decor is elegantly casual and showcases floor to ceiling windows, Queensland walnut walls, and dark wood banquettes. Reservations required. Casual dress. TRAIN or FERRY: Circular Quay.

INNER CITY. Located in the nightclub area, this seafood restaurant boasts a Croatian twist and is popular with a young crowd on weekends since it serves food until fairly late hours. The interior is casual and features underwater-scene murals. Entree options include such dishes as spicy sausages, poached Tasmanian mussels, or Barramundi fillets. Casual attire and reservations suggested. BUS: from Elizabeth Street, 15 minute walk from Town Hall along Oxford Street.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. This upscale, modern French restaurant has been a past recipient of the Restaurant of the Year award that's bestowed by the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. Known for a great wine list and excellent service, Banc offers dishes like fillet of beef rossini and caramelized scallops to a young, trendy crowd. The Art Deco interior features a few decorative extras, including mirrors and green marble pillars with low lighting. Formal or stylish attire is recommended, and reservations are essential. TRAIN: Martin Place stop.

EAST SYDNEY. Tucked away on a corner near Hyde Park, just past St. Mary's Cathedral, awaits one of Sydney's best kept dining secrets. For over 40 years, Beppi Polese has beautifully blended his Northern Italian heritage with the bounty that Australia's waters offer. The cozy establishment features two main dining rooms seperated by a step-down and a unique third dining area that features quiet tables strategically placed about the restaurant's wine room. The friendly, knowledgable staff reflects the personality of Beppi himself. It's no wonder Beppi's has the distinction of being the oldest continually owned restaurant in Sydney.