CITY CENTER. You might think you stumbled into a library when entering the dining room of this venerable Italian establishment, located in a spacious old villa in the Westend. Deep mahogany bookshelves, filled with books of course, line the walls. Sit at an intimate table by the window and feast on chef Agazio Ritano's specialties in true Italian style. An extensive wine list complements dishes such as duck breast with pignoli and mascarpone, four cheese stuffed veal or sole with spinach in a prosecco sauce. Top it off with pannacotta or tiramisu and a leisurely stroll through the streets afterwards.

EAST FRANKFURT. Frankfurt residents lavish praise and patronage on what they consider one of the best restaurants featuring traditional German cuisine. Make yourself comfortable in the homey dining rooms featuring rough hewn timber posts and beams and decorated with high backed tapestry chairs and small table lamps. Try the delicious asparagus when served in season. Venison, pheasant and sausage entrees are also quite good. A must for time-honored German dining.

SACHSENHAUSEN. Favored for its festive atmosphere and reasonable prices, Apfelwein Wagner is a traditional German apple wine café. Hearty German food is on the menu, like slow cooked steak with horseradish sauce, wurst and schnitzel, and lots of potatoes. One of the highlights of your meal here will be watching the bustling server who does nothing but replace empty glasses of apple wine.

NORTH FRANKFURT. An extensive menu full of classic fare and peppered with some unexpected pleasures is the main reason to come to BanThai. But the decor (rich wood walls and ceilings, carved art and artifacts including rickshaw, some traditional low tables to sit Thai-style on pillows) makes the ethnic dining experience rich.

SACHSENHAUSEN. Situated on the Alt-Sachsenhausen, a street full of history and romance, Bombay Gate stands out, with its dusty rose facade and carved niches holding statues on either side of the arched doorway. Once inside, archways separate the dining areas, done up in cool shades of green, a direct counterpoint to the savory spicy, rainbow of flavors of Indian and Pakistani delights on the menu, which included a plethora of vegetarian dishes. Good service and fair prices.