"The wraparound patio at Bottega feels like a permanent vacation where lounging with craft cocktails, like the Bear Flag Revolt with a pomegranate bear-shaped ice cube, is the most pressing thing you have to do. The pasta and meat dishes are what it’s all about here, with standouts including rigatoni al coniglio with balsamic marinated rabbit, tagliarini bolognese with Zinfandel-brushed pecorino, and braised short rib. No meal should end without the tiramisu that’s covered in a cocoa-dusted chocolate shell, paired with another one of those rock star cocktails. " - christina julian, andrew steinthal