223 17th St., Pacific Grove

372-3456, www.fandangorestaurant.com

On any given day, Fandango’s dining room is filled with locals (and visitors) of every stripe, there to celebrate just about any occasion – from the white-haired couple toasting their umpteenth anniversary, to a bridal party hosting a rehearsal dinner, or a young duo on a first date laughing too hard at each others’ jokes. The Bains have been serving up sumptuous Mediterranean and continental cuisine with a dash of California style since 1986. Signature dishes like the seafood-studded paella and wood-grilled rack of lamb, combined with superb service, keep patrons coming back.