Sabatini Royal Garden, 69 Mody Rd., tel. 2733-2000

Run by the Sabatini family, who also run eponymous restaurants in Rome, Japan, and Singapore, this Italian spot is unbeatable for a romantic rendezvous, with warm, rag-finished walls, wooden furnishings, impeccable service, and windows that look onto the trees and shrubbery of the Royal Garden's atrium. The pasta dishes are first-rate, particularly the linguine Sabatini, cooked in a marvelous marinara sauce, fresh tomato, and garlic, and served with an array of luscious seafood. Shellfish lovers will have a hard time choosing between the lobster with lobster juice and tomato sauce, and the juicy, meaty grilled scampi. A classic mistake at Sabatini is to stuff oneself with the first two courses, leaving no room for the terrific tiramisů or refreshing wild-berry pudding. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. $38 - $64

Toscana Ritz-Carlton, 3 Connaught Rd., tel. 2532-2062

This is classical Italian dining at its finest -- sumptuous, elegant, and relaxed. Huge oil paintings depicting scenes from Venice and a high ceiling enhance the spacious interior, and Italian opera softly fills the air. The opulent atmosphere is matched by the food and smooth, friendly service. The lobster and rucola (arugula) salad is a heavenly creation with salty bursts of caviar. Try the tender orecchiette with shellfish ragout and baby tomatoes and the lamb served with porcini mushroom risotto, foie gras, and black truffle. Match these with wines from Chef Umberto Bombana's list, and you'll know why customers flock here from from around the world. The warm carob chocolate cake with homemade vanilla ice cream and almonds is a perfect finale. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. $38 - $64

Japanese
Tokio Joe 16 Lan Kwai Fong, Lan Kwai Fong, tel. 2525-1889

This funky, casual Japanese spot lines its faux-fur walls with beautiful ceramic pots. You can watch the chefs at work in a central bar area, preparing your favorite sushi in innovative ways. They lend a wonderfully contemporary twist to some classic dishes: the house sushi roll contains a scrumptious mixture of deep-fried soft-shell crab, avocado, and crab roe. Impressive combinations such as Super Model and Dragon's Eye promise to delight, as do the sumptuous seafood ramen, nicely battered tempura shrimps, or the broiled sea bass. For dessert, try the homemade sesame ice cream. Service is attentive and courteous. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch $38 - $64

Nepali
Nepal 14 Staunton St., SoHo, tel. 2869-6212

If you thirst for adventure but don't want to risk an assault on Everest, knock back a Yaktail or Yeti Foot cocktail in this tiny restaurant as you enjoy the Indian/Nepalese music. The hanta tareko (grilled eggplant) and kaju sadeko (fried cashew nuts) are good starters, and the special Nepalese soup, golveda-ko-rash, is perfect for vegetarians. The royal chicken, a light Nepalese curry, is a highly recommended entree. End the meal with Nepalese ice cream, which is slightly firmer than Western ice cream. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. $13 - $38

Pan Asian
Cafe Deco Bar and Grill Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Rd., tel. 2849-5111

If you're in Hong Kong on a clear day, take the Peak tram to the top and dine at this spiffy double-decker restaurant overlooking the entire city. The views are stunning, and the decor is Art Deco to the hilt. The menu is international, with Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mexican, and Thai dishes. Some specialties make use of ancho chilis, or combine striped sea bass with fennel and pancetta. The wine list is reasonably priced, with an extensive selection of wines from around the world. Eat in the dining room, at the oyster bar, or in the ice-cream parlor. Cafe Deco is a favorite with locals and travelers alike. AE, DC, MC, V. $38 - $64