paulaner beijing It would be difficult to think of an authentic national cuisine that is not represented by at least

^Delfina Nouvelle Italian might best describe the cuisine here, and it is turned out to near perfection. The decor is fairly stark but not overbearing, and the inventive dishes rarely fail to surprise and delight. Maybe you ll choose a night when they re serving gnocchi with peas and morel mushrooms. d 3621 18th St between Dolores and Guerrero Map F5 (415) 552-4055 Closed L Dis. access $$

Alta Plaza Pacific paulaner beijing Heights s double block of verdant hill is a popular place to take the sun when it ventures to break through the fog. Basketball and tennis courts and a children s playground are in the center, while to the south there are terraced lawns, onto which some of Pacific Heights oldest homes face. d Map E2

An all suite hotel on Nob Hill. The renovated rooms offer kitchens including refrigerators and microwave. There are housekeeping services, voice mail, cable TV, valet service (nominal fee), and laundry service. d 899 Pine St Map N3 (415) 421-1899 www.grosvenor suites.com Dis. access

It would be difficult to think of an authentic national cuisine that is not represented by at least one restaurant in the city. That includes Tibetan, Eritrean, Afghan, Kurdish, and Bolivian, as well as the more standard Thai, Vietnamese, Russian, and most European countries.