INNER WEST. The All India Restaurant offers casual ambiance and delicious food. House specialties include a stellar duck and pumpkin curry and a changing variety of fresh seafood specialities. The menu also features entrees such as spinach leaves in lentil batter and South Indian Masala dosas. The decor at All India is modern, featuring terra cotta-tiled floors and an open kitchen. Dress is casual and reservations are suggested. BUS: 431/443 George Street City to Glebe Point Road.

EAST CIRCULAR QUAY. Aqua Luna, popular with opera house patrons, is the perfect spot to start or end an evening. The ambiance is trendy, the clientele stylish, and the food very Italian. Entrees range from roasted scallops served with borlotti beans to linguine with clams in squid ink, chili, lemon and parsley. Aqua Luna's house specialty is wood-roasted snapper with organic beets and roasted garlic. The decor is elegantly casual and showcases floor to ceiling windows, Queensland walnut walls, and dark wood banquettes. Reservations required. Casual dress. TRAIN or FERRY: Circular Quay.

SYDNEY HARBOUR. In sight of the Opera House and overlooking the Harbour, this elite restaurant offers innovative, modern Australian cuisine. The menu features dishes such as pan-fried pave of salmon with potato fondant, crushed peas and a prawn and lobster bisique; chicken and asparagus terrine; and seared tuna with coriander and pickled shitakes. Desserts may include such items as baked quince pudding and an assortment of Valrhona chocolate desserts. The interior is warm and elegant with walls upholstered by Mercedes Benz leather. These elements together with luxurious ultra suede chairs and subtle lighting create an intimate room with a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. A pre-theatre set menu is available. No smoking. TRAIN, BUS, FERRY: Circular Quay.

CHINATOWN. Looking for Cantonese cuisine in a casual setting? This is the place for you. BBQ King's menu features dishes like crispy Peking duck and barbecue pork. Expect quick service and a fun, energetic clientele ­ students, tourists, the Chinese community, and some of Sydney's finest chefs frequent this locale. Be sure to ask for the complimentary house soup, served only on request. TRAIN: to Central Station and a short walk from there. MONORAIL: to Haymarket.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. This upscale, modern French restaurant has been a past recipient of the Restaurant of the Year award that's bestowed by the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. Known for a great wine list and excellent service, Banc offers dishes like fillet of beef rossini and caramelized scallops to a young, trendy crowd. The Art Deco interior features a few decorative extras, including mirrors and green marble pillars with low lighting. Formal or stylish attire is recommended, and reservations are essential. TRAIN: Martin Place stop.