From the glitzy Vegas-style ambiance to the sophisticated a la carte raw bar menu and wine program, Suite & Tender’s goal as a restaurant is to make the customer happy. “We came out here to San Diego before we opened and did a demographic study of the area, eating at every restaurant in town to see what the people really want,” says executive chef and James Beard Award-winner Christopher Lee. Located in the Se San Diego downtown, you can sip fancy cocktails made tableside while choosing from classic steaks including filet mignon and Japanese Kobe beef with your choice of a high-quality steak knife handpicked from around the world. Other favorites include Tuna Tartare, Lobster & Braised Short Rib, Sautéed Wild Sea Bass and, Tropical Baked Alaska with coconut sorbet and guava sauce. (619/515-3000, www.suiteandtender.com)  MARIA DESIDERATA MONTANA