A classic since it opened its doors in 1971, Chez Panisse was conceived by and is still led by the venerable Alice Waters—the doyenne of the organic, slow food movement.

A neighborhood bistro, it is named after Honoré Panisse, a character in 1930s movie trilogy about waterfront life in Marseille, as an homage to the sentiment and informality of these classic films.

While Chez Panisse may have a casual air, make no mistake about it, dining here is a serious affair, with exquisitely prepared food and no detail left to chance.

The main Restaurant, located downstairs, features a fixed dinner menu consisting of three to four courses, with prices ranging from $60 to $95. A recent menu included shaved summer squash with rucola, egg, and anchovy; lasagne verde with ricotta and basil; Grilled Wolfe Ranch quail with sweet corn polenta, fried sage, and porcini mushrooms; and apricot puff pastry tartlet with raspberry ice cream. Reservations here are a must.

The more informal upstairs Café, with an open kitchen on one end with a charcoal grill and wood-burning oven, offers an a la carte menu for both lunch and dinner.

In addition her passionate focus on Chez Panisse, Alice Waters lends her unwavering commitment to a number of charitable causes including The Edible Schoolyard, where students learn how grow, harvest, and prepare nutritious seasonal produce.