WHETHER it's a date, dinner with an important client or just an urge to splurge, dinner at one of these five top South Bay and peninsula restaurants should be high on your list.

71 St. Peter: This local favorite feels like a neighborhood secret with its rustic, nook-filled interior and menu of excellent French, Italian and American food. 71 N. San Pedro St, San Jose. 408.971.8523.

Le Papillon: After nearly 30 years, Le Papillon continues to set the fine dining standard in Silicon Valley. Fancy, French, but not fusty. 410 Saratoga Ave, San Jose. 408.971.8523.

Manresa: Quite simply the best the South Bay has to offer. The food, the service and the setting are as good as it gets. Prepare for a long night of hedonistic culinary delights. 320 Village Ln. Los Gatos. 408.354.4330.

Sent Sovi: Chef/owner Josiah Slone's cooking evokes the seasons with seductive plates of French-inspired food made with impeccable local ingredients. The intimate, copper-trimmed dining room is one the most romantic around. 14483 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408.867.3110.

Tamarine: The success of this upscale, Western-influenced Vietnamese restaurant led owners Anne Le and Tammy Huynh to open another restaurant called Bong Su in San Francisco. While I can't vouch for the new place yet, Tamarine remains a showstopper. 546 University Ave, Palo Alto. 650.325.8500.