MARINA DISTRICT. Dragon Well creates comfort through simplicity. Owners Gary and Christina Tan offer pure, unadulterated Chinese dishes that ably satisfy, including kung pao chicken and steamed butterfish. If you're looking for a prelude to the meal, consider vegetarian potstickers or sauteed pea shoots, both wonderful additions. Although you won't find extravagant decor at Dragon Well, you'll be thrilled by the great food.

POTRERO HILL. Eliza's interior is elegantly decorated with handblown glass art and cut orchids. The cuisine consists of reasonably priced Hunan and Mandarin dishes that folks like for their full-flavored appeal. Examples of the menu's delights include wok-fried chicken with sesame seeds and vegetable moo shu. Be sure to take advantage of Eliza's affordable lunch specials, and head over in advance, because there's always a crowd, and they don't take reservations.

NOE VALLEY. Eric's, known for inventive dishes and pleasant environs, is a top area restaurant for great Chinese food at affordable prices. Shanghai chicken and mango beef hint at the kitchen's talents, and five-taste chicken ­ battered, fried, and dressed with sweet and sour sauce ­ always proves a favorite. Folks with lighter appetites will be pleased to discover an array of seafood and vegetarian selections.

CHINATOWN. Great Eastern is so appreciated for its authenticity that you're likely to find a large clientele of native Chinese folks enjoying the cuisine. Seafood is always top-rated, as you'll see with lobster sashimi and prawns prepared a number of ways. Other dishes feature everything from duck and quail to abalone and pork. Dishes offer good value, and reservations are accepted for large groups.

EMBARCADERO. Harbor Village, set on the waterfront, serves traditional Hong Kong-style cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Pan-fried noodles, Maine lobster sashimi, and wok-fried clams are wonderful treats, and coupled with sophisticated decor, they have helped the place earn a reputation as one of San Francisco's most beautiful Chinese restaurants. It's also a favorite with professionals and folks who appreciate beautifully created dim sum.