Dobson's is a power central at lunchtime. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. Within a block of the Civic Theatre, Balboa Theatre and the Lyceum, Dobson's also draws theater-bound patrons at dinnertime, when the menu includes pan-roasted Chilean sea bass or a chicken breast stuffed with ripe olive tapenade.

Be sure to make reservations as table seating is limited -- at lunchtime you'll find plenty of people eating at the bar.

Between lunch and dinner, you can choose from a "small menu" of appetizers and sandwiches, from 3 to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Gratuity not included.