Photo courtesy of: Ramona Dviola

A light lunch, of course, means you’ll crave a proper dinner, one that marries the seafood of San Diego with the meatier traditions of a steakhouse. Enter Suite & Tender (619.515.3003, www.suiteandtender.com) at Sè San Diego Hotel. Traditional entrees are available, but the eponymous Suite & Tender selections are justifiably the most popular. Before you find out why, however, you’ll have to procure the right tools, and so your server presents you with a selection of steak knives, à la a dessert tray, to browse. (Choices range from traditional stainless to a delicate rose-petal version.)

Now the fun can begin. The lobster and braised short rib, for example, enticingly arrive on a slip of a plate with two niches dividing the beef on garlic-potato puree from the lobster on corn with caramelized onions. It’s as efficient as a child’s plate but, unlike a child, you’ll want to mix up the bites as you try to decide which is your favorite and which is best paired with the bottomless glass of wine you ordered.

As you mull over these important considerations, take a gander at the topographical relief of San Diego Bay that commands the rear wall. An illuminated dot pinpoints your location--not that you need to be reminded to appreciate it. Textured design washes over you in waves at the Sè, whether you’re contemplating the jellyfish-like pendants in the lobby or paying a visit to Suite & Tender’s unisex bathroom, which is outfitted from floor to ceiling in granite and inlaid Lucite. Such diversity of experience essentially sums up the San Diego dining scene: Cutting-edge style, innovative culinary interpretations and a good sense of humor.

For more San Diego restaurant recommendations, visit www.sandiego.org.