If you’re hankering for a slice of pizza, Pizzería El Punto (Real de Guadalupe btwn. Avs. Cristóbal Colón and Diego Dugelay, tel. 967/678-0047, 1–11 p.m. Tues.–Sun., US$6.50–13) is where it’s at. Thin-crust pies come loaded with toppings—ham figures prominently, though there are plenty of veggie options—and are baked in a wood-burning stove just feet from the entrance. Crisp and creative salads also make a great side if you’re sharing, or an entire meal if you’re not. El Punto’s original site, now its satellite restaurant (Plaza El Cerrillo, Calle Comitán 13-A, tel. 967/678-7979, 2–11 p.m. Tues.–Sun.), is a true hole-in-the-wall that’s just as good.

Il Piccolo (Real de Guadalupe near Belisario Domínguez, no phone, 2–10:30 p.m. Tues.–Sun., US$7–11) may not be the warmest and fuzziest place—it can feel like a New York deli at lunch hour—but the homemade pastas and to-die-for sauces can’t be beat. Just be sure to keep your party to four people or less; the place is so tiny (and the staff so unaccommodating), you’ll be shooed away.

Pierre (Real de Guadalupe 73, tel. 967/678-7211, 1–10:30 p.m. Wed.–Mon., 7–10:30 p.m. Sun., US$8–20) offers quality French cuisine, freshly prepared and served in a quirky yellow dining room. Some of the specials are, well, not so special (skip the duck), but the standard chicken and pasta dishes are outstanding; you can taste the time and care spent on them. Be sure to order a bottle of wine with dinner—the list is short but excellent.