Chalkboard

Located in the luxury boutique Hotel Les Mars, Chalkboard is a surprisingly laid-back boîte, with a casual vibe and a buzzing bar that offers a refreshing counterpoint to a day of wine tasting. The dining room’s low vaulted ceilings and marble tables might feel a touch austere if not for the rustic wooden chairs, open kitchen and warm, easygoing service. Sip a little wine as you nosh on sweet, tender pork belly biscuits in the cozy backyard.

The menu of small plates spans every cuisine and appetite. Be sure to sample at least one of the homemade pastas: bucatini with pepperoni and Meyer lemon is fresh and delightful. English peas with truffled chevre, mint, potatoes and pickled red onions are a tasty, and visually appealing, celebration of spring.