Perched on an eyebrow cliff over Highway 1 in the Highlands area is Pacific’s Edge, the Highlands Inn Park Hyatt Hotel’s flagship restaurant. If you are going to break the bank for one special evening, this is the place. Named one of America’s best restaurants by Wine Spectator magazine, it serves inspired California cuisine in a gorgeous setting with panoramic 180-degree views of the coastline (reserve well in advance for a table at sunset). Starters might include farm-fresh artichokes with basil mayonnaise, potato-wrapped ahi tuna, or grilled quail with creamy rosemary polenta. Entrées on the three- to five-course menu range from grilled Monterey Bay salmon in an onion-rosemary sauce to roasted rack of lamb with white truffle potatoes. Choosing the appropriate wine shouldn’t be a problem—the inn’s wine cellar has consistently won Wine Spectator’s Grand Award. Valet parking is free. AE, DC, DIS, MC, V; checks OK; dinner every day, brunch Sun; full bar; reservations recommended; 4 miles south of Carmel.