Cafe Divine encapsulates several irresistible aspects of the North Beach experience. Situated at the southeast corner of Washington Square, its sidewalk tables afford matchless glimpses of the street life that define the area. The cafe itself is housed in the beautiful old Dante Building, and reflects the neighborhood's rich legacy with paintings by local artists, live jazz on the weekends, and a handsome Italian maple and mahogany bar with brass espresso machine. Best of all, three stellar meals and an array of sips and nibbles are served every day of the week, from buttermilk waffles with bacon and scallions to made-to-order Purgatorio pizzetta with garlic confit, grana, and sage. This brings us to one of the best deals in town, a $19 prix-fixe dinner featuring the always-incomparable housemade soup of the day, a choice of entrée — the lamb stew with lentils, olives, and red wine, perhaps, or that apotheosis of Italian soul food, baked penne with sausage, peppers, and goat cheese — and a toothsome dessert or a glass of the equally toothsome house wine. This relaxed, convivial hangout belies the notion that you can't get a good meal in North Beach anymore.