No other moderately priced Italian restaurant has generated such enthusiastic buzz since Delfina and A16 opened several years ago. And with good reason: While the food is similar to what you'll find at dozens of other places, but Thomas McNaughton makes most other places look like cheap imitations. He's a master at pasta and wood-fired pizza, and the desserts are just as good. The cramped interior seems modest, but it's filled with interesting details: newly constructed ceiling beams that feel a century old; sanded walnut tables; and stained glass from the dearly departed Myth. Once you get in -- which can be a challenge -- the staff treats everyone like family.

 
Specialties: Any pasta on the daily changing menu; pizza; warm lamb's tongue salad with poached egg; main courses such as seared pheasant with pumpkin puree; any dessert.

Hours

Dinner 5:30 p.m.-midnight nightly.

Cuisines

• Italian
• Pizza

Features

• Beer and wine
• Credit Cards: Accepted
• Open Late (until midnight Thursday-Saturday)
• Parking: Street (Fairly easy)
• Seating (40 (plus 19 in the lounge))
• Reservations: Accepted