The decor here is so quintessentially Italian -- with flags, gingham tablecloths, garlic, and baskets overhead -- that I expected a flour-coated, pot-bellied Padrino Napoli to emerge from the kitchen, embrace me, and exclaim, "Mangia! Mangia!" as he slapped down a bowl overflowing with sauce-drenched pasta. Of course, there is no Padrino here, and I received no welcoming hug, but I did indulge in the fine Italian fare that keeps locals coming back for more.

Reservations: Reservations recommended