Charmingly designed and warmly staffed, Pietro’s restaurant is a family owned establishment that’s clearly well-loved by its surrounding community. This cheery spot, which serves up huge portions of traditional Italian fare, has been carefully decorated to give diners the impression that they are sitting in the middle of a tiny, rustic Italian village—trompe d’oeil painted walls resemble the cracked exteriors of old buildings, and flowers spill out of overhanging “balconies.” Trees sprouting out of large terra cotta pots are gaily festooned with tiny fairy lights, and there’s even an old-fashioned fruit cart located in the cozy bar area. But the most touching (and interesting) feature of Pietro’s may be its “historical scrapbook,” a continuously-changing projected wall display that showcases old family photos, comments and memorabilia associated with the restaurant’s long history. Pasta is a big deal at Pietro’s, so don’t leave without trying one of the many selections. I liked the rich and garlicky Penne Aglio, an overflowing bowl of penne pasta tossed with tender chunks of sautéed chicken, caramelized mushrooms, spinach and crushed red peppers. Individual pizzas are hearty and cheesy (the kids will love ‘em), and if you’re hankering for meat, you’ll find a number of options. Try the popular Chicken Parmigiana or the indulgent veal piccata—sautéed veal with garlic and capers, smothered in a tangy lemon wine sauce. Children are treated kindly at Pietro’s, and the service we received was attentive and friendly. This would be a great venue for a family celebration or a romantic date night. — Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Pietro’s offers two private dining areas at the back of the restaurant. Check out the room that’s painted to resemble a wine cave.

Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekend evenings

Payment methods: AmEx, Discover Card, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Full bar

Corkage fee: $10

Hours: Tuesday–Friday: Lunch 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Dinner 4–9 p.m.
Saturday: (Dinner only) 4–9 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday