Emporio

Italian. Walk in the door and you’re instantly transported from the city. Wood beams, low lights and quiet conversation ignite the magic. But, this is not a one vibe restaurant. A brief walk leads to a larger back room where the volume and energy take a total 180.

Either way, you’ll be treated to authentic Italian from start to finish.

The meal began on just the right note with croquettes (risotto, tomato, basil mozzarella) and fried Rhode Island squid with shrimp, seasonal vegetables, lemon aioli.

Not to be missed, your choice of nearly a dozen wood fired pizzas. I went marinara (San Marzano tomatoes, garlic confit, parsley, chili, olio nuovo). Easily one of the best I’ve ever crunched, with ust the right amount of singe on the bottom.

And the pasta? It tastes like Italy. Maybe since it’s homemade here each day. Whatever the secret, you have many tempting options. I experienced the tagliatelle (saffron, wild shrimp, grilled squid, seafood ragù, cherry tomatoes). And the fish is fresh as the pasta, the sauce as addictive as an evening in Italia.

Whether you land at the mellow Emporio or the adrenaline infused makes no difference. Because the menu is the same and that menu is brilliant.