» La Strada

Recognized as one of the nation's best restaurants, La Strada has been rated excellent 10 years consecutively by Zagat's.

Attracting a general following for its affordable fare in a stylish setting, La Strada is an arresting mishmash of exposed brick, terra-cotta walls, outsized paper light fixtures and an upstairs terrace that echoes the French Quarter.

A parade of pastas--available in full and half servings--bolster the menu, with a goat cheese and porcini-filled ravioli worthy of mention. Fish, steak and chicken dishes are available, most notably the caper-drenched chicken scallopini tagged Michael's Favorite. The mid-ranged wine list is pricey (especially nicer by-the-glass choices), but the enough-for-two desserts are inviting and relatively economical.

La Strada welcomes you to the great outdoors, with a beautiful terrace being the perfect spot to soak-up a little sun during a day or shopping or a break from work. Also a popular destination for happy hour parties and celebrations of all kinds, the terrace seats up to 100 and, for cocktail parties, can accomodate up to 300.

La Strada is also serving up late night food Friday and Saturday nights during its Mezza Notte, or Midnight Brunch, from 10 p.m to 3 a.m.