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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Piccola Venezia

Before leaving for Spring Break, my boyfriend and I met a friend in the North End for dinner, and he recommended Piccola Venezia. I had a list of fancier places I was itching to try, but I was swayed as soon as I saw this one, and it didn't disappoint.

Ambiance: Appealing in a homey way. They have a big, lovely bar, dark woods, exposed brick, and just enough knick-knacks to seem lived-in, not tacky. The variety of great vintage chandeliers hanging everywhere makes up for the ceiling like an elementary school cafeteria's and unattractive ceiling fans. The place was busy at 5:30 on a Friday, but not so much that we had to wait, although it seemed like that was starting as we left around 7:00.

Variety: Fantastic. There is no separate section, but I had the run of the menu with about a third of the appetizers, one of the three risottos, half the pastas, and two different eggplant entrees to choose from.

Quality: The fare is extremely traditional - picture what you've seen people eating on The Sopranos - which is not what I expected to seek out in such a culinary hotspot. But the promise of a really comforting, homestyle Italian meal won me over the minute I saw the menu outside. My gnocchi fit the bill exactly: piping hot, the fluffiest I've ever tasted, in a huge portion with a fresh, rustic red sauce. My boyfriend and our friend devoured their food as well, so the place was officially a hit.

Bottom line: I'll be going back to try the eggplant the next chance I have. If you're ever in the mood for Italian food that your mom would cook if she were Italian, give this place a try.

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