Vive Bene

My dining companion and I ate here after a Lakewood Playhouse matinee. The restaurant is open for Lunch and Dinner every day but Sunday.\r \r This is exceptional bistro Italian food. I grew up in Boston's north end and this is the real deal. We shall be back--often I hope. \r \r Salads are fresh and the dressings prepared by the chef. I had the Ceasar which was better than any San Francisco restaurant I frequent. \r \r Soups change daily, also prepared onsite. \r \r I had the Seafood Fettucine; my companion had the Puttanesca. Both were excellent---this is not common fare. This is a real treat made with lots of seafood, a rich complex marinara sauce, fresh herbs, etc. \r \r The wine list is short but high in quality. The Smoking Loon Sirah and BV Merlot both excellent with Italian food. \r \r There is a room in the back for groups. The waitress provided excellent service.\r \r Kim and Keith we shall return! more

We've had good food and great service every time we come here. The first time, our group ordered a variety of sandwiches and pastas. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals. During the second visit, I had a glass of Johannesburg Reiseling, a cup of red-peppers and cream soup, a mixed salad with rasberry-balsamic vinegar, and a light sausage and herb quiche. Everything tasted wonderful, especially the soup and quiche. The soup was robust and creamy with flecks of pepper, and the quiche was light and airy with a delicious combination of Italian sausage and basil, I think. The crust was crisp and rich. The server was incredibly gracious and fun and very accomdating, as we were the only ones dining outdoors. Very nice, will return. Pros: food, staff, atmosphere more