Baraonda Cafe Italiano   

The name means "the prolific magma from which ideas, intuition and change originate" -- and in keeping with this theme, Baraonda's patrons enjoy lively conversation as the rich aromas from the brick oven tantalize the senses. A cozy setting of warm woods and earth tones is home to a long, narrow dining room surrounded by a large bar area. The lunch menu features the usual antipasti, salads and pastas, but it's the thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizzas -- loaded with ingredients and dotted with air bubbles -- that generate Baraonda's allure. Choices range from the classic margherita (with tomato, mozzarella and basil) to the more unusual capricciosa (tomato, ham, mushroom, artichoke and mozzarella). The dinner menu offers more than 20 types of pizza and calzones, as well as an expanded pasta menu and pricier selections such as veal scaloppini and the fish of the day. -- Bret Love