Castaldi's Market and Grill   

300 Monticello Ave.
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-627-8700
www.castaldi.com

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Dining at Castaldi's is an experience. The walls are adorned with photos of owner Neil Castaldi's childhood, and colorful chairs surround the tables. Music flows from the piano, accompanied by the operatic singing of the servers. Even as they pour your wine or serve your salad, these servers manage to serenade you in deep baritones and silky sopranos. The menu at Castaldi's is classic Italian. Written in Italian with English translations, the menu features appetizers like calamari fritti (fried calamari), mozzarella alla caprese (fresh mozzarella and tomatoes with basil) and insalata di casa (house salad). House specialties are heavy on the seafood and include scallopini di salmone (salmon with lemon butter, capers, tomato and basil), gamberi di sorrento (shrimp with mushrooms, pine nuts, walnuts, spinach and lemon butter sauce) and saltimbocco di vitello (veal with prosciutto, spinach and mushroom sauce). There are plenty of pasta dishes, including favorites that need no translation, like ravioli, lasagna, manicotti (here, filled with shrimp), risotto and gnocchi. Pizza and calzone are also available. Prices are inexpensive, around $7 for lunch and $12 for dinner. The wine list is extensive, with most wines in the $20 to $30 range. TIP: Visit the marketplace after dinner to bring home some Italian pantry staples and fresh cheeses and meats. -- K.F. Murphy