La Locanda Del Ghiottone   

A veteran Old City staple -- which dates back to when Old City was a neighborhood most people avoided -- La Locanda del Ghiottone remains a favorite of both old and new area residents. Longtime patrons, particularly couples (many of whom got engaged here) are particularly fond of this Italian BYOB. Their love is rewarded with delicious, affordable food. If you adore mussels, be sure to order the appetizer. Served in a tomato, garlic and onion broth and sprinkled with fresh parsley, these mussels are particularly tender and sit atop two slices of toast, which soak up all their rich juices. A homemade ricotta and garlic gnocchi entree in a tomato cream sauce with mushrooms provides perfect gastronomic satisfaction. Pan-seared scallops with prosciutto and peas served with homemade black linguini will also incite return visits, as will the fish of the day and other daily specials. La Locanda is an intimate space shaped like a big brick oven featuring a small mural, photos of family and friends, and images of the Virgin. As trite as it sounds, after a few visits, you'll feel part of the extended family, too.