Prima Donna Restaurant   

Joseph Costanzo Jr. founded Primadonna as a token of love to his wife, Donna, and in the process brought a touch of class and a taste of Little Italy to this working-class neighborhood. Costanzo describes the moderately priced menu as "peasant Italian cooking." A glance at the regulars sitting at the bar might have you thinking "paisan," but you could find yourself rubbing elbows with celebs such as Tommy Lasorda or Danny Aiello, who have stopped in for Primadonna's award-winning cuisine. Appetizers such as mozzarella in carrozza and hot peppers stuffed with sausage are quintessentially Italian, but even more authentic is the heart of the menu. Choose from 33 made-to-order pasta dishes -- Spaghetti a la Louie is the house special. You'll also find a decent selection of seafood offerings, as well as a range of veal, chicken and steak dishes. Primadonna makes its own salad dressing, tomato sauce and owns a private label of California cabernet sauvignon, so you know you're in for the real deal.