Alforno Restaurant   

Unquestionably the very best informal Italian restuarant in the northeast. A little tough getting a table, but well worth the wait.

The Food is always great. The margarittas are the best. Alforno can be upscale or it can be casual, depending on your mood.

Not great, not terrible. I took my wife here for her birthday, and maybe based on other reviews I expected it to be a fantastic experience. The appetizers were ok, but overpriced. They refused to cook my steak medium, stating that in their 25 years they have never cooked a steak past medium rare. My steak was closer to rare than medium rare. There was an impressive dessert list, and the pineapple upside down cake was very good and made to order. The double chocolate cake was seemed pre-made and not made to order, as it was cold and sliced from what appeared to be a a bundt cake. The description sounded more appealing than what it was, a basic flourless chocolate cake...been there done that before. The decor was average, the service was reasonable but I've had better. I guess I walked away feeling that there are far better restaurants for the same amount of money or a bit more. In the end I wish I had taken my wife someplace else for her birthday. I really can't imagine where the other reviewers normally eat that they were so impressed.

Don't wait to be seated in the dining room! Sidle up to the bar, where the barkeeps are helpful and courteous. Try to sit at Carol's bar, upstairs or down. She is bright, witty and very knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. A budding concierge!