518 West Italian Cafe   

The fragrant, well-established beds of rosemary lining the sides of the restaurant are the first indication that 518 West Italian Cafe offers dining with a gourmet touch. Before you enter the historic brick building, you'll catch the aromas emanating from the wood-fired oven within. The restaurant is open and airy -- romantic enough for a first date and casual enough for an evening out with friends. Diners can choose to sit in the bar area, where the wood-fired oven is visible, or any of the other seating options, including upstairs tables set up like minibalconies to overlook the activity below. The menu includes everything from pizzas to pastas, beef tenderloin, chicken Marsala and shrimp polenta. Salads, appetizers, Sunday brunch and sumptuous-looking desserts are also available.