PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

Love, love, LOVE Buona Terra! I went here on a date for Valentine's Day a couple years back, and have happily made it one of my favorite local places! The food is good and very traditional, the atmosphere is relaxed, the wait staff are really on top of their game, the bar and wine choices are respectable, and hey - no sticker shock when you leave! And yes, bless them for having the smarts to space out the tables apart from the next guy while dining – I appreciate that! They even sett up more tables outside when it's warm out, al fresco dining in such a pretty neighborhood is a wonderful experience in and of itself.

What sets this place apart from many other Italian restaurants in the city is they do not put the bulk of their emphasis on pizza. In fact, I'm pretty sure they don't even make any pies! The consistently busy buzz is pretty evident of how good this place is in every sense of the word, so making a reservation is a pretty smart idea. If you have never been here before, be sure to make your first visit on a Thursday for their prixe fixe. Thursday is an amazing deal - $20 for an appetizer, entree and a dessert! And yes, many of the specials are fair game!

One of the biggest winners here is veal stuffed ravioli in a brandy cream sauce, though the chicken alla provinciana is another winner. I don't care for the gnocci though; the sauce is good, but the Gnocchi itself is pretty blahzee. What usually wins me over is the bread service and appetizers – if they're good, then the rest of the night is usually set – and this place does not disappoint! They serve this incredible cheesy, garlicy bread that you really should ask seconds on, and the fried calamari is probably the only non greasy variety I have ever seen. And for you dessert lovers, try the Gelato or Tiramisu… simply divine!

If I must make a point of contention is the parking around here is a bit tight, but you will probably find something within a couple blocks, so hit the side streets. Also, be prepared to be waiting by the door for an hour anytime after 7pm if you didn't make reservations, because this place does get busy. Even so, you might be able to score a spot at the bar.