Modeled after an Old World Italian country villa, Salvatore's Ristorante is truly a sight to behold. A grand piano and elaborate chandelier grace the impressive foyer of this classy restaurant/special events venue. Walking into Salvatore's for the first time is akin to stumbling upon an old Italian villa, or an elaborate mafia wedding reception, hidden as it is on a Lincoln Park side street.

Dark wooden panels line the massive dining areas, which are typically outfitted with banquet tables dressed to the nines. Massive arched French windows line the exterior walls, opening out onto a festive patio in the Classico and Pasta Vino rooms. In addition to providing a beautiful, upscale location, attentive wait staff, and some mighty fine grub, Salvatore's can help arrange every little detail of your wedding, party or business meeting.

But let's get to the point; the food here is authentic Italian fare. Banquet menus can be tailored to your occasion, but if you're just popping in for dinner, you'll be ordering from the regular menu. For the true Italian experience, dine in proper order; start with an antipasti of bruschetta or carpaccio. Follow with the insalate course before diving into a primi like manicotti di formaggio or spaghetti alla carbonara. Next onto a sauteed spinach or roasted potato verdure before a generous secondi course. Veal is done particularly well here. Finish with a caffe and la dolce vita. Service tends to border on doting, which works with the luxurious decor to further delude you into thinking that you're Italian royalty, at least for the night.

Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe