San Marco Restaurant, Amherst

This small, intimate restaurant, which opened in 1984, features Northern Italian cuisine. It is family-owned and operated by Nancy and Frank Grimaldi. Frank grew up in Italy as the son of two private chefs, and his skill in the kitchen has made San Marco one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. The restaurant is very elegant, especially the very intimate wine room which only has a few tables. Menu items include penne all'arrabita (penne pasta in a spicy tomato sauce) and vittello della nonna (veal scallopini with white wine, herbs, cheese, and grilled eggplant in a fresh tomato sauce). One of the most popular menu items is the lobster ravioli. Actually, anything you order from the menu is good and the service is excellent to boot. Desserts include a chocolate souffle served with hazelnut gelato. - Christine A. Smyczynski