Veni Vidi Vici

This elegant theater-district restaurant manages to create an intimate feel in a 5,000-square-foot space. Cutting-edge design (handsome cherrywood wine cabinets, stenciled oak flooring, and sophisticated track lighting that replaces the glow of candles with a pinpoint splash of light on each table) complements the bustling exhibition kitchen.

The specialties here are piatti piccoli (small plates, such as skewers of shrimp or prosciutto and pear, traditionally served with cocktails), fresh handmade pastas, and meat or seafood from the wood-fired rotisserie and grill. It's easy to make a meal of the piatti piccoli or other appetizers, but the pastas are so lovely that it's a shame to pass them up. Especially good is the house specialty -- linguine with plump littleneck clams in a white or spicy red sauce. Other excellent traditional dishes include the risotto, osso buco, and veal scaloppine. The well-chosen wine list is almost 100% Italian.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.