Gaia Ristorante

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. That's the way I feel about all the new construction encroaching on the quaint Western District. This restaurant, ensconced in the colossal Grand Millennium Plaza building on the border between the Central and Western districts, has won me over with a great terrace, surrounded by lush trees and bushes that create the illusion of dining in a park. The contemporary interior is also inviting, with glass windows overlooking the terrace and a blindingly red bar off to one side. And the menu is the perfect accompaniment. Temptations include wafer-thin Roman-style pizzas, homemade pasta tossed in a Sangiovese-marinated rabbit stew ragout, or the veal with shaved black truffle. I also love coming for lunch, when the set meal includes a sumptuous antipasto buffet. The wine list is heavy on Italian imports.

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.