At Loveland's Slate Italian Eatery, comfort seems to be the name of the game, as evidenced by its cozy yet still elegant interior as well as friendly and attentive service. Innovative takes on venerable favorites and an accompanying emphasis on scratch cooking with local ingredients wherever possible, make for a successful melding of the new and old.

This downtown venue dishes out a who's who of Italian and Italian American staples. Highlights include such appetizers as calamari as well as meat and cheese plates, while more substantial courses include a Margherita flatbread, tried-and-true pasta plates, Parmesans, cioppino, and steak. Acknowledging the needs of contemporary diners, pasta dishes are available in gluten-free and spiralized zucchini versions.