The impressive coffered ceiling, glowing with soft golden light, is the first thing you notice when entering Il Palato. White marble tables and understated velvet chairs exude the same coziness. The numerous pieces of artwork hanging in the dining room are equally soothing. The effect immediately puts you at ease.

Restaurateur Mike Del Pietro has a knack for creating such cozy environs, having already done so at Sugo’s, Babbo’s, Via Vino, Tavolo V, and Del Pietro’s. But Il Palato is perhaps his most elegant offering to date. The menu at Il Palato (Italian for “the palate”) is representative of the cooking styles of the southern regions of Italy.