You needn't drive to a special area or visit a white- linen tablecloth restaurant to find good Italian food in Cleveland. The city is rich with Italian restaurants and pizzerias, from fine dining to mom-and-pop corner joints.

Take Bucci's Brick Oven in Middleburg Heights. Located in the non-descript Southland Shopping Center, across from the closing Sears and next to Gabe's discount store, it doesn't look like much from the outside. But take a chance and walk into this 19- year-old restaurant and you'll find a modern eatery with a simple design highlighted by colorful Italian folk art, and some of the best casual Southern Italian food in the Southern suburbs.