Stepping into Maria’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in Morris for lunch one day, I immediately noticed something. Maria’s has the charm of Italy without trying too hard. Tables arrangements had a cafe feel. The murals of famous locales blended into the decor. The place mats tell the history and geography of Italy. And the hospitality was among the best I’ve experienced.

We were seated right away, with our server taking our beverage order. Since my colleague and I both had to get back to work, we ordered soft drinks and coffee, although Maria’s offers several red and white wines by the glass ($7) and the bottle. Among the wines listed on the menu were Chianti, Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Lambrusco and Shiraz (red) and Pinot Grigo, Chardonnay, white Zinfandel, Riesling and Moscato (white), with a full wine list available on request.