If you haven't been to Pat's Italian Restaurant in a while, you haven't been to Pat's. Before a visit last month, I hadn't been to Pat's since the Boston Red Sox were down three games to the New York Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series. I was there the Saturday night the Sox lost, 19-8. For that dinner at Pat's, I dined by a faux fireplace, found that the kitchen was out of the homemade pasta I craved and was operating so slowly I thought we'd never get our dinner.

Fast-forward to new owners, a huge remodel and a kitchen that runs like clockwork. This time I'll remember a delicious dinner and an experience that couldn't have been nicer. The ease with which one can dine here begins even before you step inside the door. You can reserve online at their website via TableUp. My reservation was not only confirmed with an email, but I had a reminder sent the day of my visit and a thank-you email afterward. I found it just right without being too fussy.