Dopo Restaurant Review: Dopo seats about 60, but devotees still queue up on the sidewalk each evening, wine glass in hand, for a coveted seat. It’s easy to understand why---chef Jon Smulewitz, formerly a cook at Oliveto, presents inspired Italian food in a warm and friendly space. The small menu changes daily, showcasing the best of the market---one day it might be spaghetti with Manila clams, tomato, chili and garlic, or a simple salad of locally grown arugula topped with thick shavings of Parmigiano and a bright dressing. Dopo’s house-cured salumi, like the mortadella and Calabrian-style salami, hint at Smulewitz’s passion for the pig, and the curious can try a large sampler of the offerings. Be sure to order a crispy pizza from the wood oven; even the most basic combination of buffalo mozzarella and basil is a revelation. The menu is supported by a wine list showcasing good bottles from (mostly Italian) small producers, and it’s easy to find a selection to pair with your meal. Desserts are simple but not boring, often including a bracing lemon tart and a rich chocolate-almond torte.
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area.
