 Adjacent to Union Square's Sir Francis Drake Hotel, this eatery caters primarily to a tourist crowd, but executes such solid dishes that locals like to stop in as well. A high, coffered, elaborately etched ceiling creates spaciousness, while rich mahogany paneling and warm lighting creates intimacy. An open kitchen built with blond brick and decorated with shiny copper pots, pans and platters feels straight out of Tuscany. The menu favors simplicity over adventure, but delivers memorable dishes that easily satisfy even the most exotically-bent palates. Creative touches include a house bruschetta that ditches tomatoes in favor of seasonal fruit, such as grilled peaches or figs, sprinkled with refreshing micro mint. Breaking with the dish’s traditionally oily and heavy preparation, Scala's linguine and clam sauce is light, spicy, (due to generous amounts of chili flakes) and features a delicate tomato sauce. Tender salmon comes on a bed of mashed potatoes drenched in chive butter. Desserts include the Bostini: a small scoop of chiffon cake amid a pool of creamy custard, covered with house-made chocolate sauce. A topnotch wine and cocktail program provides added draw.
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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. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
