PINO

PINO Restaurant Review:

This quick-serve, artisan Italian concept hails from a European chain, but nothing speaks chain since nearly everything is scratch-made with high-quality ingredients. The French owners and staff turn out tasty breads and desserts, and terrific antipasti of cured meats, imported cheeses, pâté, pickles and fruit. Gourmet salads, sandwiches and a handful of Italian entrées like lasagna and rotisserie chicken round out the authentic old-world menu. But the star is the wood-burning-oven pizza, and the pizzas themselves topped with uncommon ingredients like egg, capers, shrimp, tuna and salmon. The patio is a favorite spot in cooler months for people-watching and a nice glass of wine. Even though you order at the counter, it still feels like a real restaurant, with food and drink brought to your table, and a cheerful staff that checks in often to make sure you have everything you need.