SOUTHWEST MINNEAPOLIS. This cozy Italian deli has a few seats in the dining room, but most folks grab a panini or slice of pizza to take back to the office. Other lunch choices include hot dishes like spinach lasagna, manicotti, and an ever-changing daily pasta special. Those eating light can try the arugula salad with asiago cheese and orange-balsamic vinaigrette, or a house salad with pistachios and champagne dressing. Later in the day, the cucina does a brisk dinner business; Broders' Pasta Bar across the street also serves evening eats.

LORING PARK. If you're in the mood for family-style Italian food, try downtown's Buca di Beppo. Inside, colorful dining areas feature a wide range of eccentric statues and paintings. For dinner, try a Napoli-style Pizza Bianca, or if you're looking for something a little different, sample salmon Siracusa (with olives and capers) or Buca's own chicken Vesuvio. Chocolate lovers will want the spumoni or cannoli, both of which are sinful. Along with family-style offerings, individual-sized portions are available.

UPTOWN. This snazzy Italian restaurant specializes in outstanding pastas, salads, pizzas, and poultry. Catch a glimpse of the chefs at work in the open kitchen as they prepare spit-roasted chicken and risotto, balsamic-glazed beef short ribs, and sauteed halibut. To finish off, make sure you sample the Italian cookie platter or the chocolate truffle cake. The dining area features elaborate, hand-painted, faux-finished walls.

BLOOMINGTON. Sister restaurant of Zelo, Ciao Bella is a trendy, smartly decorated eatery that's quite popular at lunch and dinner with the business crowd. The moody restaurant features sensous curves, exposed brick, wrought iron, and bold design elements, including a funky bar. Pizza is king at lunch, but at dinner you'll want to sample excellent pasta dishes ­ fusilli with grilled chicken is not to be missed. Fresh fish, steaks, and chicken also prove delicious. Reservations are suggested.

DOWNTOWN. This elegant, world-class restaurant regularly gets rave reviews for its contemporary Italian cuisine. The menu ­ featuring roasted meats, parchment-baked fish, and fresh, inventive pastas ­ maintains a consistently high quality, and the excellent wine list complements the superb cuisine. Located in an historic warehouse, the restaurant boasts simple, understated decor, complete with high ceilings and magnificent art.