LUNCh BReAK

Ca’darIo PIzzerIa

Lunching downtown? Need something quick before the show? Pop into Ca’dario Pizzeria, the brand new, cozy, hip, companion trattoria located next door to dario furlati’s namesake mama ristorante. furlati spent the better part of 18 months renovating the new space, mostly at the request of his customers who were asking for pizza and appetizer options. The Pizzeria offers fare that is bursting with flavor, but served in a casual, non-pretentious setting…small tables, wine bar and great service. menu choices include wood-fired pizzas (you can mix them, half and half), pannini (sandwiches) made from pizza dough and daily specials such as duck carpaccio, as well as antipasti and insalate (salads). Two of us began our noshing with an array of tasty, oven-warmed olives and garlic ($4), great for a group starter, and shared a salad of the day as well the funghi e taleggio “white” pizza (our favorite) laden with tasty mushrooms, Taleggio and mozzarella cheeses, and the other half, carbonara-style that included pancetta, mozzarella and panna, dotted with tasty little quail eggs.

A tempting wall of prosecco provides a clever design element, but we liked the entire feel of the space: Wooden tables, a counter for solo dining (beer, including Italian beers on draft and wines by the glass). We noted solo diners texting and checking emails, but we think it would be more fun to chuck your device and share a pizza with a new friend. I’ll be back for the burrata and to hear what cool tunes are lilting over the sound system. All in all, a tasteful, bellisimo lunch break, in downtown SB.—

By Leslie Westbrook. Photos by Bill Boyd

Ca’Dario Pizzeria, 29 East Victoria Street, 805-957-2020. Lunch served Mon-Sat from 11:30 – 2:30, also open for dinner seven nights a week from 5 pm10pm. www.cadariopizza.net

Louie’s is a hidden gem

offering creative and up-to-date Californian cuisine with spot-on service. Its bistro-like space is located inside the 130-year-old Hotel Upham, and reflects the charm and tradition of its Victorian location, with a jazzy, comfortable feel all its own. The romantic atmosphere can be experienced dining cozily inside or outside on an old-fashioned heated verandah. Choice selections from the well-stocked wine bar are served with extraordinary fresh seafood, pastas, filet mignon and a changing menu of specialties.

2012

Food 26

Decor 21

Service 25

Cost $47