Highlights

The first word that comes to mind when walking into the cool, calm environs of Oggi Caffe is "Ahhh," as in "I can relax; I am welcomed here, and I will have a wonderful meal."

That feeling comes as much from the warm greeting by owner Ely Roy and Manager Andres Merro and their professional staff as it does from the meticulously set, white-clothed tables and the well-stocked floor-to-ceiling cabinet wine that is a focal point of the main dining room. The burgundy-colored walls on one side of the room are hung with elegant paintings and softly lighted sconces, while the opposite brick wall allowing a glimpse of the working kitchen, maintains the true trattoria spirit of this locally well-known and well-loved restaurant. The small bar tucked into a corner is perfect for sipping a cocktail or perusing the wine list.

The menu is a mix of Italian classic and casual cuisine, and in the hands of Chef Felipe, there are small surprises that delight the eye and the palate. Like the Fragolina Salad that pairs with baby arugula and Belgian endive dressed in an aged Balsamic vinaigrette, with shavings of Parmesan, topped with toasted almonds and strawberries.

Then, there's the pasta, oh the pasta! Not just fresh, hand-made-daily pasta, simple and sensational, in familiar shapes spaghetti, linguini, fettuccini, penne, each crowned with familiar sauces or fashioned into beloved favorites like lasagna but also hand-stuffed pastas ravioli, agnolotti, and tortelloni, plumped to perfection with crabmeat or ricotta or spinach. If your taste runs to exotic, there's a seaweed "spaghettini", with exceptional service at Oggi Caffe.