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The rustic red-orange walls that give Caffé Rosso its name, fresh flowers on every table, and plenty of candles create an inviting atmosphere. Salads are fresh and inventive; the Brasiliana, with avocados and hearts of palm, is a great alternative to the usual mista and Caprese. The wine list is mostly Italian and very reasonable: a rich and delicious Montepulciano is just $7 a glass. Pastas served in white ceramic bowls always taste fresh: penne della casa (prosciutto, asparagus and mushrooms) and penne ortolana (sundried tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms) are light and substantial—their fresh vegetables perfectly balance out their tomato-cream sauces. Standouts from the “secondi” selection include a porterhouse served on a butcher block with French fries. The laid-back attitude of the staff and their willingness to let customers dine at a leisurely pace give Caffé Rosso a European vibe, and explains why even the celebs that frequent the place seem so relaxed. — Amy Allison

Porterhouse (steak au poivre), $19