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Quietly sited on a quaint, tree-lined block, this charming eatery is the prototypical "great little place in the Village." Few restaurants have such broad appeal or can cater to as many diners whims. Want to eat outdoors? Try one of two outdoor terraces. Need to shake off the winter chill? A fireplace will warm your bones. Long to catch up with a few good friends? The intimate, stone-lined, wood-beamed rooms are conversation- and linger-friendly, and the eclectic, market-fresh menu surely encourages diners to stay awhile. Each season brings a few new gems, like meltingly delicate ravioli stuffed with goat cheese, dappled with walnuts and laced with chunks of summer beets, or a char-grilled salmon winterized with hearty white beans. Fettuccine brims with the freshness of spring zucchini, and a warm Granny Smith apple tart with cinnamon ice cream gives you that good-all-over feeling of fall while perfectly embodying the restaurant's atmosphere. When it comes to cozy neighborhood spots with a good, solid, crowd-pleasing menu, The Place is—pun intended— is indeed the place to go. — Kathleen Squires

10 percent of each bill is donated to one of 30 diverse charities by the restaurant

Goat cheese ravioli with beets and toasted walnuts, $12; char-grilled salmon filet, $23; fettuccine with tomato, zucchini, thyme and parmesan, $18; Granny Smith apple tart, $9