I Tre Merli Bistro (CLOSED)

The casual “uptown” spin-off lacks the attitude and high prices of the original, so settle in at the long bar and enjoy a selection of salume and cheeses served on wooden cutting boards and matched with good wines by the glass. Diners intent on lingering at a table might begin with delicate lobster bruschetta or flash-fried mushrooms with truffle oil. Pastas include house-made spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce and ravioli with sautéed artichokes in a shrimp sauce. Secondi are moderately priced, too: $14 for grilled pork chops, fried calamari or steak with herbed fries.