Manducatis

Talk about a personal touch: A black-and-white childhood photo of chef and co-owner Ida Cerbone stares up at diners from every plate, bowl and mug in her warm Italian eatery. The shrimp “alla Ida,” a creamy, garlic-heavy concoction served over homemade linguine, is just one reason to tolerate the unflinching gaze. Others are the baked clams, and veal marsala topped with shiitake mushrooms. If the wood-burning fireplace doesn’t make this feel like home, the friendly staff will.