Owners Giovanni Liuzzo and Ignaciao Bautista have much to crow about: They've put together a tremendous menu in this out-of-the-way prize. The seating area probably rivals the square footage of your own front room, but that's part of its charm. (Small rooms are charming; it's a fact.) Open for lunch and dinner, the standard menu features great finds like the chicken vesuvio sandwich with a great garlic sauce and peas falling off the bun with every bite, as well as top-notch linguine and clams. Tear yourself away from the menu to check the specials, where you might find items such as swordfish vesuvio or pork chop peppercorn with broccoli. Gio's isn't about fancy, it's about good food…and it works. BYOB, with a $4 corkage fee.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Dennis Foley