Touted as one of the best date spots in the city, Rose Angelis deserves all the love it gets. A number of tiny dining rooms lead to a larger dining area in back, creating a maze-like, intimate atmosphere. Each room has its own accents, from warmly-colored walls to dark wood to the outdoor patio's picnic tables and ivy-adorned fences.

And then there's the food. Indulging in the homemade Italian cuisine amid the dimly lit ambiance, you may as well be dining in Florence. Yes, it's that good. Appetizers cost an average of $8, and range from the ever-popular tomato and basil bruschetta to the richly flavored cheese ravioli with a pesto and gorgonzola dipping sauce. Even the olive oil impresses.

Rose Angelis doesn't feature red meat on its main menu, and once you bite into your dish of choice, even the heartiest of carnivores won't miss it. Chicken, fish and duck join fresh and delicate pasta, the likes of which few Italian restaurants have mastered. Try the spinach pasta half moons stuffed with ricotta and pesto, or the lasagna, layered with thick noodles, creamy mozzarella and roasted pine nuts (about $15).

The wine list is an accessible one, with most bottles priced near $30. Throw your diet out the window come dessert time. The bread pudding, served with warm caramel sauce, is enough to make Jenny Craig herself weep.

Average cost: $21-$30

Centerstage Reviewer: Emily Fiffer