Il Paesano

Step outside and throw a baseball in Fort Lauderdale and you will hit an Italian restaurant. But if we had to pick just one to visit, we’re going with Il Paesano. This place is a little Italian market that pulls double duty as a restaurant—and their ever-changing menu has never let us down. The menu isn't huge—there are generally a handful of antipasti and entrees that mostly consist of pasta. But it's all so good. Options include a creamy pear fagotini, gnocchi, crab ravioli, and one of the best bowls of penne al vodka we've ever had. It’s one of those places that feels more like eating at a friend’s house than a restaurant, so keep it in mind for dates or any night when you want a bowl of outstanding pasta and some wine.