La Alacena is an authentic Italian trattoria, serving pasta made with imported semola and farm-raised eggs.

The ambiance is cozy, with tables an elbow’s-length from the kitchen. Chef Julieta Oriolo is a 2nd-generation Italian with a passion for simple cooking.

Although she doesn’t speak a word of Italian, her handmade pasta screams “Ottimo!”.

Know Before You Go:

• Reservations can be made online for lunch (12:30pm) or dinner (8:00pm), with indoor and sidewalk seating available.

• You can also line up before 7:30pm for a table without a reservation.

• Options for all types of diners (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free).

What To Order:

Three stand-out pasta dishes are the Cappelleti Allo Zafferano (made with saffron and lemon), Spaghetti al Sugo Nero di Sepia (squid ink spaghetti) and Garganelli al Ragu Bianco (hearty truffle cream sauce).

You can order ciabatta to start, and enjoy a leisurely meal with a bottle of wine and tiramisu for dessert.