Ghiringhelli Pizzeria Grill & Bar in Novato

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we have a better idea. Each week, Patch picks a restaurant in Petaluma, Novato or San Rafael that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

www.ghiringhellisnovato.com

1535 South Novato Blvd., Novato; 415-878-4977

Overview: Two industry professionals — Mike Ghiringhelli, owner of Ghiringhelli’s Pizzeria in Fairfax and a specialty food maker, and Mark Edwards, a part owner of Finnegan’s and long-time front-of-the-house dynamo — have created a comfortable, family-friendly, full-service restaurant in Novato's Nave Shopping Center.

Décor: Think industrial, exposed supports plus Italianate decorative touches.

The Drinks: There is a full bar and artisanal, specialty cocktails created just for the restaurant by Jason Sims. Try the Negroni, a Bulleit Manhattan, or an Aviation.

Appetizers: Crab arancini, beef carpaccio or tuna tartar are all winners.  The butternut soup garnished with thin strips of crispy bacon a slivers of fried sage is absolutely perfect.

Entrees: There is a slow-cooked lamb shank, market steak and a huge macaroni and cheese with lobster. Pizzas come as family-style traditional or artisanal. Some of the family-style pizzas seem to have too many ingredients.

The pizza that Wolfgang Puck invented is done well here. Tuck into a cracker base pizza topped with smoked salmon, horseradish crème fraiche, sliced red onion, and cucumber dill relish.

Desserts: Don’t miss Mrs. Ghiringhelli’s cannoli or New York-style Italian cheesecake.

Service: Friendly and efficient

Cost: $11-$17, some entrees higher

Disabled accessible: Yes

Noise level: Can talk easily