Bites Nearby: Ipp's Pastaria and Bar

Overview: The Ippolito family's Northern Italian-style restaurants have been in the Atlanta area for more than 20 years. Ipp's Pastaria and Bar is a modern update on the same great Italian food and atmosphere. It's a great addition to Downtown Woodstock, which has flourished with the arrival of several restaurants and shops in the past few months.

Décor: The look has been updated, but Ipp's Pastaria and Bar still has the charm of the 1904 house it calls home. There are booths, tables and a quaint outdoor patio with a view of Downtown Woodstock. The restaurant has a friendly atmosphere. It is a great spot to have a romantic dinner or a night out with friends and family.

Entrée: The menu is basic Italian fare. Bruschetta, calamari and salads are great for starters. The calamari salad sounded interesting, but I decided to go with the small Caesar salad. With shaved parmesan and croutons on top, the salad didn't disappoint. I can’t forget the famous garlic knots with marinara sauce. Limit yourself to two or you will ruin your dinner.

Ipp's has a wide selection of pizzas: pesto chicken, margherita, barbecue and traditional. Traditional was my choice. It included red sauce, pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, onions and green pepper. I couldn’t finish the small pizza by myself.

Of course, classics such as lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, stuffed shells and chicken Parmesan are on the menu. Diners also can choose from a variety of paninos, which are grilled sandwiches served with a choice of chips, fries or pasta salad. I was tempted but decided to go for the traditional chicken Parmesan dinner. It was covered in delicious meaty sauce and mozzarella cheese and served with a side of spaghetti.

Entrees range from $9 to $15.

Service: I received the garlic knots immediately and began working on the addictive little rolls. Ipp's has daily specials and a full bar. Our waiter disappeared for a while when we were done. He was deep in conversation with the hostess but showed up later. All went well.

Hours: Ipp's is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 4 to 9:30 p.m.

Ipp’s Pastaria and Bar is at 8496 Main St., Woodstock. For more information, call 770-517-7305.