Grappa Restaurant

This intimate restaurant (12 tables) offers an authentic Italian eating experience. Like any good Italian restaurant, it has a choice selection of dishes, rather than dozens of them. And there's a good wine list, of course. The prices are reasonable, too: around $6-7 for appetizers and $15-21 for entrees and specials. Reservations are "highly recommended" on weekends.

Don't miss: Grappa, 71 Elm St. in Watertown, specializes in many classic Italian dishes: seafood, veal, chicken, pork, gnocchi, eggplant, and squash ravioli. Two rave-worthy appetizers: the P.E.I. mussels in white wine and garlic sauce and the stuffed mushrooms.

The vibe: It could be argued that Italians invented the concept of a "vibe" when it comes to dining. It involves an atmosphere that's relaxed and homey, yet also romantic and elegant. And it should be relatively quiet – unless it's someone's birthday.

Cool factor No. 1: "Grappa" is an unaged Italian brandy, and a word that's fun to say out loud.

Cool factor No. 2: The outside lighting features colored, lighted bulbs shaped like bunches of grapes.