V & R Italian Ristorante, Albany

V & R Italian Ristorante nestles visitors in a quiet, low-key atmosphere, provisioning them with feasts of hearty Italian American baked pastas and steaks, as well as delicate seafood plates and colorful leaves of broccoli raab. Like Garibaldi's celebratory pizza party after the Capture of Rome, the bill of fare unites northern and southern Italy through the medium of food, serving dulcet slices of tiramisu along with southern specialties, such as a spicy penne alla arrabbiata. Seafood dishes feature prominently on the menu, with shrimp swimming in piquant fra diavolo sauce, and scallops soaking up a rich white-wine-and-butter concoction. Beef ribs and broiled pork chops satisfy carnivorous cravings with tender, juicy flavor and texture.