Trattoria da Franco, Alexandria

Owner Franco Abbruzzetti himself selects all the produce, meat, and fish used by the chefs at his Trattoria Da Franco. That's how invested he is in the quality of the meals shared under his roof. Open since 1985 and occupying a 300-year-old European-style rowhouse, the eatery offers up many traditional Italian dishes that are just as charming as the building they're served in. Steak and seafood entrees are prominent on the menu here, as are housemade pastas and pizzas. The saltimbocca alla romana showcases veal saut?ed in marsala wine and the homemade minestrone alla romana soup comes chock full of tender veggies. Waiters also pour wines from Italy, France, and North America and pastry chefs bake up decadent desserts and custom cakes for special occasions and any time someone has eaten their way through the entire menu.