La Strada Dolci e Caffé, Birmingham

The Italian influences at La Strada Dolci e Caffé don’t stop at the name. “Reminds me of the Italian coffee shops I frequented as a kid living in Europe,” says one customer. “The food and ambiance reminds me of Italy,” proclaims another. And with a European-style coffee bar replete with brass foot bar, shelves of olive oil, and alcoves lit by mini chandeliers, the comparisons are warranted. One look at the menu, however, and it becomes clear that it’s the food that lends La Strada it’s distinctively Italian vibe. The chefs, who actually hail from Europe, craft everything from plates of prosciutto and fresh melon to full-on pastas, such as spaghetti agile olio and pappardelle Bolognese. That’s not even counting the eight gourmet pizzas topped with the likes of ricotta cheese, fig marsala compote, and Sicilian tuna.