Carmine's Italiano, Williamsville

With its wood-fired brick oven, mural of a seaside Italian village, and traditional recipes passed down through generations, Carmine’s Italiano re-creates the charm of Sicilian dining. Familiar staples such as baked lasagna and stuffed eggplant parmesan benefit from Old-World flair: handmade meatballs, mediterranean olives, and rich italian cheeses. At the same time, the Cajun pan-seared sirloin and barbecue-chicken pizza pay tribute to the restaurant’s American home so that chefs don’t have to stab a flag into each plate of spaghetti.

While sinking into a medley of shrimp, clams, and scallops or surprising tongues with the chicken Bryan’s sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese, guests absorb the comfort of their surroundings. Blue-padded chairs, sandy walls, and crisp white tablecloths contribute to a family-friendly ambiance, whereas private parties and wedding receptions benefit from the curtained skylights of a special dining area. Rectangular planters blossom with leafy greens around the room’s half walls, adding a splash of color to the space’s earth and wood tones.