l'Italia Restaurant and Bar, Harrisonburg

The recipes at l'Italia Restaurant and Bar date back hundreds of years, first created by the peasant and merchant families in Italy. The dishes include land and sea proteins, local produce, and even a peppering of flavors from other cultures. Chefs encase tilapia in an egg batter and simmer the filets in white wine and lemon juice, and pair balsamic glazed-grilled beef medallions with noodles covered in gorgonzola-alfredo sauce. Guests can also customize their own pasta dishes, with two-handfuls of pasta options and 14 sauces that add up to such combinations as cheese ravioli with vodka sauce or gluten-free penne under a ladle of basil pesto. The eatery also honors Italy with murals of historical landmarks that include the Colosseum,Vatican City, and Michelangelo's favorite Pizza Hut.