La Forchetta Italian Ristorante, Kissimmee

The chocolate ice cream at La Forchetta Italian Ristorante stands out from the other desserts—cheesecake, cannoli, and tiramisu—in that it isn't made from scratch in the kitchen. Instead, it is imported from Italy. Whether they've been shipped in or built from the basics onsite, the ingredients of every meal at the venue follow the same trend: devotion to authentic preparation and flavor. The selection of housemade pastas includes manicotti and gnocchi stuffed with ricotta and romano. Seafood entrees decorate shrimp and mussels in italian seasoning, whereas plates of veal and chicken marsala arrive marinated in marsala wine.

The staff has had 27 years to perfect their menu of pizzas, meats, and starters, so they've also thoroughly researched what libations best complement the fare. Guests can sip wine and beer or close meals on steamy notes with cappuccinos rather than by having servers read checks in husky voices.