Examined in cross section, the majority of brains only think about and look like spaghetti Bolognese. Give into your brain's most earnest desires with today's Groupon: for $20, you get $45 worth of authentic Italian fare at Lil Vinny's Ristorante in Somerville.

Warm aromatics wafting from the kitchen will set your senses astir as you focus your peepers on Lil Vinny's menu of feast-worthy fare. As you discuss dinner decisions among tablemates, hush the interjecting jibber jabber of an impatient appetite with a plate of fried calamari ($8.95) or eggplant rollatini ($9.95) to share, coupled with an glass of Italian red wine or a specialty martini from the full bar. Customers craving childlike comfort delight in platters of linguini with meatballs or sausage ($12.95), while actual children can exercise maturity by thoughtfully selecting a dish from the children's menu based on what will pair best with their fountain soda ($1.50). Classic chicken ($15.95) and veal ($18.95) cacciatore toss protein with colorful peppers, earthy mushrooms, purple onions, and crimson marinara, while the vibrant orange notes of scallop and shrimp Grand Marnier ($19.95) come forward to complete a rainbow of rations. Black Angus filet mignon is a house specialty, served with a sweet port-wine reduction and silverware ($28.95).

Crisp white tablecloths and muted custard walls are elegantly underscored by the rich hues of wooden furniture and bright red accents. Sophisticated yet unpretentious, Lil Vinny's accommodates patrons of all dining persuasions, whether enjoying a romantic evening with a loved one or meeting up with buddies to watch the game on one of the bar's TVs. Regardless of your gastronomic goals, Lil Vinny's Ristorante will fill your belly to the brim, giving you the energy you need to tackle other ambitions, such as becoming an Olympic swimmer after allowing at least two hours to digest.

This Groupon is good for dine-in service only.

Reviews

Lil Vinny's was voted Best Dining Excellence by Market Surveys of America in 2008. Zagat gives it very good ratings, Yelpers give a four-star average, and four Citysearchers give five stars:

• This place is great. Almost everything is topnotch. The skinless eggplant is awesome [sic], pasta dishes are great, fresh veggies & A porkchop that will knock your socks off(I wear sandals now when we go) – jerryb9748, Zagat member
• This Somerville establishment is a gem! The service is also good and they make you feel right at home! – citytraveller, Citysearch