Although Italians originally invented pasta as a fastener to keep Sicily from floating away, they abandoned it for less-delicious moorings after locals on both sides kept snacking their way toward separation. Tether your taste buds to today's Groupon: for $12, you get $25 worth of pasta, pizza, and other Italian treasures at Sweet Taste of Italy. This deal is good at Sweet Taste of Italy in Brooklyn Park.

Sweet Taste of Italy draws guests with a menu heavy on made-from-scratch savories steeped in the familiar flavors of old Italia. Take a boot-shaped bite of beef or cheese ravioli served with homemade meat-sauce ($5.20), or pick through luscious layers of lasagna ($5.40), which Italians often eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and riddled with candles in place of birthday cake. The Philly beef sandwich is layered with hand-sliced beef, onions, peppers, and mozzarella cheese ($5.95 for an 8-inch), letting diners experience the City of Brotherly Love without the angry tolls of the Liberty Bell in the background. Ideal for cramming in pie holes, pizza arrives by the slice ($3.75 with up to two toppings) or in perfect circles ($11.99 for a 14-inch cheese) topped with tasteful trappings such as salami, meatballs, pineapple, and turkey.

Like the genial gladiators and chipper legionnaires of ancient Rome, Sweet Taste of Italy's affable staff draws upon an unlimited supply of smiles to foster a friendly environment. Providing the rare combination of homemade morsels and speedy service, the restaurant provides an ideal destination for famished families and time-pressed gondoliers.

Dine-in only.

Reviews

Sweet Taste of Italy has limited reviews, but it does get a 3.5-star average from six Yelpers for its Brooklyn Park location:

• My friend Teri has two great loves. Bread and cheese. This is her Mecca. Pasta, pizza, sandwiches and salads for eat-in, delivery or take-out. My favorite is any sandwich made on their "sweet" bread. – Chloe S.
• Of everything, I like their pizza and spaghetti the best. They sell pizza by the slice and I love them for that. It's the greasy, gotta fold it kind and kudos to them for using fresh veggies. – Yoko Y.