| Il Piatto Italian 95 West Marcy, Santa Fe 505-984-1091 |
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| Santa Fe Restaurant Review: Il Piatto Italian restaurant is an old favorite of mine, a “locals” Italian restaurant with moderate pricing. SETTING - Il Piatto is on the street behind the Palace of the Governors in downtown Santa Fe, just out of sight of the throngs on the plaza. FOOD - This is like an Italian neighborhood "trattoria". Lunch is good, and dinner is better. The menu is creative but not extensive. You’re guaranteed to find something you’ll like. Their pastas are homemade. I like the Pumpkin Ravioli with Brown Sage Butter, and the potato Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms in a marsala-parmagiano sauce. At lunch you’ll find several hearty sandwiches served on a thick focaccia bread. At dinner, things kick into gear with a Duck Liver Crostini with Mushrooms appetizer, Pappardelle with Braised Duckling (okay, I like duck), and Grilled Swordfish with Sweet Leek & Vinegar Almond Pesto, among others. Pasta prices at lunch are $8-$11 and at dinner the entrees are $12-$20. For Santa Fe, this is very reasonable. WINE - 50-60 wines, about 80% Italian (with some very good ones) – and there are enough decent California wines to keep the natives from getting restless. Also beer, but no liquor. AMBIANCE - Easy-going and friendly. During off-season, it will be mostly locals – business people doing deals, ladies in turquoise jewelry doing lunch, men in boots & leather vests. It’s a small, relaxed place. You'll feel right at home. RESERVATIONS - May not be necessary in the weeks when Santa Fe is quiet – although there are not too many of those anymore. Reservations worthwhile during high season. It’s a late lunch crowd, often more diners at 1 p.m. than at noon. BOTTOM LINE - Il Piatto restaurant is not flashy, but it’s very good. "Eat where the locals eat." |
| Santa Fe Restaurant Reviews |
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