Il Mercante di Venezia has a lavish, baroque interior. Solid wood furnishings, heavy drapes and ubiquitous gold detailing lend a surprising degree of luxurious intimacy, particularly for such a busy establishment. If you’re seated upstairs, the impact of the added seclusion and low lighting helps to completely lend yourself to the experience—inciting anyone with a good Don Corleone impression to take advantage of the atmospheric opportunity to play the part.

The Italian menu highlights pasta, pizza, gnocchi, lasagna and tiramisu. Prices are surprisingly reasonable given the setting and quality of food, but you won’t be the first to make this observation. Il Mercante di Venezia is an overwhelmingly popular restaurant, so don’t be surprised to see queues around the block on a weekend. Reservations, when possible, are strongly advised.

Be sure to try the “melanzanne parmiggiana”.

Note: This location is closed for August.