Caruso’s Grocery

The pastas at these twin Italian American spots feel as familiar as Dean Martin singing “That’s Amore.” Chef/owner Matt Adler’s trick is that he has bettered them in indiscernible ways. This is the spot for all your checkered-tablecloth cravings, whether fried calamari, shrimp scampi, Caesar salad, or an espresso martini. The snug Capitol Hill original captures the Little Italy vibe better than the roomier Pike & Rose spinoff, but the latter location puts on a great brunch.