It was Ann’s birthday yesterday so Paul and I took her out to dinner at Galileo Enoteca. Friends have been recommending the place for a long time but I haven’t had the chance to check it out until last night. I wasn’t disappointed. Even Paul who wanted to go somewhere “tried and tested” was won over.

The place is tucked away nicely in small corner in an unassuming neighborhood. You park at the side of the street and enter the restaurant’s door into a deli/wine cellar. Inside are long wooden tables and benches. The walls are all covered shelves holding hundreds of wine bottles. The few sections not covered with shelves are painted with Italian art inspired paintings. The lighting is just right: soft and dim but not too dark. The music, instrumental versions of classic love songs, could have been better but is good enough.

We ordered the samplers or a little bit of everything: cheese, cold cuts, pasta, meat, and wine. Coffee or tea is even included. Even better, we were served complimentary shots of limoncello and grappa. And the best is Ann was served a birthday gelato complete with a candle on top.

Great place, great food, great service. What else can you ask for?

Rating: 4/5