Category: Italian
Fratello's: 155 Dow St., Manchester (in the Millyard); 624-2022. Extensive menu not limited to Italian favorites, great atmosphere. Has a reputation for particularly good seafood dishes, but something for everyone and it's all worth trying. Note the authentic mill knicknacks.
Hillview Restaurant: 270 Amory St. (Gosselin Plaza,) Manchester; 668-9666. Italian-American cuisine with a French twist, which is what you'd expect on the city's West Side. Friendly staff makes an extra effort.
Olive Garden: 1888 S. Willow St. (in front of Antics) Manchester; 668-8871. Chain restaurant built to resemble a Tuscan farmhouse, serves the same great food as the other Olive Gardens.
Piccola Italia Ristorante: 827 Elm St., Manchester; 606-5100. Authentic Italian restaurant is a runaway downtown favorite. Packing them in by virtue of great, hearty Italian food served with warmth and personality.
Ya Mamma's: 75 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack; 578-9201. Legendary Italian eatery transplanted from downtown Nashua to converted house on old Route 3 in Merrimack. Really worth the drive.