Rita's Ice Custard Happiness

The Scene
This area chain's basic, familiar menu of classic Italian fare definitely favors families over foodies, and the surroundings follow suit. Decoupage-lined walls provide a colorful backdrop for casual, noise-filled dining rooms, which overflow with families at most hours (and especially in the evenings). The attractive bar area is an ideal heel-cooling spot for patrons stuck at the end of an invariably long waiting list (reservations are strongly recommended). Energetic servers do their best to keep water glasses full.

The Food
The lengthy menu has something for the most finicky palates--who can turn down chicken parmigiana or linguine with homemade meatballs? Few items on the menu top $12, and most portions are large enough to share. Wise diners keep it simple, opting for meaty lasagna and crispy thin-crust pizzas in favor of tough swordfish steaks or blasé pumpkin ravioli. Few can pass on the tantalizing desserts, including sinful rum cake and tiramisu.