DOWNTOWN. Known for its famous pasta sauce, Chef's has offered the neighborhood Italian classics since the 1920s. Menu items range from the Tuscany grilled chicken salad to vegetable lasagna to veal parmesan with spaghetti. In addition, the kitchen's daily specials might include chicken broccoli alfredo over fettuccine or linguini calamari.

ALLENTOWN. This intimate trendy restaurant is casually elegant. The eclectic seasonal menu varies, featuring such dishes as mussels in white wine, ricotta crespelle, and warm artichoke and argula salad. Reservations recommended.

Opened in 1965, this reliable eatery specializes in homestyle Italian cuisine. Dig into some cheesy garlic bread, mozzerella sticks or fried zucchini before starting a hearty main course of pizza, pasta, seafood or steak. Among the house specialties are shrimp and scallops with homemade marinara over linguini and eggplant parmigiana with spaghetti. The adjoining Ringside Lounge displays athletic memorabilia of Ilio DiPaolo, former wrestling champ and the restaurant's founder.

HERTEL AVENUE. Fresh seafood enhances this kitchen's fine Italian cooking. Munching on popular appetizers like crab cakes and fried calamari, diners ponder over the wealth of tempting main courses. Grilled Atlantic salmon is served on a garlic crustini, with lobster ravioli prepared in a seafood broth. The dining room's friendly, relaxed atmosphere makes everyone feel at home.

Housed in a soft blue home accented with red shutters, this neighborhood favorite offers tasty, Italian-inspired eats. Delicious pastas, like sundried tomato ravioli, are served with fresh Italian bread and salad or minestrone soup, while a variety of sandwiches and burgers and traditional meat dishes, such veal and chicken parmesan, appear on the menu as well. A casual wood bar with black and white checkered flooring adds to the appeal of this inviting eatery.