Tavolo

After more than 30 years behind the stove at his high end, South End restaurant (Icarus), chef-owner Chris Douglass headed just south of Boston to open not one, but two casual eateries in his own neck of the woods. Tavolo and sister establishment up the block, Ashmont Grill, are beacons of good food and liveliness, drawing hungry diners to the under-the-radar Peabody Square section of Dorchester.

The dining room, in shades of mocha and deep orange, and adorned with one-of-a-kind photographs by local artist Andy Ryan, is casual yet sophisticated – a perfect spot for a night out in the neighborhood. The lively and spacious bar, which looks out onto Dorchester Avenue, is equally accommodating, with plenty of high tops and comfortable bar seating.

The kitchen goes well beyond the basics – there are pizzas and paninis to be had – but housemade pasta, cheese, sausage often steal the show. Regulars return on a weekly basis to try the reasonably-priced prix fixe menus inspired by the regions of Italy. The meatballs alone are worth the drive down Dot Ave – just ask Bon Appétit.