The first thing that will strike you is the atmosphere. Abruzzo is almost always crowded, complete with crooked tables (which anyone will fix if you wish), unpretentious yet beautiful art, and wonderful people.

If you plan to be seated outside, come later in the evening (they serve until nine). You will be treated to first a sunset, then a moonrise, and the pretty, warming light strings that line the grill above the courtyard.

You might have to wait awhile, even to sit outside, but it’s more than worth the wait, guaranteed. Once seated, a plate of bread and olives will be delivered. The menu changes weekly, but it’s wonderful every time.

The first course includes salads, seafood treats, and others. Some of my favorites off this section are the spinach salad, the caprese, the tomato and white bean soup, and a pesto-basil salad over flatbread with cherry tomatoes.

The second course menu includes pastas, pizzas, other seafood dishes, all of which I’m told are divine. (As a celiac, I cannot eat most of these dishes.) However, sometimes this menu contains a risotto dish which I love, so be sure to check for this even if you are celiac.

If you have room for the desert, the panna cotta is absolutely sublime. It is wonderful with either the balsamic strawberries or caramel. Their gelato, a relatively new addition to the menu, is great. This restaurant uses Hood River Coffee, and they brew it extremely well. I highly recommend having a cup of decaf to top off your evening, or with your desert.

Perfect in every way—atmosphere, service, and food. Without exageration my favorite restaurant in town.