WEST ASHLEY. Cozy and quaint, this little Italian dining room sets guests at ease. The aroma of hearty Northern Italian numbers, from creamy risotto with scallops and asparagus to fettuccine Bolognese, waft from the kitchen, tempting diners as they deliberate over the menu and sip flavorful wine. Next door, chef-owner John Marshall runs a wine bar that offers tasty Mediterranean bites and pizzas made in a wood-burning oven.

MOUNT PLEASANT. Former Al Di La chef Michael Scognamiglio started up his own place in mid-2007. So far, it's been a success, with guests raving about his southern Italian creations.

MARKET. Housed in a 19th-century building, this romantic restaurant features stuccoed walls and tiled floors in a nod towards Old World charm. Its authentic Italian fare starts with sauteed mussels, calamari, and a classic caprese salad. Entrees, then, include pancetta-wrapped beef tenderloin, veal Marsala, shellfish fra diavolo, and a range of lush, baked pastas. A good wine list assures an apt complement, and desserts are worth saving room for.

MOUNT PLEASANT. Hungry families and happy couples fill tables at this popular Mount Pleasant pasta joint, where locals return frequently, raving about the amazing lasagna and the mussels with thyme and butter. The warm personality of chef-owner Jacques Bouguyon, along with a cozy atmosphere and tempting aromas from the kitchen, make everyone feel at home. It may be off the beaten track, but Capriccio's is certainly worth the trip.

DOWNTOWN. Impeccable style and a fun atmosphere help explain the appeal of this casually hip Italian joint, located downtown. Moreover the kitchen boasts innovative Italian fare, from fish to pasta to meat, prepared before your very eyes. Diners marvel at the sights and scents of this culinary wonder as they sip martinis, carefully selected from the cocktail bar's list of 45. "Subtle" live music on Thursdays attracts the 30-and-up crowd.