"Ian Rusnak and Eric Safin, the chef-owners of Elina’s in West Town, focus on Italian-American classics like chicken and eggplant parmesan, rigatoni a la vodka, linguine and clams, with options like ribeye steak and Dover sole for special occasions. The 28-seat restaurant, which is BYOB for now, has become a local favorite since opening in mid-September. Rusnak and Safin aim to provide craveable dishes rather than overly creative ones. Elina’s was named after Safin's mother, and the duo plans to open a patio next year once they can apply for a liquor license." - aimee.levitt