"Compared to most spots on this guide, Peppone exists on an island. For one, it’s not on San Vicente. It’s also more red-sauce Italian than “Italian-Italian,” if you care for labels. The low-ceilinged room looks like Tommy’s mom from Goodfellas handled the decor: stained glass, miniature cherub statues, and paintings of Venetian canals. Suited waiters unfold your napkin and brush the tablecloth between courses. The food is expensive—even by Brentwood standards—but homey and flavorful, like dover sole bathed in garlicky-white wine gravy, al dente rigatoni Chicago with peppery sausage, and juicy “special” meatballs that are indeed special. If a fritto misto didn’t cost the same as our internet bill, we might say this is the best Italian spot in the neighborhood, if not the most fun." - sylvio martins, arden shore, brant cox