"If your heart flutters when you hear the words chianti and diavolo, you’ll love Peppone. This Brentwood classic looks like Tommy’s mom from Goodfellas handled the decor: stained glass, white cherub statues, paintings of Italy, even an autographed photo of Madonna. It’s classy from the moment a suited waiter unfolds your napkin onto your lap with a flick of their wrist. The crunchy garlic bread is free and your tablecloth is brushed between courses. At Peppone, you’re a VIP and should be given the steep prices. (A standard fritto misto costs as much as our internet bill.) You at least get your money’s worth in flavor, though, like the dover sole bathed in a garlicky-white wine gravy, the al dente Chicago rigatoni with sausage, and juicy “special” meatballs that are indeed special." - brant cox, sylvio martins, garrett snyder