"Step outside and throw a baseball in Fort Lauderdale and you will hit an Italian restaurant. But if we had to pick just one, we’re going with Il Paesano. This little Italian market pulls double duty as a restaurant—and their ever-changing menu has never let us down. The menu isn't huge—there are generally a handful of antipasti and entrees that mostly consist of pasta. But it's all good. Options include a creamy pear fagotini, gnocchi, crab ravioli, and one of the best bowls of penne al vodka around. It’s one of those places that feels more like eating at a friend’s house than a restaurant, so keep it in mind for dates. " - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo