"If you just want a big bowl of pasta, head to Vega. This Italian restaurant serves excellent baked rigatoni and handmade gnocchi in an intimate setting that’s perfect for first dates, or dinner with friends you haven’t seen since you all traveled to Italy last summer. Order a glass of wine to go along with your pasta—or their salads, pizzas with homemade tomato sauce, and appetizers like grilled calamari. On nicer evenings, ask to sit out front. Their heated patio will take you right back to your favorite sidewalk cafe in Rome." - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez