IL Paesano Italian Gourmet Food and Wine Market

"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

"This intimate Oakland Park Boulevard spot has the Italian café vibe down pat. Sure, you can snag some fresh mozzarella, a bottle of wine, or other Italian staples in its expansive market by day. But dining in the market – at one of its few tables – and noshing on its melt-in-your-mouth short rib and risotto is where the fun really is." - Jesse Scott

"Step outside and throw a baseball in Fort Lauderdale and you will hit an Italian restaurant. But if we had to pick just one to visit, we’re going with Il Paesano. This place is a little Italian market that 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 so good. Options include a creamy pear fagotini, gnocchi, crab ravioli, and one of the best bowls of penne al vodka we've ever had. 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 or any night when you want a bowl of outstanding pasta and some wine." - Ryan Pfeffer