Aldo's Ristorante   

1860 Laskin Rd # 107
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
757-491-1111
www.va-beach.com/aldos

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A favorite local eatery since the late '80s, award-winning Aldo's Ristorante was named "Best of the Beach" winner for Italian cuisine by the Virginian-Pilot in 2001 and was given the Wine Spectator Award for Excellence in Wine Selection. Many upscale restaurants have a "don't touch" feel, but Aldo's says, "Come in and enjoy" in every way. A maitre d' in a formal dinner jacket escorts patrons into the stylish dining area, replete with reminders of Italy. Large windows flood the rooms with light by day and create a romantic mood at night. The same menu serves for both dinner and lunch and has Italian favorites interspersed with original creations, such as Smoked Duck Agnolotti and Shrimp Fra Diavolo. Pizza and focaccia bread, fired in a wood-burning brick oven, fill the air with a sumptuous aroma. Luscious-looking desserts are temptingly displayed in a case for all to see. For a small fee, guests may share an item or order a half-portion of pastas. The kids' menu is brief -- pasta with marinara or Alfredo sauce -- but reasonably priced. A piano bar in the evening adds pleasant background music without interfering in conversation. -- Suzanne Mason