A cross between an imported Italian goods store and a little café restaurant, La Bodeguita Italiana (tel. 504/231-0374, noon–3 p.m. and 6–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun.) whips up quality pastas (US$9–12) with a glass of Chianti, or other daily specials like salmon carpaccio and an excellent steak. The small restaurant, with red-and-white checkered tablecloths set right in front of the shelves of imported pastas, sauces, olive oil, and wines, is at a small traffic circle (redondel) a couple of blocks south of Boulevard Morazán in Colonia Minitas.

Gino’s (tel. 504/238-1464) in Colonia Palmira across from the Hotel Plaza San Martín, also serves up reliable pasta, at similar prices. The chocolate dessert is heavenly. Too bad the restaurant is only open for lunch (Mon.–Sat.), except Wednesdays, when it’s open until 9 p.m.

Cheesy pizza with a thick and crunchy olive-oil crust is the specialty at Tito’s (along Boulevard Morazán, by McDonald’s). Ranging from US$9–13, they are not cheap, but they are worth it. Note that the large is a lot more pizza for just a little more money, and will serve two hungry people.