Papichi Restaurant

Nestled a stone's throw off South Dixie Highway and painted a dark terra cotta, this Italian restaurant with Brazilian flair offers a number of delectable dishes to appease hearty appetites - the name itself comes from the first letters of its specialties: pasta, pizza, and chicken. Walk into the dimly lit space and you'll probably see chefs tossing pizzas into the brick oven behind a huge glass window. Check out the wine list for a variety of affordable bottles and by-the-glass selections. The chicken passarino appetizer offers savory chunks of golden fried chicken on the bone, crisp and just right with a hint of garlic. Try the insalata Caprese, with thick slices of buffalo mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and a tasty balsamic dressing. Daily specials vary, but if it's available, order the snapper with strawberry risotto - a tender fish served in a butter sauce, accompanied by an enticingly sweet risotto. Penne calabrese features perfect al dente pasta with spicy calabrese sausage and loads of fresh tomatoes. And meat lovers will enjoy a new addition to the menu: churrasco, which is offered Tuesday through Thursday. Desserts include a dulce de leche pizza with a heavenly mixture of mozzarella cheese, caramel sauce, and vanilla ice cream.