Bar Italia

Bar Italia just keeps on keeping on - as did its hallowed predecessor on the same Norton Street site, Bar Trinacria, established in 1959. It must be the caffeine that does it, in the nicely made caffe latte ($3.50). That same sense of continuity means most people who come here know exactly what they want, whether it's a big plate of spaghetti, veal pizzaiola, a filled roll or a scoop of rich chocolate gelato, taken out in the leafy courtyard or on the street. Those who need their soy milk or skim milk need not apply, according to the sign. Such modern first-world options are not sanctioned by this venerable old-timer.