Café Chianti is not just another Italian restaurant. It is a relatively expensive Italian restaurant with great ambience and really good food. It can be discussed on a number of levels--the service, for example. The service here is fantastic; they have decided on a nice touch that's caring but not annoying, sweet but not cloying. The servers are well-dressed and well-coached. They are part of a great experience.
Atmosphere? There are different levels here… in the Portofino Room you will find dark wood contrasted with exposed brick and stone coupled with a few murals. The tables are nicely set with white and dark red cloths and enormous wine glasses. Much of the rest of this rambling restaurant features blond-wood furniture and murals… all very pleasant.
The menu items are not all run-of-the-mill. While there may be a spaghetti Bolognese or a pepper steak, there is also a gnocci rabbit confit. In other words, you will have to think. We started off with a Caesar salad which was absolutely excellent (for two people, or three, $12.) Around the table we ordered a "Penne Italiano" (penne with a tomato sauce and fennel sausage and heavens knows what else.), Ravioli di Chianti (That was mine and it was absolutely incredible--ravioli stuffed with cheese in a wonderful sauce--okay, it was to-die-for) and my daughter’s salmon (The most expensive dish at $22, and she loved it.).
The wine list? A bit pricey, but there was a selection of house wines available by the half litre ($17) or by the litre ($33). For the connoisseur, there was quite a list, with prices escalating into the hundred-dollar range. We chose a litre of the house Sangiovese and were completely content.
In the final analysis, it was a great experience--good food and good service in a pleasant atmosphere. Really pleased.