Fodor's Expert Review Vespaio

This buzzing Italian bistro consistently attracts hordes of South Congress Avenue’s heavy foot traffic, with patrons crowding the narrow, warmly lit bar while waiting for a table in the small, tawny-hued dining room. Noshing on the gratis white-bean puree with basil-infused olive oil makes perusing the menu of delicate handmade pastas, thin wood-fired pizzas, and robust northern Italian–inspired entrées an even greater treat. Chef specials change daily, including soul-warming risottos of the day—perhaps one with braised veal and black truffle oil. Smoky, prosciutto-wrapped prawns never disappoint, nor does the savory veal scalloppine wrapped with sage, prosciutto, and wilted spinach.