Fodor's Expert Review Leoci's Trattoria

Chef Roberto Leoci learned his unique take on traditional Italian dishes the old-fashioned way, while spending time with his grandmother in Sicily. He worked behind the line at several prestigious spots around the Southeast before opening up this place, a block east of Forsyth Park. Although a little off the beaten path, Leoci's became an instant hit with local food fanatics. Few can resist the carpaccio or the beet salad with blue cheese and champagne tarragon vinagrette. The orecchiette pasta tossed with broccoli and sausage and the seafood fettucini are both great entrées. (If you think there's no difference between fresh pasta and store-bought dry pasta, prepare to learn an important lesson.) Save room for homemade gelato for dessert. The relatively small dining room is complemented by a large outdoor patio, which is great when the weather's nice.