Fodor's Expert Review T. Maccarones

Italian food with a very contemporary flare is the draw at "T-Mac's," along with the neighborly feel of the small, two-level restaurant that has become a local favorite. The menu focuses on bold flavors and fresh, local, and organic ingredients for dishes like cioppino, seared sockeye salmon, and braised beef and pork ragout. The T-Mac and Cheese is rich and delicious; desserts are baked in-house. Weekday lunches offer tasty choices, too, including meatball sandwiches and seasonal soups. Customers are often greeted personally by friendly owner Tom Maccarone, a native of Walla Walla.