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Now That's Italian!

Claudio's is Your Pick The new kid on the block wins out as Sebastopol's Claudio's Trattoria (7531 Healdsburg Ave.; 823-1531) sweeps the steaks as your choice for Best New Restaurant and Best Italian Restaurant. Serving food from the northern section of Italy, Claudio's prides itself on reasonably priced dinners and homemade tiramisu that might just quell any travel pangs you may feel--while leaving you enough spare change to contemplate a European trip nonetheless. Although this pretty trattoria has been open only since last September, proprietors Claudio and Elizabeth Capetta have been around the butcher's block a few times before, having run successful establishments in Florida and Connecticut before settling in Sonoma County a little over a year ago. Specials change frequently and include such choices as Pollo Toscano ($12.50), a chicken breast sautéed in olive oil with lemon and rosemary, plus side potatoes and veggies; and the very popular Scallops Fra Diavolo ($14.95), which features fresh mussels on a bed of linguine with a spicy homemade tomato sauce. Why does daughter (and hostess) Daniella Capetta think her folks' place is such a success? "Because it's good food," the Analy High senior answers simply. We think she might be onto something. Claudio's is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., reopening for dinner at 5 p.m. Saturday, doors open at 5:30 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. It's closed on Monday. Visa and Mastercard are accepted and reservations are suggested. --G.G. [ Sonoma Independent | MetroActive Central | Archives ]