slow start, now excellent. the decor is incredibly beautiful. you can sit inside or outside, as you wish. the staff are very friendly. perhaps this is a change from when they first opened, i don't know. (one or two of the co-owners have gruff exterior but very funny with big heart when you get to know them a bit, if you choose). the food dishes are excellent, in my experience. every food dish seems to have a special touch, special blend of flavors, that clearly demonstrates care and talent. it turns out that the restaurant across the street (spasso?) - extremely highly regarding for it's italian food - has the same owner - and apparently same standards. i have enjoyed the wine here a lot, especially when i take thetimeto discuss my choice ahead oftimewith one of the folks there particularly knowledgable about their wines. i have been to wine bars all over the world and there is a pattern that if you don't let the staff know your tastes, they may serve you something that does not suit. better wines are complex and not always the most approachable. prices per glass are definitely not exceptionally high here, relative to other wine bars. finally, some of the staff are young, and months ago were just starting out. i always felt that their energy and spirit more than made up for this, but depending on your mood, this may or may not fly with you. (the restaurant staff includes quite a few young people who were raised in this lovely small town.) oh yeah, if you want to see this place really hopping busy, try thursday or friday evenings. generally it is slowest in the afternoons, and not overly busy on other evenings.