The roots of Chef Karen Akunowicz’s pasta empire trace back to this welcoming restaurant in South Boston, where she draws inspiration from her time in Italy. Everyone from parents in for a quick meal with their kids to younger couples just getting their evening started take to the lively space fit with a long bar up front and banquettes further back. Meals must begin with warm pieces of focaccia stuffed with taleggio or, for something a bit lighter, gnocco fritto with mortadella. Broccoli Caesar is a classic starter too. Pasta, as expected, is the main attraction. The likes of raviolo carbonara with guanciale, tagliatelle Bolognese with wild boar, and braised beef agnolotti del plin with roasted carrot butter are enormously satisfying.