Amici Signature Italian

Amici has a lot to boast about – great food, an intimate atmosphere and a pretty endearing location, considering it's way out in Carrollton. But the best thing about the cozy Italian restaurant is the chef's pants. When we visited, they appeared to be patterned with various types of peppers in a plethora of colors. We know this because Chef Bartolino is not only talented but friendly, frequently venturing out into the 48-seat restaurant to greet his guests. It's a nice touch since a full meal at Amici is just on the other side of expensive, but it's the ideal spot for any special-occasion dinners you may be inclined to host in the northern suburbs. Seafood lovers will rave about the shrimp dishes, and the tiramisu is fluffy and picturesque, with just the right amount of coffee liqueur. Make reservations early in the day; you'll have a guaranteed table and something to look forward to when your afternoon at work stretches on forever.