Bellissimo

Bellissimo is the casual Heights-area trattoria with a tinge of taqueria, thanks to chef/owner Javier Machuca. After more than two decades spent cooking in Italian kitchens, Machuca now runs this family-friendly Italian-Mexican fusion restaurant to great acclaim. The restaurant outgrew its first space in less than a year, a fact attested to by the crowds that still flock to the larger location every night. Try the Pasta alla Bellissimo that's filled with grilled chicken, black beans, jalapeños and diced tomatoes over jalapeño-flavored fettucine or Machuca's twist on lasagna with a chile gray-like marinara sauce that's simply amazing.