An exprience that is both down-to-earth and charming. 

 I was skeptical at first. Situated in the sunken bottom floor of a residential building, L’Altro Buca does not feel like the kind of place that is desperate to call attention to itself. We drove by the entrance at first, unable to catch the violet-neon sign and the dark awning. The front door is more like a garden entrance to an urban bungalow. Upon entering, the dining room seemed trendy and wait-staff’s friendliness seemed forced.

But the sincerity of the place soon revealed itself. For a 7pm reservation, the restaurant was getting busy. Our waiter, however, was all smiles and gave us extra attention. The specials, simple: A fish dish, lamb or veal, ravioli with venison and ricotta, and a shellfish bisque. “And there’s one more,” he said bashfully. “Let me go check.”