The spot: Claustrophobes need not fear Adesso, a corner Italian restaurant with a spacious, airy dining room and even more expansive outdoor seating along Broadway and Buckingham Place. Sit along the bustling sidewalk, and you’ll never lack for topics of conversation (though if you’re looking for a bit more intimacy, ask for a seat on the Buckingham side). Inside, the industrial chic decor sets a sleek backdrop for the regional Italian cuisine. On the menu, you’ll find traditional pasta favorites such as lasagne Barese ($15) and spicy spaghetti arrabiata ($11; $14 with shrimp), as well as some unique options such as the hamburger con rucula, an arugula-pesto burger smothered in provolone and served on a pretzel roll with a side of rosemary-sea salt fries ($11).

The bottle: Wander up the street to Treasure Island (3460 N. Broadway. 773-327-3880) for a bottle of Italian wine to complete your meal. Tracy Liang, director of wine and spirits for Treasure Island Foods, makes it easy for you to select the perfect vino with shelf notes on several wines. She recommends a medium-bodied 2004 Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico “Piegaia” ($13.99) to go with heavier lasagna or cream-based dishes, or a crisp 2006 Villa del Borgo Pinot Grigio ($9.99) to complement seafood. The 2005 Dievole “Pinocchio” Nero d’Avola ($10.99), a popular red choice due to the sketch of the famous puppet on the label, is best served with stick-to-your-ribs pasta or meat dishes.

[ Emily Hiser Lobdell is a Metromix special contributor. ] metromix@tribune.com

If tiny portion sizes and oversized prices are you thing, Addesso's the restaurant for you.