Mimmo's Taste of Italy on Furys Ferry Road in Martinez offers the type of service and environment you only see in Italian restaurants in the movies.

I usually don't eat Italian food, so I was stumped on what to order on a recent visit. My friends suggested lasagna, a traditional Italian favorite. Served in a casserole-like dish, it was a little too runny, but good.

My lasagna cost more than $10, but you can't put a price on authenticity. It's definitely worth it to try it out. You also get a tossed salad and a basket of rolls to accompany your meal.

Mimmo's also serves specialty dinners, pizza, soups, salads, antipasti and more than 30 types of pasta dinners. While there, the owner came to our table and greeted us - something you don't usually get when dining out. The gesture made me want to visit again, and that's important.

Along with great service and food, the environment is intimate and warm. Murals of Italian picture windows are painted on one wall of the restaurant. It feels as if you are looking through the window and out at all the activity in an Italian city. The tables are covered with decorated, plastic tablecloths and donned with fresh flowers.

The restaurant would make a wonderful place for a dinner date.

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ON THE TOWN

The Eatery: Mimmo's Taste of Italy: 362 Furys Ferry Road, Martinez (map)

Hours: 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Phone: 860-0888

The Verdict: Intimate and warm Italian restaurant. 4 out of 5 stars.

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