Presto Cucina, conveniently located at Five Corners, is a delightful little place ... not too fancy, yet classy enough for a business dinner or lunch. Dishes are ordered at the counter, cooked in an open kitchen and later delivered to your table on very hot plates by friendly staff. Beverages and refills are available at a side-bar. The furnishings are comfortable (about 15 tables and four large booths), and the noise level is muted.
The menu is varied --- Italian with a west-coast flair. The food, cooked from scratch after you order, looks and tastes very fresh. My salmon in a wine-cream sauce was coupled with tasty tortellini, baked, and topped with lots of cheese, then broiled to brown the topping. My companion's baked chicken penne was "delicious" and had lots of fresh mushrooms and artichokes added. Portions are appropriate.
The restaurant looks onto busy traffic and is not in a spot where gazing at the scenery is an option, but the good food and clean, friendly atmosphere enhances conversation, so you don't worry about what's going on outside. The little gelatto shop next door (maybe owned by the same family?) provides a lovely variety of ice creams, sherbets, etc. to clear your palate after your meal. However, if you have enough room for Presto Cucina's lemon torte, do give it a try ... it's to die for!
Eat in or take out only ... too bad they don't do deliveries, so I could eat Presto Cucina every night!
