Bites Nearby: Alberto Restaurant

Are you ready to feel at home when you're not at home? Last week we took a look at and today we'll be examing its Italian neighbor, Alberto.

Alberto Restaurant proudly serves authentic Northern Italian food. But the Metropolitan Avenue eatery also takes pride in its local feel, providing an ambiance that is so friendly that patrons expect to bump into friends and neighbors while dining. (And they do, so reservations are suggested.)

The menu features many dishes from the Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Ligurian regions of Italy. Of course, the pasta specialties include Penne alla Vodka, Lasagna and Gnocchi, but there's also Ravioli con Burro e Salivia (homemade cheese and spinach ravioli with butter and sage) and the house specialty, Tortelli Alberto, whose taste evokes Piacenza, where owners Roberto and Silvana Chiappelloni grew up.

Some of the main entrees include Saltimbocca alla Romana, veal and prosciutto sauteed in white win, light garlic and sage; Tre Moshchettieri, veal, chicken and filet mignon in a shallot, mushroom and dry sherry sauce; Calf's Liver Veneziana, calf's liver sauteed in a red wine, vinegar and onions and served with mashed potatoes; La Pescatora for Two, shrimp, lobster tail, clams, mussels and calamari simmered in a light marinara sauce: and Filetto di Manzo ai Ferri, broiled filet mignon.

The wine list, which features Italian, French and Californian vintages, has won an excellence award from Wine Spectator magazine five years in a row.

The dining experience is enhanced by the friendly atmosphere, which includes a fireplace, large mahogany doors, a mahogany bar and a super friendly staff. The walls are exposed red brick decorated with original paintings and a stained glass window. Wrought iron chandeliers hang from the ceiling with wooden beams.

Located: 98-31 Metropolitan Avenue.

Call: 718.268.7860.

Open: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.;  and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The entire restaurant can be rented out for private parties from noon to 5 p.m.

Prices: The cheapest entree is $18, while the most expensive dish is $34. Most entrees are a little more than $20. Appetizers, soups and salads are all under $10, except the Vegetable Platter, which costs $14.