Chef/Owner Mario Le Manno pays homage to his native Italy by offering authentic thin-crust pizzas, homemade pastas and traditional baked dishes. He attempts to open for us a little window onto the Italian countryside, and for the most part, he is successful. The ambience is warm & inviting, the décor tasteful in its rustic elegance. With a romantic air, Acqua Santa invites you in and caresses you.

The country-style bread and garlic & pepper infused olive oil tempt even the most ardent carb-counters. There are inventive antipasti dishes that spring up on the menu according to the season, some simple, some more complex. The pizzas, which are true to their Sicilian roots, are well executed, as are the traditional pasta dishes. More delicate are the appetizers and entrees that Chef Le Manno sprinkles around the menu, combining a variety of textures and flavors that can at times seem whimsical. On a recent visit, we tried the grilled asparagus, a vegetarian dish that even Passard would have admired for its flavors and colors.

The best things about Acqua Santa are Chef Le Manno (best to go when he is on the premises), the romantic garden with its arbor of grape vines, the authentic country dishes made with a touch of elegance, and the dishes roasted in the brick oven.

For all the subtle beauty of the venue & menu, there are some issues. The portions do not always make sense - too much or too little at times. The service can be rustic, as well, sometimes verging on lackadaisical. Eye-level & bejewelled belly buttons can be distracting. The wine service is reflective of this "laid-back" style, so expect glasses to be over-filled and timing to be a bit off.

The easy-to-interpret wine list is well-suited to the overall feel of the menu. Desserts can be disappointing.