SOUTH PHILLY. Guided by the praise-worthy hands of owner-chef Maria Forte, this cozy BYOB on Eighth serves as a home-away-from-home to some of South Philly's most discerning palates. For many, Forte's dreamy fare, much of which pays homage to the small Italian town where she grew up, evokes memories of meals taken in their mothers' kitchen. Who can blame them for feeling so? Especially when you factor in the care ­ some might even call it passion ­ Forte throws into each and every plate of pasta, bowl of soup and serving of gnocchi.

NORTHERN LIBERTIES. Folks who reside in the Northern Liberties have plenty of choices when it comes to dining out, but there aren't many restaurants in the area that neighbors hold in as high regard as this family-owned Italian. Known for its creative fare and lively atmosphere, Il Cantuccio is typical of many Philly-area BYOBs ­ it's small (seating is at a premium on weekend nights), it's personable, and it does what it does (specifically fresh seafood and dishes of homemade pasta dishes) very well.

SOUTH PHILLY. Handsome and upscale, this contemporary Italian eatery has collected numerous honors since 1998, when owner-chef Kristian Leuzzi converted an old butcher shop into a fabulous South Philly dining room. In addition to pasta dishes like gnocchi with mussels and sweet sausage risotto, Leuzzi and crew deliver more substantial dishes like osso buca (the house specialty), center-cut pork chop with butternut squash, marinated Cornish hen with pancetta, and yellowfin tuna with puttanesca risotto.

SOUTH PHILLY. With its open kitchen and snug yet comfortably-appointed dining room, it's easy to see why this neighborhood charmer draws such a loyal following from year to year. In fact, if you want the point made even more poignantly, try to snag a table on a Friday or Saturday without making reservations. Superbly done pasta dishes, of course, are the house specialty, and you'll find few kitchens as dedicated to and as proud of their craft as L'Angolo's. Greatly assisting the place's enormous popularity is the fact that it's more than fairly priced.

La Collina boasts droves of regulars who love the food, the fuss, and the ambience that would make Sophia Loren nod her approval. Dancing is available on Saturday evenings. Seafood, pastas, and meat dishes are offered, as well as a concise yet varied wine list. Reservations recommended. Business dress attire.