Il Vecchio
110 Central Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 324-4282, ilvecchiorestaurant.com
Envision a rustic Old World trattoria decorated with lots of natural wood – the tables, bar and interior are hand-built from salvaged materials. “Il vecchio” means “old one,” and from the space to the smells to the recipes, this place capitalizes on iconic ideas about what an Italian restaurant should be. The wafting smell of melted gorgonzola, fresh basil and well-seasoned sausage. The stick-to-your ribs pastas and sauces that rely on simple ingredients and classic recipes. The heavenly tomato sauce? It’s made of just San Marzano tomatoes, water and salt – yes, that’s all. The secret is in simplicity.