Landini Brother's

Situated off of King Street, one block from the waterfront, Landini’s is a good lunchtime reprieve from Old Town shopping. The exposed brick walls, flagstone floor and dark mahogany trim produce a quaint Tuscan experience. There is a sense of family--it seems all of the waiters know each other, and all have a similar, and sometimes difficult to understand, accent.

Downstairs provides a spirited atmosphere, catering to larger groups. Upon entry, there is a perceptible smell of cigar smoke, lingering from the night before. The non-smoking area to the left is set-apart from the main floor. And, the noticeable red ductwork hanging from the ceiling provides the necessary ventilation, alleviating the smell for its non-smoking patrons. If you are looking for a quieter or more romantic venue, you can sit upstairs adjacent to the wine room, containing a host of Italian favorites.

The food is good. For lunch I had the “Pollo alla Griglia”—a grilled chicken panini that was tender and tasty. I washed it down with a couple of Peroni’s, nothing fancy. On a dinner occasion, I had the “Suprema di Pollo alla Bolognese”—a chicken breast sautéed in butter and white wine, topped with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce—for my entrée. It was excellent, but the portion was a bit small for what I have come to expect from a family Italian Restaurant. Perhaps I was spoiled from my visit to Filomena’s in Georgetown only days prior.

All in all, I cannot complain about my experiences at Landini Brother’s—the food and service are good, it is not overly-expensive, they have an ample selection, and the atmosphere is vibrant. I will go there again without hesitation, but for a really special dinner or celebration, I will probably search elsewhere as it lacks that extra “wow” factor.