Past the crush of hungry waiting diners and thick velvet drapes at the door lies a cozy dining room where a glassy chandelier suspends from the ceiling. You’ll think you can hear gondoliers singing outside when you tuck into the authentic Northern Italian dishes like creamy risotto, braised rabbit and pillowy gnocchi sautéed in brown butter and sage. Years of positive reviews and a no-reservations policy create painfully long waits on weekends, but the restaurant’s wine bar around the corner is a colorful and comfortable spot to happily while away your wait.

Al Di La Information:

• Northern Italian menu. Dinner. Closed Tuesday.