The famed Maccioni family may have made their mark with French cuisine in New York, but at Osteria del Circo, they return to their Italian roots with a Tuscan menu inspired by their matriarch, Egidiana Maccioni. Circo is referred to as the more “casual” sister to Le Cirque next door, but it’s still fine dining in our book. The whimsical, colorful décor adds an air of playfulness, making the ambience less stuffy. The menu may look intimidating but in reality, this is pure, honest Italian food at its best. Simple preparations of seafood, such as grilled sea bass served with fennel, cherry tomatoes and zucchini, are presented with style and elegance, allowing the flavors of each dish to shine. If you think all pizza is created equal, forgo the heartier dishes and opt for pizza alla crema bianca, which incorporates Norwegian smoked salmon, onions, capers, crème fraîche and American caviar into a clay oven-baked, thin-crust masterpiece. Overlooking Lake Bellagio, Circo makes you feel as if you’re on Lake Como itself, complete with the authentic Tuscan aromas streaming from the kitchen.

Osteria del Circo Information:

• Italian menu. Dinner.