Review: Arlington's Sette Bello

I have only been to Sette Bello in Arlington, Va., two times, but I must say that I have really enjoyed both dining experiences. Other than the mediocre service, everything was excellent.

The food holds up well against several higher-priced Italian restaurants. The polpette all Romana (veal meatballs, which are fried) are extraordinary and are served with excellent onion straws. The sauce, vaguely marinara-like, is just so-so.

The mezzelune (half-moon pasta with pumpkin puree inside) are homemade and superb. I had the veal scallopini last time I was there. It was served in a lemon-caper sauce, and it was wonderful.

Sette Bello is a big place, and they happen to have a nice terrace -- it's very pleasant in the evening (especially during this unseasonably cool summer). The wine list ranges widely in price, but there are good bottles of red that are priced in the thirties. The Chianti Classico by Banfi is one example.