Caffe Amante

Caffe Amante Restaurant Review:

Caffè Amante serves vintage continental cuisine --- especially Italian --- in the heart of the Cultural District. The bar buzzes with the after-work crowd. The menu is steadfast, with occasional minor changes: flatbreads are no longer a lunch staple, and pastas rotate --- look for shrimp and artichoke linguine. Bargains can be had through the three-course meal offerings ($21.95). Also, as of yore, entrée specials come with a side salad or cup of soup plus a choice of pasta, risotto or green beans. Favorite dishes include broiled breaded "Virginia Spots" (a small fish of the Chesapeake Bay) and rack of lamb. For dessert, there's tiramisu or a pecan martini topped with chocolate, caramel or raspberry sauce. The wine list is eclectic.