Postino

Postino Restaurant Review:

Occupying a vine-covered, fireplace-studded Carr Jones-designed brick building that was once the Lafayette post office, Postino can be relied on for creative, well-prepared seasonal dishes. Bread salad with roasted peppers, tomatoes, capers and house-made mozzarella is a tasty starter. The Caesar salad, its romaine leaves standing upright in a bowl with garlic bread sticks, invites diners to eat with their hands. Sautéed swordfish with almonds and golden raisins, rabbit risotto and pan-roasted duck breast over herb spätzle are popular entrées. A free-form apple tart with cinnamon ice cream may be one of the best pastries in all of Contra Costa County. The expansive wine list features several moderately priced Italian bottles, a refreshing change from the pricey selections at many restaurants of this caliber.