If you’ve been searching for the perfect place for a romantic date night, a place where you can really indulge in good Italian food, or a place where you can gather around with friends and family over pasta, wine, and beer, look no further than Botticelli’s on South Congress. The restaurant, which specializes in Italian cuisine, serves traditional family recipes as well as some more modern cuisine.

Live, Local Music

If you love a place where you can enjoy local music that also happens to be live, Botticelli’s beer garden—which is essentially a patio out back that’s dog friendly, gorgeous, and beer-happy—offers live music Thursday through Saturday. The music usually starts around 7:30 PM and goes until about 10:00 PM. You can just have alcohol and appetizers in the beer garden, or you can opt for a full meal.

Amazing Italian Creations

When made correctly, Italian food is some of the most filling and indulgent type of food available. At Botticelli’s, you’ll find nothing short of the best when it comes to each and every one of their menu offerings. To start off your meal, the seared sea scallops over a brown butter and roasted garlic puree are to die for, and the house soup is always wonderful. If you’re a person who goes crazy for pasta, you’ll love the house made ravioli filled with butternut squash and served in browned butter, sage sauce, and Parmesan flakes. If you’re a meat lover, the pork saltimbocca—pork tenderloin in breadcrumbs with garlic mashed potatoes and mushroom ragout is to die for. Or, if you really want to stick to classic Italian, the lasagna won’t disappoint!

Get Happy for Happy Hour

Everyone loves a happy hour, and Monday and Sunday in the beer garden there’s happy hour all day long. For the rest of the days of the week, happy hour is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. During happy hour, you’ll be able to get $2 beers, $5 cocktails and sangrias, $5 Caesar salads, shrimp polentas, meatball sub sandwiches, and clams or mussels in white wine, and more discounted food and drink items. It’s a great deal, and the restaurant is often packed during this time of day.

Wine-Os Unite

If you love wine and are constantly on the search for a restaurant that serves reasonably priced glasses of the good stuff, Botticelli’s is great. The owners and staff have curated the wine list, and while it’s not lengthy, you’ll find some delicious options. With 12 reds and 12 whites to choose from, the wine list here still gives you plenty of options without being too overwhelming.

Reservations Recommended

While you’re welcome to just show up at Botticelli’s—as many people do—having a reservation is recommended if you plan to go during happy hour, during peak dinner hours, or on a weekend. The place is very popular, and fills up quickly. Make a reservation to set your mind at ease, or be okay waiting a bit to be seated.