We love Orta for the same reason we love classic red-sauce Italian food: It’s bold, unpretentious, and easy on the wallet. That’s not to say chef Jimmy Burke’s fare isn’t inspired. The menu is anchored by standbys like veal Parm and hand-rolled meatballs, but it’s also loaded with elegant surprises—think sage-spiked artichoke ravioli and an arugula salad with mushroom “carpaccio.”

Orta | 75 Washington St., Pembroke, MA | 781-826-8883 | http://www.ortarestaurant.com/