Maybe it is because I had higher expectations for Modavie based on other yelp reviews, but this place is a solid 3 star and I was a little disappointed as my expectations weren't met. Good but not great. Reviews says it isn't really a touristy place even though it is right on the edge of the highest concentration of touristy shops in old town.
On the plus side, the waiter was great. Made a good suggestion for a bottle of wine based on what I told him I like and didn't try to go crazy on the price. Points there. He was attentive without being obtrusive and just seemed like a nice guy not only to us but the tables around us. The arugala salad was great as well as the brie.
The problem was my lamb shank. And it really isn't a problem, but on the menu they say lamb is their specialty. And the lamb shank was pretty boring. No real flavor or soul. And I think it really hadn't been braised long enough. It was kind of like meat pellets in fat. Now I've had braised lamb shank many other places where it is tender and lovely and flavorful. This was not, this seemed like a poor rendition of the most basic version of a braise. Maybe I should have had the chops or the rack of lamb, but done right I think the shank is better than those cuts. So maybe just a bad night. But for something that is supposed to the "speciality" they got to lose a star for that. If you are going to claim to be in the big leagues you better put it out there and do it consistently.
The jazz band that was playing was good, not too load, but boy was it hot upstairs, some fans or open a window would have helped a lot. Should have sat downstairs and watch people walk buy.