We are at the Esplanade frequently and this place has caught my eye a number of times. When a coupon came up, I jumped on it and we went.
The value of the coupon was terrific - appetizers, main dishes, desserts, and a bottle of wine for two people for $50. I started with the cheese plate and it was an eyeful! Much bigger than expected and I shared with my two dining companions. My companions were also pleased with their choices of meatballs and pork belly. I wanted the smoked risotto sans pork belly because I am a pig snob and they were happy to oblige. They brought it on the side so the rest of my table could nosh on pig heaven. The risotto was delicious and very interesting. I don't know that I would have put those two flavors together but it worked very well.
My only criticism of the food is the desserts. My companions ordered the pumpkin budino. I sampled a small bite and the caramel sauce tasted a bit grainy as if the sugar hadn't dissolved all the way. My red velvet cake was a good start but was disappointing. It was dense as red velvet cake should be (which can almost make it a bit dry) but that's why you have cream cheese icing. It marries everything beautifully. SOLO served it sans frosting but with mascarpone gelato and "ganache" which was a literal smear and didn't add anything. Honestly, I just didn't care for the combination but I was way too codependent to tell the waiter.
All in all, we enjoyed ourselves immensely. The service was great, ambiance was nice and it was just a nice meal all around. Truthfully, I don't crave Italian food very often but I would come here again.