If you want to talk about a family-run business that has stood the test of time, Chez Laurent is one of the first places that come to mind. In fact, the quaint little house that it occupies must be some kind of historical landmark because all of the buildings around it are being demolished for brand new condo developments.
The head chef opens her house on some Saturday mornings for a cooking school of which I have attended a few classes. I think their familiarity with me lends to a welcome feeling everything I go their restaurant. I can say that when I am seated, I can see that they share the same level of warmth with the other restaurant patrons.
They have quite an extensive menu but what impresses me most is that most of their pasta dishes are around $11-13. The portions are not huge but they measure up to other Italian eateries that would charge up to $20 for a similar plate. And of course, the taste and authenticity is there to match.
I highly recommend this place and it is worth checking out. Just make sure that if you plan to go at a peak time, make a reservation.