With Mediterranean plastered walls and booths under wooden trellises, the romantic ambiance of Caterina’s Ristorante (9104 W. Oklahoma Ave.) is hard to beat. The lighting is low, but not so dark that you can’t see your companion’s face. The traditional Italian menu is full of favorites in the major food groups, served with choice of potatoes or pasta, soup or salad, and a loaf of warm Italian bread with a dish of olive oil. Ingredients are Grade A, the preparation is superb and the presentation appealing (without the drizzled pretense of many newer restaurants). The wine list is long, Italian accented and affordable. In business for three decades, Caterina’s has outlived trendier competitors on the strength of food, atmosphere and service.
