Trattoria Lisina

(map) Dining here makes you feel like you’re in one of those movies set in Italy, where the meals go on for hours in a big Tuscan villa, with much laughter and raising of wineglasses. The feeling begins outside, when you stroll past the flowers and the fountain while Italian songs fill the air. Inside, skilled servers make suggestions and recite the day’s specials, like the pan-seared Texas redfish, below. Flown in the day before, it was firm and super-fresh. It’s served on a bed of braised leeks over roasted fingerling potatoes, with a roasted-tomato beurre blanc sauce. With a glass of prosecco, fantastico!

Antipasto misto varies, but always includes cured meats and marinated vegetables. Above, that’s sliced prosciutto and duck breast, mortadella and salume, artichoke hearts, caramelized onions and fresh mozzarella. Herbs grown on the property flavor the Italian olive oil used for dipping the fresh-baked focaccia bread.

This Insalata di Asparagi featured fresh asparagus grilled over oak, local goat cheese, and two pestos. One is made from basil grown on the property, the other is a roasted red pepper.

Inside, there are two big dining rooms dominated by a huge fireplace. One room overlooks the grounds, the other, the busy open kitchen.

Everywhere there are flowers and beautiful views. Oregano and other Italian herbs grow throughout the garden. This place is owned by restaurateur Damian Mandola, so it figures that everything would be authentic. There’s even a bocce court!

There’s a great view of the Duchman Family Winery next door.

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