Cafe per Due: Floated in on a Wave of Basil

Tucked into a narrow newly renovated 3 story building on Avenue A is a restaurant the approximate size of my living room and a casually elegant taste that comes straight from Northern Italy. The husband and wife owner duo serve up some of the best pizza on this side of the canal. Tasty dough, thin crust and creative combinations make this cozy neighborhood favorite a "must stop" for your trip into old town.

The menu has no more than 20 items and the desert offerings change almost daily. Their refrigerated display case always holds an interesting array of fruit, a fabulous chocolate sausage dessert and the occasional pack of potato chips (a love for Lay's?). The chalk sign out front entices the passerby with announcements of warm yummy dishes that await within. Most creative is their pre-meal snack which is anything from white-cheddar popcorn to Fritos served in a fancy white bowel that make these crunchy delights feel (almost) gourmet.

One of the most notable items available at this gem is their carefully selected wine list. The owners pride themselves on an extensive wine knowledge (no surprise considering the region they herald from) and it shows in their selection. They have worked hard to create a well-rounded list of wines available by the glass and bottle.

While salads and various appetizers are available, I would recommend skipping the fillers and heading straight for the pizza. It's perfect sharing size/make your co-workers jealous at work the next day, left-over lunch. There are about 15 different kinds of pizza (you can be creative and mix and match!) that include rich cheeses, savory meats and deliciously flavorful sauces. Ingredients are fresh and pizzas are made on the premise in an oven that's half the size of the restaurant. A personal favorite is the Pizza Larry that has the most interesting combination of ingredients and includes both salty and sweet!

Not to be missed of course are the dark, strong espressos and foamy cappuccinos. This restaurant practically requires that you have a good long European meal with its upscale yet comforting food, smooth wines and bold coffee. You'll find yourself lingering long after you've dipped your biscotti and planning your next trip to Italy as soon as you get home.

Average price of a dish is $6-$9 with drinks starting at $2. The outside back patio is an inviting seating option as well as the high bar tables at the entrance. Cafe per Due is located at the end of Avenue A by the boardwalk in Casco Viejo (also known as Casco Antiguo). Note breakfast is also available, a rarity in Panama!