Potenza

Low-key legit Italian eatery for high-minded gov and non-gov workers alike, located in iconic Woodward building. Well-sanded interiors resemble distinguished Kansas City smoking rooms from bygone era: plush, high-backed, dark-stained pine panels cabernet-colored velvet booths, settees, ottomans-you expect a bartender with a handlebar moustache. Solid pizza, other real-deal Italian from orriechette to all those forgotten veal dishes and nut desserts. Date a work colleague for under $60 (sometimes including a lovely, cheap bottle of vino from their reasonable wine list).