Italian

In the heart of all the high-rises in Condado is a little seaside oasis called Barlovento (Plaza del Ancla on Ave. Ashford, 787/724-7286, Sun.–Wed. 5–11:30 p.m., Thurs.–Sat. 5 p.m.–midnight, $12–25). In a small park, the restaurant offers outdoor dining under a modernistic pavilion with purple awnings and chrome chairs. Like its counterparts in Old San Juan [1], Baru [2] and Fratelli [3], it serves excellently prepared but less formal Mediterranean cuisine, including grilled chorizo, eggplant rollatina, and a variety of creative pizzas. Full bar.

Via Appia’s Deli (1350 Ave. Ashford, 787/725-8711 or 787/722-4325, daily 11 a.m.–midnight, $12–30) serves standard red-sauce Italian dishes, including pasta, sandwiches, and pizzas. It has indoor and sidewalk dining.

Despite its modest location on the busy thoroughfare, Il Nonno (41 Ave. Isla Verde, 787/728-8050, Sun.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., $14–29) is a small fine-dining restaurant with a lovely setting. Pale green walls and walnut accents are complemented by an excellent selection of contemporary paintings. The restaurant serves Italian cuisine from gnocchi Gorgonzola to osso buco.

The casual modern Argentine-Italian restaurant Ferrari Gourmet (51 Ave. Isla Verde, 787/982-3115, Ferrari [at] caribe [dot] net, Sun.–Thurs. noon–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. noon–11 p.m., delivery after 6 p.m., $9.95–21.95) specializes in a wide variety of tasty creative pizzas. Selections include black olive and blue cheese; asparagus, parmesan cheese, and fresh tomato; and ham, roasted red peppers, and green olives. Entrées include churrasco, veal saltimbocca, and lasagna.