With an identity chosen to reference Springfield's South End history -- a Ciro's Restaurant operated on Main Street for more than five decades -- Ciro's Italian Restaurant opened its doors last summer. Ciro's occupies a Main Street space that's been home to several earlier restaurant efforts. From those predecessors Circo's has inherited a slick contemporary setting that features a small lounge and an open-plan dining space.

A particular point of interest is the chef's counter at which patrons can dine and, through a glass wall, watch the kitchen crew at work. Ciro's specializes in Italian-American classics such as Veal Cutlet Parmigiana ($24) and Sausage and Broccoli Rabe ($24) as well as pasta choices like Pepe's Bolognese ($20), a dish that features sausage and the house marinara served over gnocchi, and freshly made Manicotti ($22).