You'll immediately sense the friendly energy when you walk into The Italian Daughter. The hostess and wait staff are welcoming, and even with the wait, there is plenty of people watching — couples huddled together in the corner, a set of friends enjoying appetizers and wines, and families laughing over bowls of pasta and house bread.

The vibe is comforting and cheerful, and the cuisine delivers on taste and flavor. This energy isn't accidental. According to owner Melissa Maggiore Meyer, daughter of the late Tomaso Maggiore, founder of Tomaso's Italian Restaurant, there is a texture to the infectiousness of the restaurant.