Bartolo’s has all the makings of a friendly neighborhood trattoria with its bright, corner location near the Swaner Nature Preserve in Kimball Junction and a welcome price point for residents and visitors. All it needs now is a few adjustments to sauces and service. Owner and chef Alex Bartolo worked in various Italian restaurants before opening his namesake eatery in the Newpark Town Center a few months ago.

He earned early praise for breakfast and brunch, served daily from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. During the week, grab a cup of coffee and something in the pastry case; on weekends, sit down with ricotta toast with balsamic cherries ($11), a healthy and filling muesli breakfast bowl ($9), or the summer vegetable waffle featuring squash and zucchini ($13).