Boston - November 19, 2007

Italian Stallion

Toscano Restaurant

Even those intent on growing old gracefully can use an occasional makeover.

Take Beacon Hill’s Toscano Restaurant, quietly slipping into oblivion until new owners gave it a face-lift. Now reopened, it’s no longer acting its age.

Besides gutting the space and adding distressed walnut floors, the owners installed antique, hand-carved wooden doors and expanded the cafe. The updated bar space has a communal table and loads more seating.

What didn’t change was the scrumptious Tuscan fare: hearty noodle dishes, fresh pizzas, osso bucco, veal Milanese. Breads, dough, and some pastas are still made in-house, which means the crispy pizzas bubble to perfection.

There’s also an expanded, all-Italian wine selection on display in a gleaming new glassed-in wine cave.

Let’s raise a glass to many happy years to come.

Toscano Restaurant, 47 Charles Street, Beacon Hill (617-723-4090 or toscanoboston.com).