Authentic. Italian. On the go. Pick any two and you’ve got the state of affairs in D.C.

Leave it to the Tuscans to stage a renaissance at Toscana Cafe, manned by native chef Daniele Catalani.

Step up to the counter for bona fide antipasti — sausages, cheese, peppers, salami. Al dente house-made pastas include pappardelle with lamb ragu and gnocchi in pesto. Pizzas are sold by the pie or the slice. Hearty entrees include giant Florentine steak with arugula and daily grilled fish.

Mamma mia, lunch too? Si! Sandwiches of pork shoulder, broccoli rabe, and provolone. Meatballs and tomato sauce served on homemade ciabatta.

Eat on the outdoor tables (buongiorno, gelato cart) or pack a real picnic and hit the road.

So you’ll be thinking Boboli Gardens, not Boboli pizza.

Toscana Cafe, 601 2nd Street NE, at F Street (202-247-5033 or toscanacateringdc.com).