affe de Medici was no doubt inspired by the rich Italian family from which it gets its name when choosing a décor and color theme. Stepping into the space, you are first embraced by warm red walls and carpets while elegant wood frames hold Renaissance paintings and crisp, white tablecloths further add a glimmer of elegance.

Chef Aron Zipursky serves up a succulent menu of northern Italian favorites relying heavily on favorite ingredients such as truffle oil, wild arugula, extra virgin olive oil and veal jus. His speciality is a veal osso buco over a chick pea puree.

Don’t expect any standard selections from the pasta-friendly menu. Here Gnocchi is made with ground wild board, gorgonzola cheese, chesnut puree, walnuts and cognac cream while the Pappardelle con Anatra relies on duck confit, porcini mushrooms, fresh thyme and a red wine sauce finished with truffle oil.

At these prices, Caffe de Medici is not your every night affair, unless of course, you are a member of the Medici family. This is the type of place they would frequent, were they still around today in all their glory.

The elegant setting is fitting for a special occasion or if you really, really want to make a good impression (remember, you only get one chance).