Years ago, there was an ad on TV that suggested that a night at Rosalie’s in Marblehead was like a night in Milan.

While Rosie’s may be no more, it is still possible to find out-of-the-way gems that not only offer delicious family fare but, if given the opportunity, transformative and transporting experiences.

Tartufo Cucina Abruzzese in Newton Centre (www.tartuforestaurant.com) is one such place.

Created, owned, and operated by the dynamic duo of Owner/Manager Anna Mountzuris and Owner/Executive Chef Dante Bellucci, Tartufo offers authentic Abruzzi-an delights in a comfortable neighborhood place that invites people from all neighborhoods to take a culinary tour of Italy. Combining mostly organic ingredients with Bellucci’s generations-tested family recipes, Tartufo offers the best of the Old Country and the New World.

The main dining area is an open square with white tablecloths that leads on to a narrow space flanked on one side by a well-stocked bar topped with a flat screen that is available but not overwhelming and on the other by large windows that overlook the bustle of Beacon Street. While the main area is classy and fun, private parties and extra-special events are also hosted upstairs in an equally comfortable space that also offers its own bar. No matter where you sit, the sites and smells coming form the kitchen are mouthwatering and eye-catching, with beautiful presentations of salads, homemade pastas and risotti, and entrees that feature the freshest produce and choicest meats, all made with home kitchen love and big city flair.

For lunch or dinner, the veggie-packed minestrone soup is a must and the Buffalo Caprese salad includes a mound of Mozzarella that is almost a meal in itself! But be sure to save room, for Tartufo offers multiple courses of delicious delights, including a hearty chicken Marsala with multiple mushrooms, a veal Pazzaiola with pappardelle pasta, homemade three-cheese ravioli with mushrooms and sausage, a fresh and flavorful salmon in a lemon and olive oil sauce, an Angus filet with port and balsamic sauce, a simply satisfying gnocchi Sorrentina with tomato, basil and parmigiano cheese, and Tartufo’s signature homemade meatballs (which are also available on their own). The risotto menu offers an appropriately-named Risotto Wow with arborio rice, shrimp, spinach, shitake mushrooms and goat cheese, as well as risotti with seafood or mushrooms and truffle oil. While each dish is thoughtfully planned and nutritionally balanced, any can be further enhanced with such savory sides as sautéed broccoli rapini, asparagus, or spinach with dried cranberries, or hand-cut ziti with tomato sauce or garlic and extra virgin olive oil.

While a meal at Tartufo is like a trip to Italy, it may be the wine list that is the most educational. In addition to long lists of reds and whites by the glass, the list includes a map of Italy’s many provinces so connoisseurs and newbies can explore the various flavorful regions and perhaps “travel” to a few new ones during their meal with the help of their “travel agents” (a.k.a., the professionally friendly serving staff).

We mentioned saving room, right? Well, while the Newton neighborhood also includes JP Licks and, more recently, Galit’s Treats, there are plenty of reasons to linger at Tartufo. In addition to an absolutely authentic tiramisu and Limoncello Mascarpone cake, Tartufo also offers a delicious warm chocolate cake, a two-barreled cannoli, Capucinno gelato with coffee-flavored merengue sprinkles, and more, all of which can be paired with their wide assortment of coffees, fortified wines, whiskeys, cognac and cordials, and even grappa. Or you can just finish the nigh with one of these luscious liquids on their own! Either way, you are sure to leave satisfied and to look forward to your next visit to this slice of Italy in Newton.