Concierge.com's insider take:

When you can't bear the thought of yet more tortellini, head for this southern Italian restaurant just inside the walls near Porta di San Vitale. The owner comes from Basilicata—the region in the instep of the Italian boot—and the menu has an original Mediterranean touch, with dishes like licorice-flavored maccheroncini (little macaroni) with artichokes and shrimp, or seared alalunga (albacore tuna) served with ginger-marinated persimmons and mostarda di peperoncino (spicy relish). The sober dining room with its unforgiving wooden chairs is pepped up with framed sets of tarot and Neapolitan cards and chessboards (the restaurant's name means "checkmate"). Although the vibe can be a little flat at lunchtime on weekdays, it buzzes here most evenings, so book at least a day in advance.

Open Monday evenings through Sundays.