News that Hilltop's Locanda del Borgo had added a lunch menu convinced me to forgo my typical midday sandwich for something more substantial.

The small menu includes traditional options (like a meatball sandwich) as well as some unique finds (shrimp and artichoke salad). Among these offerings sits a simple vegetarian lasagna—that tastes anything but ordinary. 

Chef-owner Giancarlo Macchiarella combines porcini, cremini, and portobello mushrooms with Parmesan, ricotta, and béchamel (a white sauce made with milk and butter-flour). The filling is then layered between house-made spinach noodles, more mushrooms, and fontina cheese before being topped with additional sauce and fontina and baked.

What emerges is a hearty yet subtle dish that tastes of the Italian countryside.

Tip: Stop by on a warm day to enjoy the restaurant's new 45-seat covered patio.

5575 E. Third Ave., 303-388-0282