Connecticut’s premier Italian restaurant has been reborn. Aranci 67 reopened in Wilton last week and we are happy to report the new spot retains the charm and feel of the original restaurant while amping up the elegance with a swanky downtown space. The former Georgetown location featured two rooms, but the new space has just one bigger, more open dining area with a lounge-like feel and comfortable cushioned seats imported from Italy. The restaurant’s outdoor dining space has also been beefed up with a street-side veranda that is perfect for summer dining.

Fortunately, the food remains unchanged. Chef Antonio Perillo formerly of Le Fontane in Katonah, N.Y. cooks classic Italian cuisine with the skill of an artist. The house-made pasta is the best we’ve tasted in Connecticut, or anywhere else for that matter. Be sure to try the Pennette con Gamberetti, perfectly al dente penne pasta sautéed with shrimp in a vodka sauce. Other highlights include the golden and perfectly crisp fried Calamari, Pollo Scarpariello, free range chicken breast sautéed with hot cherry peppers and garlic in a white wine brown sauce. For an appetizer or even as a main dish, the Sformatino di Melenzane, the restaurant’s exceptional take on eggplant parmesan is not to be missed.  The desserts are another standout. When available the Roman cake is a must-have, as is the homemade gelato with caramel sea salt.