Lovers of authentic Italian will want to check out the brand new Paciarino in the Old Port. Located in the spot where Akari used to be before it moved to Middle Street, the restaurant is serving lunch Monday through Saturday. The focus of the menu is the fresh pasta and sauce, made from scratch each day.

The restaurant is owned by husband and wife team Fabiana De Savino and Enrico Barbiero. Wanting to live in a smaller community than their hometown of Milan (where they owned two restaurants), they took a vacation to Maine and then moved here for good in August with their daughter. It seems Milan's loss is Portland's gain. But the love goes both ways, as Fabiana told me "we are here because we fell in love with Portland."

Painted with soft yellows and blues, the sunny, open space has a country Mediterranean feel. These lovely unfinished tables and chairs only add to the casual atmosphere. And all this comfort relates to the restaurant's name, which is an Italian slang that sums up the happy emotions of going to your grandmother's house and having her make your favorite meal.

This open kitchen is visible from the dining area and right next to the freezer cases where you can pick up a package of sauce or pasta. Fresh pasta and sauce are available for purchase too, you just need to call a day in advance to order it.

You also can grab imported Italian treats, such as olives, olive oil and pates.

And should you want to try your hand at making pasta the true Italian way, check out the cooking classes held twice a month. The cost is $85 per person or $140 per couple, and each class is limited to six people. Right now the focus is on making pumpkin ravioli, and each class is capped off with a delicious meal of the food the class prepared.

Paciarino is located at 468 Fore Street. It serves lunch from 11:30 am-2:30 pm, Mon. - Sat. Take-out is available from 2:30-6 pm. FMI call 774-3500.