A glass of red wine, some pumpkin ravioli, a little tiramisu. That's right, you're having dinner with friends at Il Piatto and it's all good. There's something about this downtown spot (maybe it's the proximity to our office, or the fact that half the staff plays in bands we like?) that keeps us coming back. No, this isn't preferential treatment. ***image1***The place is always packed, with everyone from local politicians to tourists adventuring in the mostly darkened streets of downtown Santa Fe. Recent menu changes to Il Piatto were a mixed bag. One beloved pasta special was lost (don't panic, not the pumpkin ravioli!)- the salmon puttanesca with saffron garlic risotto on the expanded fish and meat menu is a good consolation. Word has it that owner/chef Matt Yohalem plans some more menu changes in the near future, along with special chef offerings on weekend nights. Word to the wise: Make a reservation.

95 W Marcy St., 984-1091. Lunch Monday-Friday. Dinner nightly. $$.

SFR Pick: Pumpkin ravioli, always and forever.