We often think of the high-end restaurants in Fresno to all reside on the north side of Shaw. However, There is one fine-dining establishment known to its patrons as “The best kept secret in Fresno.”

Oggi Cosi Si Mangia, which roughly translates to “This is how to eat today,” is located just south of the Van Ness and Olive intersection. As it lays on a one-way street  it is quite easy to miss, which I believe is part of its elusiveness, or its reputation as the best kept secret in town.

Stepping inside Oggi, you realize the lengths at which they have tried to create the Trattoria-style  (a casual, yet fine Italian dining establishment) within their modest surroundings of Central Fresno.

Small lights are strung alongside  the woodpaneled ceilings, with the bar and kitchen visible immediately as you walk in.

It was a feeling of comfort I haven’t experienced in a fine-dining restaurant before; just because the prices are double digits doesn’t mean it has to feel stuffy, brimming with pretentiousness and entitlement. The owner was behind the bar, welcomed us immediately and gave us an  attentiveness that never felt forced.

We were seated quickly, and the service was what you would expect from a high-end restaurant.

The waiter thoroughly explained  the menu, maintained eye contact with the whole party and added small snippets of personality to relax the patrons.

Each entree looked to have its own style instead of merely being a duplicate of others.

I ordered the “Penne Pesto con Pollo,” along with  the soup of the day, which was Italian sausage in a thinly creamed broth, with fresh kale, chickpea beans and small gold potatoes.

As someone who has made homemade, authentic pesto in the past, the pesto in the “Penne Pesto con Pollo” was perfectly balanced, with a great aroma and texture.

The pasta had pan-seared chicken, with a thinly-glazed balsamic reduction sauce that was so sweet that it balanced the pesto quite well. Peppered over the chicken and pasta was locally-harvested fresh basil and tomatoes. I was thoroughly impressed.

The presentation, delivery and taste succeeded my expectations.

Although the prices may not be easy enough on everyone for them to become a regular at Oggi Cosi Si Mangia, (every entree was in the double digits) this is the perfect place for birthdays, special events or a nice date on a Friday night.

Even though this Italian joint  is “Fresno’s best kept secret,” this is one secret that you can share.