You can smell the garlicky goodness of this Belltown Italian cafe a full block away. And it gets better with every step: The European-style windows and awnings invite you in; the room envelops you with rich jewel tones; and when you take your seat, Italian-accented servers with names like Fabio graciously recite the day’s specials. Life is truly beautiful at La Vita e Bella, and the food almost lives up to the promise of the setting. The long lunch menu includes pizza, panini, soups, salads, and pasta dishes. We tried the panini, which were perfectly crisp outside and soft inside, but the prosciutto-mozzarella-tomato version was disappointingly bland. Instead, I recommend the Fiorello, which crackled with the sharp flavors of roasted red peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, provolone, and kalamata olive spread (both $8.50). If you want your vita to be even more bella, add in a bowl of nourishing, fragrant Italian sausage soup ($6.50). 2411 Second Ave., 206-441-5322, www.lavitaebella.us. BELLTOWN