Founded in 1881 to serve as a hub for the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railway, Temple today still harbors numerous examples of 19th- and 20th-Century architecture, especially downtown. A stroll through the business district (along with a visit to the Railroad & Heritage Museum) makes for an interesting afternoon—especially if you stop for a meal at Pignetti’s, which has served Texas interpretations of classic Italian salads, pastas, pizzas, seafood, and meat dishes for almost a decade. “Our regular customers love our chicken marsala and wood-fired pizzas,” says co-owner Mariano Beltran.

In 2009, Pignetti’s won its third Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine, a nod to the restaurant’s selection of international wines. On Wednesday evenings, Pignetti’s offers a popular winetasting event, featuring a flight of four wines along with appetizers for $10. “Usually we highlight a region from Italy,” says Beltran, “and we contrast those wines with some from Spain, Chile, or California.”

Pignetti’s is at 14 South 2nd St. in Temple. Call 254/ 778-1269.

From the September 2010 issue

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