Since owner Gizzo “Sal” Salvador opened its doors on July 2, Pelham’s new Italian eatery Baci Restorante has been earning top reviews from diners.

Located at 65 First Ave. in the Village of Pelham, the restaurant has earned 4½ stars on Yelp and praises on Facebook.

General Manager John De Freitas provided insight into Baci’s delectable food, wonderful staff and classy architecture.

“The whole idea is that Sal wanted to open an Italian comfort restaurant,” said De Freitas. “specifically because, you know, who doesn’t like Italian food? Pizzas and pasta.”

Salvador has previously owned several other restaurant and establishments, including Surf Club in New Rochelle and Giovanni’s in Mount Vernon.

According to De Freitas, due to construction, it took almost a year and seven months to open Baci after Villa Nova E. shut down at the same location. De Freitas said that of the many renovations, carving arches into the barring wall was the most time-consuming. The arches made the area more open, he said.

De Freitas and Salvador also built a new brick oven and redesigned the bar.

“(Our most popular meal) is the chicken scarpariello,” said De Freitas. “Baci actually makes chicken scarpariello how they used to make it back in the day. Most of the Italian restaurants nowadays make it off the bones, but we make it on the bones, so you can get the whole taste.”

Baci is a family oriented restaurant that provides its customers with great service, a menu with broad variety and many specials.

Monday through Friday, drinks are half-price during happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m. Also Monday through Friday, the lunch special is a choice of a soup or salad plus an entree for $10.95. Tuesday night is pasta and pizza night, where customers are able to take a complimentary pizza home.

Wednesday is sangria and lobster night, offering half price on sangrias and a lobster weighing from a pound and a quarter to a pound and a half for $23.95. As they say in Italian: Delizioso!