The interior of this charming establishment is reminiscent of fine restaurants in Mediterranean countries. The spacious dining room reminds one of an old world wine cellar, with vaulted ceilings and arched doorways, and thick, burgundy-stuccoed stone walls. It is subtly illuminated by parchment shaded hanging lamps, while candles glimmer on each individual table. We were astounded to learn this tastefully decorated establishment was once a river-level parking garage! What a transformation!

Service is courteous, cordial and attentive. The wait staff are trained to offer menu suggestions to first-time diners, who often find the extensive selection of contemporary Italian and Mediterranean dishes overwhelming. We were impressed with Jacob Billingsley, our knowledgeable and attentive waiter. The evening manager, Homer Olveda, couldn't have been more cordial.

The menu selections, imaginatively prepared and attractively presented, cover a wide range of antipastos (appetizers), salads, pastas and entrees. There is an extensive wine list and a fully stocked bar for before-dinner cocktails or after-dinner liquors. Wine may be purchased by the glass.

The freshly baked bread is served with a delicious dip combining virgin olive oil, herbs and grated cheese. The appetizers are fabulous! I recommend shrimp Paesano, which may be ordered as an appetizer or in a larger portion as an entree. Our waiter said it is the most popular offering on the menu. We were also impressed with the Parmesan crusted artichoke hearts dipped into a basil aioli sauce that is absolutely divine. Then, there are the brochettes and brushettas! The artichoke and spinach crostini and brushetta and the Mozzarella brochette are both excellent choices.

Because the overall theme is Italian-Mediterranean, an extensive selection of pastas and accompanying sauces is featured. The pasta is cooked to just the right al-dente consistency. Sauces, from the simplest garlic and olive oil to the hearty meat sauce flavored with aromatic herbs and just the right amount (not too much) of tomato, are just right in consistency and seasonings.

Don't pass up the tasty Mediterranean salad, which features tender fresh greens tossed with toasted almonds, sun-dried cranberries, mandarin oranges and crumbled feta cheese and glistens with a light, tangy, honey-poppyseed dressing.

My husband enjoyed the catch-of-the-day -- a delicious broiled swordfish filet. I enjoyed a small beef tenderloin, cooked fork tender, just pink in the middle, basted in a savory wine sauce, surrounded by a trio of shrimps Paesano. The accompanying vegetables were fresh and tender crisp. Chef Alex Santoy is creative in the attractive presentation of each dish.

There is an extensive selection of delightful desserts and specialty coffees, but there was room for no more! Paesanos sent us homeward bound -- delightfully, deliciously sated.

Paesanos Ristorante on the Riverwalk is moderately expensive, but it definitely lives up to the old adage, "You get just what you pay for." At Paesanos you will have paid for the best!

Paesanos is located at 111 West Crockett, on the Riverwalk. Its telephone number is 210-227-2780.