Plates of roasted vegetables draw your eye to the front window, and the accompanying aromas will reel in the rest of you. Don't resist -- this is a neighborhood favorite for a reason, and a good stop for Freedom Trail walkers. The best appetizer consists of those gorgeous veggies. Trust the chef to choose, or ask to have something included (excellent carrots) or left out (licorice-tasting fennel isn't for everyone). The helpful staff can offer advice. Move on to superb roasted meats or bounteous home-style pasta dishes. Roast lamb, ziti with sausage and broccoli rabe, and chicken stuffed with ham and cheese are all terrific. Panini (sandwiches) are big in size and flavor -- prosciutto, mozzarella, and tomato is sublime, and chicken parmigiana is tender and filling. This isn't a great place for quiet conversation, especially during dinner in the noisy main room, but do you really want to talk with your mouth full?

There's another Artú on Beacon Hill at 89 Charles St. (tel. 617/227-9023). It keeps the same hours, except that it opens at 4pm on Sunday and Monday.