Hours: 4-11:30 p.m., seven days a week

Credit Cards: All major accepted

Handicapped access: Yes

Just one block up from the crowds and bustle of Bell Boulevard’s stores, there is a taste of Italy and the finer things in life waiting for you to relax, eat up, and enjoy.

For four years, Queens-resident and Cappriccio’s owner Tony has treated his guests to fine Northern Italian dishes and outstanding service within the pastel-painted walls of his restaurant. But the excellence that is evident at this intimate location comes from a lifetime of training, first in Europe and then at the finer Manhattan restaurants, now lovingly transplanted into his Bayside location.

Before we could even make our way down the ample menu, warm bread and flavorful olive oil with gentle Italian seasoning was waiting to wet our appetites.

For appetizers, we tried both the Tartare di Tonno (Tuna tartar layered with capers, filet of citrus and topped with frizzled ginger — $8) and the Vongole Oregante (baked clams — $8). The tartar, served with toasted rounds of bread topped with pesto sauce, was light, tasty and a wonderful start to the meal. The clams were fresh, heavy with a rich garlic taste, and as we ate my dining companion commented it was like enjoying a quiet dinner in the heart of Venice.

For the main course, Fettuccine con Gamberoni (Asparagus fettuccine with jumbo shrimp and filet of tomato — $16) offered ample shrimp, a light and flavorful tomato sauce and pasta just touched by the distinct taste of asparagus. The Cotoletta di Vitello Capricciosa (Fried veal cutlet with fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes and onion — $16) offered a giant cutlet cooked to a perfect crisp but free of any oily taste.

Tony suggested that we try his homemade Tiramisu and Carrot Cake, and we clearly pass the suggestion along. The Tiramisu was light enough to eat even if you don’t think you can eat another bite, and the cake was moist with a delightful cream cheese-based icing.

Cappriccio can accommodate parties up to 85, but it’s also a perfect getaway for a dinner date or a group of friends.

And Tony’s motto is simple, “Good food, nothing else.”