For the next best thing to Italy, pop in to Max a Mia on East Main Street in Avon. For over 25 years, this restaurant has been cooking up some of the most delicious Italian cuisine in the area, with rave reviews all around. Everyone in town is especially fond of their happy hour and brunch options, which aren’t easy to beat.

Happy hour is offered from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and offers $5 small plates and $5 drinks. Options for the small plates range from meatballs to Cape Cod mussels with sweet vermouth or even burgers and stone-cooked personal pizzas. Pair that with the spicy Italian pepper cocktail, which mixes St. George Green Chile Vodka with lime juice, syrup, and orange bitters to really round out your meal.

Brunch is just as delicious, with a mix of options like salads and pies or standard breakfast options. The Chef’s Sunday Gravy plate is a favorite, combining meatballs, sausage, prosciutto, and ricotta salata. If you’re in the sweet mood, you can try the blueberry- and mascarpone-stuffed French toast.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr loustejskal