We started with garlic-butter mussels with parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. They were laid out on a plate with indentations in the shape of shells, kind of like snails. It was a yummy, but heavy dish. Probably more appropriate for cold weather than the July evening when we ordered them. The shrimp spring roll special was fun and refreshing. The roll was briefly deep-fried and served over a wonderful red cabbage slaw with a creamy coconut dressing.

Fish entrees were the real strength here. Pistachio crusted halibut was moist and delicious and the accompanying balsamic scented ratatouille packed the flavor of the summer in every bite. Pecorino encrusted swordfish was rich and juicy and came with a pleasant fresh tomato sauce with a touch of orange. Both grilled veal tenderloin entree and elk special came with a perfect al dente risotto. But unfortunately both meats were a overcooked.

The wine list is just the way I like it -- short but good. We shared a good bottle of Cote du Rhone for $31.

I was neutral about desserts. Since I don't have much of a sweet tooth, I only like desserts if they are outstanding. These were just good. The peach tarte tatin with vanilla ice-cream was pleasant, but I prefer it with pie dough rather than puff pastry. The Sacher torte was a dense chocolate cake, not quite the way I remember it from Vienna, but the chocolate lover in our party seemed to have really enjoyed it. The dessert sampler came with a little yam crème brûlée, and two other pastries that I didn't get to taste. The crème brûlée was a bit sweet for my taste.

The service was friendly, helpful, and efficient. All the recommendations that our waitress made were right on. The meal was very well paced, glasses always refilled, and we never felt rushed. The small dining room is decorated with beautiful glass plates and vases - very appropriate since Scutra means a "plate" in Latin. There is plenty of space between tables so it's a good place to talk and linger.

With appetizers in the $7-9 range and entrees in the low $20s, this was a real bargain. Scutra now joins the short list of my favorite reasonably priced Boston restaurants (Grotto and Ten Tables), and I found the food to be a bit lighter at Scutra than the other two.