Happy hour | Cheap gourmet at Westlake's Tutta Bella

Every week, I get a dozen variations of the same question: What happy hour do you suggest?

It depends a bit on the criteria of the questioner, but usually, I go with Tutta Bella in Westlake. This Neapolitan pizzeria doesn't have an extensive happy-hour menu, but it does a lot of things well. Inexpensive, generous portions. Vegetarian options. Friendly and knowledgeable service with indoor/outdoor seating, and big tables to accommodate large groups.

Even if you pop in just for a drink, complimentary bites are served, an homage to the aperitivo tradition in Milan. And the wine pours are to-the-rim generous.

Tutta Bella's happy hour "little plates" ($3-$4) are bigger than those served at most restaurants, and they're made with fresh, gourmet ingredients — not the frozen or processed food you might find at bars boasting the cheapest happy hour. Options include a $4 salad of arugula, fennel, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and slivers of Parmigiano-Reggiano on a bed of prosciutto; and a fresh wood-fired flatbread the size of a pizza ($3). Its fragrant Margherita pizza ($6) is the most expensive menu item, but that breaks down to $1 per slice.

Note: Tutta Bella has other locations in the area, but only the Tutta Bella in Westlake offers happy hour.

Tutta Bella, 2200 Westlake, Suite 112, offers happy hour 3-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, when food costs $1-$6, cocktails $5 and wine and draft beers are $2 off (206-624-4422 or www.tuttabellapizza.com).

Tan Vinh: 206-515-5656 or tvinh@seattletimes.com