Inspired by Chef and Owner Karen Akunowicz’s time spent cooking, eating, and living in Modena, Italy, Fox & the Knife is a Southie Enoteca that proves you don’t have to fight Hanover Street traffic for excellent Italian in Boston anymore. The plates are small, the wines are natural, and the energy is high in this upscale-casual nook just steps from the Broadway T stop. It’s the perfect spot for a post-work prandial or to snag a table and wine and dine your date, serving up snacks and Italian comfort food with a modern flair.

Fox & the Knife leans heavily into the idea of Aperitivo, which in spirit means a convivial atmosphere where friends gather over food, and on the menu means you’ll find lots and lots of snacks and shareable plates. Expect to see traditional Italian items presented in not-so-traditional ways, from a variety of homemade breads and pastas to bigger helpings like braised meat and whole fish. Bold, hearty flavors abound from start to finish, so your only problem is likely to be portion control.

Starting with the foxy ampersand over the door, the vibe at Fox & the Knife is playful and casual. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by the bustling bar, abutting the controlled chaos of an open kitchen at the center of the room. The dining room, in the back, is overlooked by a simple and whimsical mural on a sage green wall. Deep red hardwood floors and wood-paneled walls add a touch of rustic minimalism, and the neon “Stay Foxy” sign reminds you not to take being a foodie too seriously.

Spritzes and low-alcohol sippers keep the aperitivo theme alive at the bar, which makes creative use of its beer, wine, and cordial license to craft inspired cocktails without hard spirits. The taps pour local beers, but the main focus of the bar program is lots and lots of wine. It’s mostly natural and biodynamic, sourced from small producers who care about what they’re doing and most of it is women-made. There’s an amaro cart roaming the dining room for all your after-dinner digestive needs, and the espresso machine will keep you just alert enough to Uber home at the end of the night.