I second WorthyQuest re: Pesto. Went there for my birthday this past winter, and everything we ordered was just awful. One example: My BF ordered mussels, which we had to send back because they were full of sand.

The place was quiet (it was a weeknight in January), but the service was horrible. Our waiter was more interested in chatting with his buddies at another table than with taking our order.

And the worst part is, I picked this loser spot for my birthday dinner because I'd heard such good things about it. I was actually embarrassed that my other half had spent money on such a lousy dump.

To this day, whenever we have a mediocre meal, we joke that at least it wasn't as bad as Pesto.

when i had lunch at paradiso, i believe my tagliatelle with wild mushrooms was $9 or $10. and delicious! my friend's quiche and salad was about $8 or $9.

I've been to Paradiso a few times. I didn't think it was anything special. I'm not really put off by the prices, but I think a little travel will get you a much better experience for the same price. Those don't sound like bad prices for lunch. How were the portions?

__________________
Frank: What's a power bottom?
Mac: A power bottom is a bottom that is capable of receiving an enormous amount of power.
Dennis: Actually Mac, you got it backwards. See a power bottom's actually generating all the power by doing most of the work.

in case the OP is still following this mess . . .

try Hardena at the corner of Hicks & Moore. It's $6 for some cafeteria style indonesian food.

and speaking of Indonesian, Cafe Pendawa has some good box lunches and a nice bakery section if you get there at the right time of day. You can't eat there but the food is worth it if you're eating at your desk anyway.

also, Merl's at 16th & Dickinson is good for a quick lunch. Typical diner food with a breakfast heavy menu.

Board and Moore St.

For quick togo Chinese food, this place is pretty good.

I like the 4 wings with Chicken Fried rice.

They give you a lot of food for a good value, and they arn't even behind bulletproof glass!

is this joint still open???

They are open pretty late for munchies, there is sit down tables with good AC for hot summer nights.

They also deliver if you're too lazy to walk.