The most beautiful window in Cabo San Lucas looks out across the festively lit gazebo in the center of the town square, Plaza Amelia Wilkes, toward colorful villas clinging to a hillside. After a few glasses of Chianti and several helpings of Invita Bistro’s homemade breads and pastas, it’s easy to imagine one has been transported to chef Antonello Lauri’s hometown of Rome.

The expansive window and enormous wine-themed painting from local artist Yandi Monardo are lovely, but the heart of the restaurant’s charm lies in its family-recipe Italian dishes, many of which date back several generations. The eggplant Parmesan recipe was passed down from Lauri’s grandmother, and his mother was a frequent presence when the restaurant opened in 2012. This familial touch extends to the service. Antipasti and appetizers like the Tocho Morocho de la casa—the chef’s choice of five signature tapas—are served family style in the center of the table, as if guests were dining at home.

And entrée highlights like piquant Piccatine de Pollo (sautéed chicken breast with lime and parsley) and brochetas de camarón (grilled shrimp with zucchini and cherry tomatoes) are preceded by complimentary helpings of fresh focaccia. An old-fashioned blackboard touts the restaurant’s wine selections, among which are temperature-controlled bottles from top producers in Argentina, Italy, México, and the United States.

There are also several excellent choices by the glass, and the dessert menu showcases decadent meal cappers like tiramisu and crème brûlée. Invita Bistro, Calle Miguel Hidalgo, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-1386, www.invitabistro.com. Mon.–Sat. 5 p.m.–11 p.m. MasterCard and Visa accepted. $$ C.S.

For more information about Invita Bistro visit  www.loscabosguide.com/invitabistro/index.html