Billing itself as southern Italian magic with vibrant wine, Balena (meaning "whale" in Italian) looks to bring a taste of southern Italy to Mount Pleasant. Start with an apertivo of seared calamari or breaded eggplant or a salad, before moving on to a main course of pasta or a rotating list of daily specials. Balena is helmed by chef Roberto Granata, previously of Il Fornello and Mela.