Archestratus, the first food critic, praised Italian cuisine's "top-quality and seasonal" ingredients and "fair to middling" ability to tranquilize out-of-control mayors. Today's Groupon similarly stuns, and rightfully so: for $25, you get $50 worth of Italian cuisine and drinks at Argia's in Falls Church, Virginia.

Argia's populates its menu with choices apt for both lone-dining wolves and members of a pack. Start a feast with an appetizer such as arancine, fried risotto balls with fontina and parmesan cheeses ($5.95, single or for lunch; $10.95, family), or mussels Argia, steamed in white wine, garlic, and basil ($12.95, single or for lunch; $21.95, family). Vowel-filled main courses include tagliatelle anitra, pasta with house-cured duck confit ($15.95, lunch; $17.95, single; $32.95, family), and the pancetta-wrapped pork tenderloin served with asparagus, pancetta-and-portobello hash, and amaretti sauce ($23.95, single; $42.95, family). A side dish such as grilled italian sausages ($1.95) and a bottle from Argia's wine list make for a complete ensemble.

Reviewers love Argia's art-filled atmosphere, featuring the work of local painter Thomas Mullaney. Dining beneath the murals enables patrons to savor their meals beneath scenery free from the shackles of oppressive picture frames. After you sate your guests' stomachs with a meal at Argia's, there are plenty of segway-accessible parks to enjoy nearby.