Cheap Eats: Milanese Caffe

Wedged on the corner of Dwight and Telegraph is an unassuming little Italian cafe offering big plates for small prices. Milanese Caffe is easy to pass up — the restaurant is backset in the shadow of other stores, curving its way out of sight, and loomed over by a giant across the street called Peet's. 

But being discreet happens to be one of the charms of . The door and large windows are wide open on warm, sunny days and the restaurant boasts plenty of room to spread out with a laptop and enjoy the free Wifi, or delight in the peace and quiet and take yourself to lunch.

The menu is big and diverse, ranging from breakfast foods to traditional Italian pastas, sandwiches and salads. The coffee, too, is bold and robust, served in a tall glass for that European touch and a little added indulgence. 

Although all the prices are reasonably low, one of the best deals for a hungry lunchtimer is the "Double Major" — your choice of two of the lunch items, which include a house or caesar salad, a selection of soups, or a half turkey or ham sandwich. 

And the sandwiches at this humble little cafe are its secret weapon for defeating hunger.

Choosing a "half" sandwich may make you wonder how gargantuan a "whole" sandwich would be, and the answer is: huge. The "half" sandwich is the size of what might be expected for a regular sandwich, and opting for the entire thing will probably mean taking half of it home in a box. 

The sandwiches are served on soft, fresh ciabatta bread, and although the filling can sometimes be a little lean, the overall result is tastebud satisfaction. The added pesto perfectly complements the turkey sandwich, and the soy ginger salad dressing is a delicious departure from the usual.

Best of all, the "Double Major" comes in at under $7. Note, though, that a 35-cent fee is charged for card transactions.