Contemporary Italian eatery Scampo may have changed the definition of jailbait. Early last September, Beacon Hill’s historic Charles Street Jail was converted into The Liberty Hotel, where unique dining and drinking venues tout names like Clink and Alibi. Chef Lydia Shire’s Scampo, Italian for escape, became the latest, tempting addition to the aptly named eateries when it opened in early April.

The hotel, across from the Charles MGH Red Line T stop, has a remarkable interior, with a breathtakingly spacious lobby and tiles in the floor that outline former prisoners’ cells. This decor continues inside Scampo, where rustic features like bare brick walls, copper accents and warm rich tones tie the restaurant together. Although it’s easy to sink into the soft seat at your table, you may be tempted to gravitate toward the vibrantly colored bar for a cocktail, or to investigate the second bar, where an open kitchen constantly buzzes with appetizing activity.

The menu boasts an expansive collection of pricey yet unexpected items best described as Italian with a modern twist. The tandori fired sea scallops on whipped white eggplant are adventurous appetizers but worth the venture. If bread is not enough for you to munch on while waiting for the main dish, try the sweet focaccia with wine grapes.

Homemade dishes are the standout features on the menu. The handmade pasta is worth the extra bucks, and the mouth-watering house-made mozzarella will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. The cherry-charred duck is a fantastic choice for the main dish if you’re not full from all the satisfying starters, and while the lady lobster is one of the most expensive items the eatery has to offer, it’s also one of the best.

Scampo’s chic atmosphere and inspired menu provide a memorable dining experience. Predictable Italian pizza? Yawn. Shire’s delicate lamb-topped take? Yum.