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finding italy on a raleigh map
Published July 28, 2007Views: 118
I believe that the best food in this city, or any other, can only really be enjoyed to its fullest if the company you dine with and the surroundings of the establishment complement that cuisine, or even raise it to a level that could not be attained by the food alone. Such thinking often takes me to Italian restaurants, where hearty red wines and fresh-made pastas are surpassed only by the great conversations served throughout the meal.
We are quite fortunate to have several authentic and noteworthy Italian restaurants in Raleigh. My top 5, including one which I dined in this evening, are below.
Ninas Ristorante
Ninas has perhaps the most enjoyable authentic setting of the list. With terra cotta walls and a beautiful Tuscan mural, the mood is instantly set for a meal that you’ll want to tell your friends about for several days to come.
Casa Carbone
Casa Carbone is the old-schooler of the bunch. The owners opened their first restaurant in 1958 on Hillsborough Street and have stayed true to their roots in terms of settings and excellent Italian food ever since.
518 West
518’s hardwood floors and brick exterior create a great fresh setting to enjoy some of the best Italian food in downtown Raleigh. 518 is also great for brunch on Sundays.
Tavola Rossa
Tavola Rossa offers a somewhat eclectic and modern take on Italian. Tucked behind Crabtree Valley Mall, this is a great destination for a business lunch or romantic dinner.
Bella Monica
Bella Monica is the most unassuming of the bunch. This place could easily be taken for a pizza-by-the-slice establishment if you just happened to be walking by. Once you’ve taken the plunge however, you immediately notice the attention to detail in every dish and can appreciate the local feel the restaurant and its patrons have created.
Filed under: Food & Dining
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July 28, 2007 11:12 a.m.
The Gourmet Factory on Western Blvd. It's name is illogical given that it is an Italian restaurant, and it's difficult to see (it's in the old Village Inn Pizza building) but they have some mighty fine food. Excellent meat sauce. I would put this place up against Mama Leone's in its heyday of the 1960s. They also deliver to the NCSU area until something like 2 am. What more could you ask for?
And since you mentioned pizza-by-the-slice...Schiano's in Pleasant Valley Shopping Center. After a significant decline over the past five years, John and Victor have taken it back over from those interim owners and it is the old Schiano's that we have known since the 1970s. Still the best pizza this side of Brooklyn, NY. They have also opened up a new Schiano's on Leesville Road, but I've only been there once at night and could not tell you how to get back. Calzones so large they would stuff a mastadon to the breaking point.
July 28, 2007 11:03 a.m.
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