Who’s ready to eat? It’s no secret that I adore living in the beautiful city of Raleigh. And it’s not a secret either that I love pasta even more. I swear I am made of almost 50% pasta. Okay that’s a little bit of an exaggeration but you get my point. Italian has so many different pasta types and sauces that it is so hard to get enough of it. If you are ever in Raleigh and craving to eat some Italian, these are some of my favorites!
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN RALEIGH
Vivo Ristorante Pizzeria
From artisan pizza to authentic Italian dishes, there’s no wonder it’s a fan favorite in Raleigh! There’s no way to make a list of the best Italian restaurants in any city and not have a pizzeria somewhere on the list. Vivo guests are made up of people who are in there constantly and are always treated like family. You can trust that time after time, Vivo Ristorante Pizzeria is meeting, and exceeding, their customer’s expectations.
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Bella Monica
Family-owned restaurant and wine bar that has been a staple in Raleigh since 2000! Bella Monica does a fantastic job of giving you a balance of Italian options when you are in Raleigh. Not only is Bella Monica going to serve exceptional pizza and pasta, they also have a great wine selection at the bar or right at your table. And while a great meal is good on its own, a great meal paired with a great drink really takes the whole experience up to another level.
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Vivace
With handmade pasta and an expansive wine list, you won’t want to skip an authentic Italian meal at Vivace! Vivace can brag that they deliver a thoroughly authentic Italian experience considering they make all of their pasta homemade. If pizza and seafood isn’t the kind of Italian food you are craving, then Vivace is the obvious choice.
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Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar
Bringing Italian wine, food, and ambiance to Raleigh since 2017! This restaurant’s name fits it perfectly. Afterall, Mulino means “the mill”. And this has important historical significance to the restaurant’s location in Melrose Knitting Mill. This is a historic space in Raleigh that first opened in 1901 as a textile factory which made garments and then later manufactured bathing suits for the city’s first public pool. But the special thing that brings Mulino Kitchen & Bar to my list is the fact that not only do they serve all the classic Italian dishes, they also happen to have the best ambiance.
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Tuscan Blu Italian Restaurant
This is an amazing place to go to because they serve some of the best authentic Italian food, wine, beer, and plenty more that you will love. Come to Tuscan Blu Italian Restaurant right away where you can try out everything from classic caesar salad, fiocchi, ravioli toscani, mousse cake, fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, and so much more.
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Brio Italian Grille
Are you a fan of Tuscan-inspired Italian dishes? If so, then you need to come and check out Brio Italian Grille right now! This is an amazing premier Tuscan-Italian restaurant that serves authentic Northern Italian food where everything is cooked to perfection and the wine is even better too. Why not check out Brio Italian Grille as soon as you can where you can try out pasta alla vodka, spicy shrimp, lobster bisque, margherita flatbreads, caesar salads, chicken marsala, grilled salmon, and lots more right here at Brio Italian Grille?
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Farina Neighborhood Italian
If you are looking for a local favorite in Raleigh, then you need to check out Farina Neighborhood Italian right away! They are known for their incredible wood-fired pizza, traditional Italian favorites, delicious appetizers, and lots of truly amazing authentic Italian dishes that you need to try out right away. Stop by Farina Neighborhood Italian where you need to explore their amazing Italian menu that includes short rib gnocchi, chicken parm, seafood pasta, arugula salad, flattop Italian sausage, butternut squash ravioli, and even their wild mushroom pizza.
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Gravy
Doesn’t that name just make you drool. Are you interested in going to an American-Italian restaurant in Raleigh for something different? If so, then you need to stop by and check out Gravy right now. Gravy is an incredible place to go to because of their delicious Italian classics that you need to try out for yourself right now in Raleigh. You can indulge in their delicious menu which includes gnocchi, lasagna, eggplant pie, bruschetta, kale caesar, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parm, meatball subs, and so much more.
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Cucciolo Terrazza
Cucciolo Terrazza’s goal is to serve simple and delicious Italian food using the highest quality ingredients in an upscale, yet friendly and casual environment. This is the sister restaurant to Cucciolo Osteria Durham. They are serving classic Italian dishes with a modern touch and always strive to provide the best service possible through genuine care for their Guests.
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Caffé Luna
Holy drool worthy! Situated in a beautiful historic building in downtown Raleigh, Caffé Luna has been bringing authentic Italian cuisine with a Tuscan flair to the Triangle for over two decades. Just imagine eating Tuscan-accented Italian fare served in an airy, art-filled space with floor-to-ceiling windows. I seriously dream about this place!
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There are so many amazing Italian restaurants in the area but these are some of my favorites in Raleigh that I love to visit. As always, thank y’all for stopping by and reading. I will see y’all back here next time.
