Subtle lighting accents set off the warm wall colors and paintings depicting southern scenes and still-life art at this restaurant, located on the site of the historic Carolina Inn. Fresh flowers and potted plants abound, adding natural beauty to an already sumptuous setting. The plush, airy, apricot-toned Piedmont Room is the perfect place for a private business lunch. The food is progressive American with a distinctive southern flair. Oven Roasted Snapper, served with Shrimp Jambalaya and Carolina Gold Rice, is a masterpiece for the eyes as well as the stomach. Save room for the Cappuccino Brownie Cake.
Gonza is a colorful Mexican restaurant that specializes in tacos and tequila. The interior is eclectic: mannequins greet diners at the door, and Mexican artifacts are mounted on the dining room walls. The menu is a burst of flavor, combining classic Mexican dishes alongside some surprises. Start with a pitcher of strawberry margarita and move on to tacos prepared with chicken tinga poblana, or a scallop and pork belly combination. Patrons can order food online for pickup.
Mami Nora’s offers Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant’s roasting method, using wood charcoal, house marinade, and Peruvian ovens, makes the place quite popular. It’s nice to know that the chickens are steroid and hormone free, and the produce used in the restaurant is usually brought from a local farmer’s market. Chickens are available in quarter, half, and whole sizes. They pair well with plantains and yucca fries. You can wash everything down with the purple corn chicha morada drink, and celebrate the finish with caramel flan.
The Pit offers some of the best barbecue in Raleigh. Set in a restored early 20th Century meatpacking warehouse, the restaurant carries on the North Carolina barbecue tradition by serving full-hog, pit-cooked pork, and other barbecue essentials. But The Pit is more than a generic barbecue restaurant: it combines the generous portions of classic meat-loving joints with some surprises. The pork is free-range, and guests can enjoy barbecued tofu, wines, cocktails, and a comprehensive list of bourbons.
The hand made ice creams served at this laid-back dessert shop are rich, creamy and second to none in quality making this place a must-visit. Local favorites include Vietnamese Coffee and Apple Pie Pint. However, the other ice creams are quite delightful too, so feel free to experiment. Don’t be surprised if you are left with the taste and memory of the ice creams you relished here for a long time to come. If you are still wondering about whether to try this place or not, there's a reason the lines are down the road come summer.
Savor the taste of delicious paninis, tramezinis and crostinis at Toast. This restaurant specializes in making the Italian style sandwiches. Committed to serve some of the best traditional Italian recipes, this store uses fresh and carefully sourced local ingredients in every dish. Its friendly staff is known for their efficient service and makes this place an ideal spot for grabbing a quick bite on a busy day.
Boulted Bread is a local bakery situated in Raleigh. This cozy shop has their own flour mill and makes their own bread varieties which include, Ciabatta, Baguette, Seeded, Levain and Rye. For a quick and delicious morning snack of freshly baked croissants and coffee, this bakery is the perfect place to go. The seasonally changing menu includes Chocolate Croissants, Morning Buns, Apple & Cinnamon French Toast, Quiches, Scones and Savory Croissants as well.
The hand made ice creams served at this laid-back dessert shop are rich, creamy and second to none in quality making this place a must-visit. Local favorites include Vietnamese Coffee and Apple Pie Pint. However, the other ice creams are quite delightful too, so feel free to experiment. Don’t be surprised if you are left with the taste and memory of the ice creams you relished here for a long time to come. If you are still wondering about whether to try this place or not, there's a reason the lines are down the road come summer.
Savor the taste of delicious paninis, tramezinis and crostinis at Toast. This restaurant specializes in making the Italian style sandwiches. Committed to serve some of the best traditional Italian recipes, this store uses fresh and carefully sourced local ingredients in every dish. Its friendly staff is known for their efficient service and makes this place an ideal spot for grabbing a quick bite on a busy day.
A family-friendly Italian restaurant, Bella Monica is great for those who want to enjoy a hearty Italian meal in casual environs. The artwork adorned walls, peppy music and fine Italian wines sets the mood for a pleasant dining experience. The simple, homestyle food follows traditional recipes and is a delight to the taste buds. Shrimp Napoli, Pomodoro Bruschetta and Portobello & Sundried Tomato Lasagne are just some of the decadent delicacies on offer. Besides the array of Italian delicacies,flatbread and pizzas, the restaurant also serves up great gluten-free fare. While you are eating the great food, don’t forget to save room for one of the desserts. The Cannoli and Affogato are particularly delicious. A separate kid’s menu and smaller portions for children are also provided. If you are craving good ol’ Italian food, a meal at Bella Monica won’t disappoint.
Centro was born as a result of the passionate love for Mexican flavors that its owners Angela Salamanca and Carlos harbored. A colorful decor and lively atmosphere is what comes to mind when one thinks of a Mexican restaurant. Adding truth to this, Centro is respendent with bright hues and a sassy exuberance that rubs off on the guests and brings a smile to their face. The food is a pleasurable experience with the right mix of spices and ingredients to guarantee its deliciousness. The highlight is the really long list of cocktails, each one surpassing the other in terms of taste and presentation. Drop by for a slice of Mexico in the heart of Raleigh.