Travel back to the 1940s and savor southern Italian cooking in this home-style eatery. This place, with its nostalgic ambience and comfortable interiors, will take you back in time to the period before World War II. Considered to be one of the best American-style Italian restaurant in town, Maggiano's Little Italy has garnered raves for its Spaghetti Carbonara, Mostaccioli, Homemade Gnocchi and the Chicken Giardiniera. If you are looking for an hearty Italian meal then Maggiano's Little Italy is your best bet.

This vibrant cafe, bakery, and German restaurant can safely be called a local favorite. Seasonal menus feature eclectic German specialties made with only locally-sourced ingredients. The bakery offers a generous menu of breads, cakes, pastries, and cookies. Guglhupf’s interiors are stunning, and feature an interior terrace and courtyard, a beautiful patio for outdoor dining, and an atrium. The cafe also often hosts wine and local food-related events, and exhibits the work of local artists.

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.

Hidden in a small strip near the Sutton Square Shopping Mall, this gem of a French restaurant brings a taste of Provence to North Raleigh. The menu focuses on locally-sourced meats, with classic dishes such as foie gras, escargots, and filet mignon. Vegetarian options lean towards pasta dishes, while the dessert and wine list is typically, and extravagantly French. Enjoy horseradish-braised beef short ribs with a French Merlot, or seafood étouffée with dessert cheeses. The management at Saint Jacques also organizes wine dinners, cooking classes, and annual sojourns to Provence and Burgundy.