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In North Raleigh. Nina's Ristorante (http://www.ninasristorante.com/index.html - broken link) makes very good Italian. I would say Casalinga's is "good" however that shopping center is nothing short of scary. I went there two times and the food has been great; however -- that shopping center keeps me from going back.
Nina's on the other hand is quiet in a pleasant shopping center and has great food with a "home style" appeal. The place is also nice inside: white linen type of place.
I would say try Nina's.
Well we tried Nina's BEFORE you wrote you response and absolutely HATED it. I have never had such awful italian food!! I thought the bread they served was fanastic and we choose a good wine...but the mussels app was not good (and we love mussels) and both of our dinners just were not quality italian. I felt like I could have made better at home for half of the price. Very dissapointing b/c we read all about it online and thought we were in for a treat! Apparently not!
I'd have to second Dragonfly's suggestion for Ferlo's - great Italian deli...prepared meals and retail product to DIY...not a romantic stop (it is a deli, after all), but they can supply the food you need to have a romantic dinner at home! And if you're looking for something in particular, I'm sure they'd be willing to make it up special (they don't have chicken cacciatore on the menu, but made me up some when I was craving it)! They get my vote, romantic or not...
I haven't seen them mentioned on this thread, but two places I know of are Cinelli's at North Hills (on the circle) which is a bit more casual - but worth a look. I've heard good things about the pizza there but haven't tried it yet.
Vivace (also at North Hills, but across Lassiter Mills Road by Harris Teeter) might be the better option if your looking for better atmosphere.
I've seen - but haven't been to - a very small italian place in downtown Raleigh at City Market. I think it's called Tony's? It looks quaint and friendly, but I've only been by it on Sunday when it was closed. Anyone been there? Worth a visit or no?
Definitely try Cinelli's SIX FORKS - the Original restaurant (not the pizzeria).
Its at Celebration at Sixforks near Lassiter Mill Rd - hands down best Italian experience in the triangle.
Nina's has great food - but their wine list is marked up 75% - 85% and I just don't fly with that. I usually buy 75 dollar bottles at restaurants and expect about a 30-45 dollar bottle retail - not 22 dollars. Oh - and if Ninas is going to charge so much for their wine they should at least serve it at the right temperature- its on a big wooden wall in the middle of the restaurant and is rather warm.
Tony's pizza on 70/Carmax is closest pizza ive had to home (nj - jersey city).
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North Raleigh
