Piccola Italia - Raleigh

I was quite disappointed by my visit last night. The restaurant has been completely modernized, losing that charming old Italian ambiance it used to have. It seems like they may have a different chef because the food just wasn’t as good as it used to be. To make matters worse, they were out of butter and Caesar dressing. Also, their location, behind a Harris Teeter, isn't ideal—it's quite a trek.

The marinara sauce tasted like tomato soup and had a strange orange color. It felt odd to have soup over pasta. Despite my hunger, I ended up mostly picking out some pasta without the sauce and eating it with the bread instead. I’ll give it two stars for the bread.

Great pizza usually, but they are closed for renovations as of September 30th but Google has no idea. We showed up and they're closed, I would call ahead if it hasn't been that long since this post to make sure they're open.

If you're looking for a place where the waitress is condescending and rolls her eyes in front of your family when you ask if a dish can be made without wine, then this is the spot for you! Her name is Naslie!

Piccola Italia has been a Raleigh establishment since 1982. I remember coming here since I was a little girl so I had to make this review longer than usual to do justice. It's authentic, traditional home cooked Italian food at its best and the ownerFrank, true to his Italian roots, always asks me about my parents and makes me feel welcome like family. I think a lot of peoplemiss this place because it's not trying to be glitzy or glamorous, it's a comfortable family setting, but after 40 years inbusiness the food still has that same special something and my dad eats here every week! My favorites are the pizza and thepasta. The pizza is hand tossed with a crispy crust and homemade tomato sauce. The Tomato Sauce is the BEST in TOWN smooth andrich in flavor (the Marinara is a more bold and chunky sauce if you're into that)! The pasta is delicious and always al dente just be sure to ask for the parmesan if it's not on the table (gluten free pasta is also really good). Sicilian Pizza is Amazing order ahead of time for that. Meatballs and sausage also delicious. Thank you Frank and to your family for the labor of loveto keep this place alive through fires, recessions and remodels for my family it's a home away from home Authentic Italianat its Best.