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    Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant

    4.5 (160 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant Photos

    AMALIA'S AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

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    Intimate
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    Upscale

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    Recommended Reviews - Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant

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    Brassy
    Mary W.

    This isn't just a meal. It's an experience. And one that I can't recommend enough. The place itself is a house and you feel right at home as soon you walk in. Parking is easy and there's plenty of seating options. Now, before you go, you should expect to spend a pretty penny here after all is said and done, especially if ordering a bottle of wine. #1 Pro tip: Ask for Gaetano when you make your reservation. I have no doubt every member of the staff is phenomenal, but Gaetano tells a story. He immerses you into the culture of Italy. You feel like you're actually there as you enjoy your meal. He brought us complimentary olives from Sicily and they were divine. I'm not even an olive fan! This set the tone for the whole experience. Here's what we ordered and I loved every single dish: -Nuova Caprese -Tagliere Di Formaggi -Gamberoni (a favorite) -Variazione Di Parmigiano -Tartelletta -The special which was a ribeye atop broccolini -Brasato -Potatoes -Caramel Pudding Outstanding, unforgettable meal! Make sure you ask for recommendations and especially wine pairing recs.

    Rebecca M.

    Amalia's in an Italian restaurant in Wake Forest that is located in a renovated Victorian historic house from the 1800s. The restaurant is named after the chef's grandmother who inspired his love of cooking. There is a good-sized parking lot in the back. The entrance to the restaurant is in the front and up the stairs. There is a small bar in the back and I think two rooms with tables. When my group arrived, we were the only ones there at first but as the room filled, it got hotter and louder. The air conditioner wasn't set to consider the amount of body heat from the guests. Service was mostly good although a few of us were skipped each time on water refills and not all food was brought out in a timely manner. The table had samples of bruschetta and bread was brought to the table. I went with the della Nonna and added shrimp, thanks to another reviewer on here for mentioning that option as the waiter did not mention it as a possibility. I enjoyed my dish and the shrimp were large and cooked well. Others at the table complained of over-salted food and garlic mashed potatoes that lacked the garlic. So the food doesn't seem to be consistent. The prices seem too high for the portions to dine here regularly.

    What a treat! Gaetano (?) was our server and he was amazing as was the food and ambiance! Very special meal and we can't wait to return.

    Matthew H.

    Returning to a favorite eatery is always enjoyable. This time around, I felt more confident in my ordering decisions. Choosing an appetizer, entree, and side dish was the perfect balance of flavors. Previously, we were oversold on food and ordered pasta with an entree, which was too much. The menu has been revised, with fewer fish options now available. I would like to see more authentic Italian dishes, such as fried eggplant pasta, added to the menu. Thankfully, the restaurant offers a variety of options for gluten-free patrons.

    Goat Cheese Cheesecake... amazing

    Amazing food and great service. Caetano is super nice and has the best ingredients. It's nice place for a date.

    Gratin di Cavolfiore
    Ike N.

    I took my Mom here for a birthday dinner. The restaurant looks very cozy and homey (we actually drove by it initially thinking it was an actual house). The interior definitely gives you that traditional family Italian restaurant vibe. The service was great! Our server was newish but she was really nice and patient as my mom figured out what she wanted to eat and drink. She brought out a few wine samples for us to try as well. She even surprised us with champagne flutes to celebrate my Mom's birthday! The food was delish. Everything was blown away by almost everything I ate. The Gratin di Cavolfiore was the only exception because I'm not really a fan of cauliflower but it made cauliflower edible for me. I love lobster dishes and the lobster risotto didn't disappoint. The focaccia was also so good we had to get another round.

    Lamb Chops
    John E.

    Amalia's has been on my "want to try" list for as long as I can remember. So finally it made sense to select it for our 39th wedding anniversary. We ended up spending $226.23 including taxes and tip. The best part of the meal for us, honestly, was the ambiance and the service. For our special anniversary meal it was exactly what we wanted. Wake Forest is a bit of a drive from north raleigh. The parking, walk up and greeting hall were charming and warm. The old home the restaurant is in also gave a great warm ambiance. It was all smiles by the unhurried staff as we walked in and sat down. We had a lovely window seat overlooking a quiet road past the front porch. We were immediately relaxed. We were promptly informed that this was a brand new menu. It was revamped while the restaurant was closed for a 3 week summer break. We were the first to try it. We were guided to share a pasta from the Primi section to start so we started with the $19 Farfelle which was simply prepared. Nothing particularly notable about the sauce and it was small. It was fine but given the price and the ambience we had hoped for a bit more effort. Then for the secondi we got the Anelio Salsa Verde which were lamb chops and the Maialino which were pork chops. The pork chops plate, which was $45 came with two large pork chops covered in what looked like a demi-glaze. The pork chops were well prepared but the sauce did not have much flavor.There was nothing else on the plate. The lamp chop dish which was $60 had 4 lamb chops with a dry rub on them accompanied with a ramakin of pesto sauce. The lamb chops were so under cooked they were almost raw and we like our meat raw so that is saying something. The pesto was very good but did not go well with the lamb chops. We were also guided to order 1 side and share so we ordered the Verdure which tonight was asparagus. The $14 dish came with about 8 perfectly cooked fat asparagus stocks covered with a non descript white sauce.I ordered a full bodied Italian red wine which i enjoyed. We finished with a "prepared at your table" Tiramisu. The $17 dessert was prepared again with warmth and style but there was no covering up the fact that too many steps were skipped between a Tiramisu prepared at the table and one prepared "properly". For instance, a typical Tiramisu would be prepared with marscapone cheese, mixed with whipped cream and an egg yolk. What was actually served was whipped cream tho they told us it was custard. Also, Tiramisu lady fingers are typically dipped in a mix of coffee and rum or congac. In our case the alcohol was not added. Last but not least in a traditional Tiramisu there is a dusting of cocoa that sandwiches the top and bottom of the dish. But the Tiramisu that was served to us had coffee powder instead. It was just fine but nothing remarkable. Overall, the menu in general, and our meal in particular was not especially ... italian. For a special evening i cannot think of a better place for us to have eaten. The people and the place and the service were perfect for us. The meal was lovely enough to meet the evening. We likely will not be back tho as too many corners cut on average given the cost of the meal.

    Sean B.

    The food was absolutely exceptional, and Gaetano could not have been a more perfect host. His detailed descriptions of the menu were both accurate and enticing, and his service was nothing short of impeccable. The restaurant itself, set in a beautifully preserved 19th-century home, radiates charm and character. The décor, paired with the soft Italian music, created an atmosphere that was both warm and romantic. We celebrated our 26th anniversary here, and it could not have been a more perfect choice. We will most certainly return, and I look forward to purchasing gift cards to share this wonderful experience with friends. My wife got the Farfalle della nonna and I got the chefs selection steak Selezione Dello Chef

    Michael G.

    Restaurant Review: Amelia's Authentic Italian Restaurant - Wake Forest, NC Located in a historic home in the Wake Forest area, the second into the restaurant, every corner exudes this old-world charm with the wooden doors, the Italian-themed décor, and the multiple rooms providing an intimate dining experience setting the tone for the evening. After traveling all over the world to 69 countries and 32 states, I have experienced some of the most amazing culinary experiences, from small mom-and-pop restaurants to Michelin-star dining experiences. It is important for me to provide an unfiltered review, giving the reader both the positives and negatives of a dining experience, including service, presentation, and food quality/taste. SERVICE Logan provided an exceptional dining experience, embodying professionalism, warmth, and depth of information about the entire menu to help us make the best choices for our tastes. He was extremely attentive throughout the entire night, providing a consistent and elevated level of service that one would expect in a fine-dining restaurant. FOOD Antipasti: Variazione di Parmigiano - Parmigiano Reggiano cheese variation. 24 months aged Flan, 30 months aged Fondue, 18 months aged crisp. The trifecta of Parmigiano was a journey of silky smooth, velvety, creamy, and crispy textures, coupled with the flavors that include sweetness, tangy, and savory flavors coming together as an outstanding homage to the different ages of the cheese. Unfortunately, visually, the dish was very simple and somewhat plain, providing a very disappointing first impression. There did seem to be something missing. It was difficult to break the crispy Parmigiano, leaving it difficult to get the three elements together. I believe having toasted baguette slices would have added a compliment to the dish, allowing the consumer to spread the soft parmigiano cheeses on another crispy element. Primi (Pastas): We had two pasta dishes 1 - Bucatini all'Amatriciana - Imported Bucatini pasta served with classic guanciale, tomato and pecorino romano sauce. Having traveled to Italy 13 times, this dish was truly an exceptional display of the heart of Italian cuisine. Bucatini pasta, one of my favorite pastas, was cooked al dente with a rich, savory, tangy, and sweet tomato sauce coupled with guanciale which provides a salty richness. 2 - Orecchiette Pugliesi Imported fresh Orecchiette pasta with homemade italian sausage, sautéed broccoli rabe. Both these dishes were nothing short of perfection. The ear-like pasta was cooked al dente mixed with the sauce, sausage herbs and spices, and broccoli rabe providing a complex depth of flavors, making the dish well-rounded and resulting in an expertly executed dish with both tastes and textures. Entrees: 1 - Branzino arrosto oven-roasted with olive oil, garlic, lemon and fresh herbs, toasted Fregola. The simple word to describe this dish is horrible. I have eaten Branzino all over the world at some of the top restaurants around the globe, and this dish was by far the worst rendition of Branzino I have ever seen. The fish was in no way a traditional branzino. It was the size of a tilapia, dry as could be, and the breading they were using on the outside was a reminiscence of a fried fish you would get a local fish fry. If the Chef knew what was good for them, they would 86 this dish and try again. 2 - Agnello Scottadito - Domestic lamb chops marinated with anchovy fillets, mustard, lemon zest, garlic, and sage; served with almond gremolata. The lamb chops were tender and succulent and cooked to perfection with a slight char on the outside that enhanced the richness and flavors of the marinade. The anchovy fillets are subtle and not at all noticeable. The blend of flavors of the mustard, garlic, and sage really created the right aroma and taste to compliment the chops. The almond gremolata layered under the tent of the lamb chop and the lemon zest bring together crunchy texture and citrus to compliment the main. Dessert: Lavender-infused Crème Brulee with Blueberries. This was a delightful portrayal of a classic dessert; the floral and fruity flavors truly elevate this dish and truly differentiate the dish from any classic crème brulee. This dessert really brings in an element of surprise to cap off an amazing evening. OVERALL While the journey was a bit choppy, my overall view of this restaurant is that it provides an amazing Italian culinary experience with a perfect atmosphere and service to make for an amazing evening.

    Lobster Risotto, Ribeye steak, and potatoes

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    11 days ago

    Service was exceptional. Food authentic Italian and delicious. Very pricey but a well deserved anniversary dinner.

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    2 years ago

    Love this place. Great food and service. The lobster risotto is excellent. Also one of the best wine selections in the entire area.

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    Ask the Community - Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant

    Is this restaurant still operating?

    Yes

    Do they have a children's menu?

    No.

    Is this the same ownership and/or restaurant as Bruno trattoria that used to be there?

    Different owner

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    Milton's Pizza and Pasta - Wakefield - Milton's Meatballs

    Milton's Pizza and Pasta - Wakefield

    4.2(228 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    We ordered pizza from Milton's and it was really good. We ordered the Margarita pizza and the…read moreChicken Parmesan pizza ToGo. Both were made with fresh mozzarella cheese but I have to say that the Chicken Parmesan pizza was so good! Two pizzas came out to $50 before tips so definitely expensive but very good on the quality. They were busy so we did wait a good bit for it to come out on a random weekday but I understood why once we tasted it.

    Walked in to a cute and appropriately decorated place…read more Greeted after a moment and seated immediately. Our server Chloe came over and took our drink order. We ordered our drinks and she returned with them. We told Chloe we were visiting from out of town and gave us complimentary garlic dots. Our table ordered a small specialty pizza called "The Stanley Cup" it had Canadian bacon, crispy bacon bits, chicken, and cheddar and mozzarella cheese and drizzled with a buffalo sauce, 10 piece bbq wings with ranch dip, I ordered the basil pesto tortellini with salmon and asked for the Kalamata olives on the side and it came with garlic bread and lastly one person ordered a 8 inch build your own pizza with pepperoni, chicken, olives, mushrooms, onions, garlic aioli sauce instead of red sauce, and Parmesan cheese. My salmon was cooked perfectly and the pasta and sauce was delicious. I did add a little salt but I don't like olives so since I gave them to another person in my party if they had been in my pasta that probably would have cured the salt issue. It was still amazing! The garlic bread that came with it was grilled just not buttered enough so I asked for extra. The wings I got one of were good and sauced and had a crispy exterior and juicy inside. I didn't taste the build your own pizza but he ate it all so that says it was good. I did taste a slice of the Stanley and it was good. The buffalo I could handle and I don't care for spicy but it wasn't too much for me. I would say it could have been cooked just a little longer. Still delicious and flavorful!! The garlic dots!!! I would make a trip just for those. Crispy exterior and soft cooked dough on the his inside and their garlic butter made with fresh garlic and the sauce!! Amazing!!! Definitely a keeper! Also got a slice of cheesecake to go! Yum!

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    Milton's Pizza and Pasta - Wakefield - Curb appeal

    Curb appeal

    Milton's Pizza and Pasta - Wakefield - Caesar salad to get things going!

    Caesar salad to get things going!

    Milton's Pizza and Pasta - Wakefield - Bbq 10 count Wings

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    Bbq 10 count Wings

    Frankos Italian Steakhouse - Meatballs

    Frankos Italian Steakhouse

    4.4(87 reviews)
    10.3 mi

    We had our 23rd anniversary dinner there last night. Had a 7 PM reservation. Arrived 10 minutes…read moreearly and were seated instantly. Our server, Nino, came to our table within minutes of our seating. We weren't sure which red wine selection we are going to go with. He recommended a medium priced bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. That was just what the doctor ordered. We started with the Burrata on Nino's recommendation also as we were looking to not fill up on a big appetizer and it was amazing, so fresh. I had the 10 ounce fillet and my wife had a 6 ounce fillet both ordered medium rare and both delivered cooked perfectly. For sides we did the roasted garlic potato purée, steakhouse mac & cheese, and the roasted wild mushroom. All of the sides were excellent and good portions. We ended up bringing home half of the mushrooms and 3/4 of the steakhouse mac & cheese. We were seated on the main floor at a four top, I love the seating arrangement as there's plenty of room you're not bumping into each other at different tables. The ambience is very nice. It's well lit but not so bright that it's not an intimate dining experience. I'm normally a person that takes pictures of my food but absolutely forgot to just because we were caught up in the moment

    Always a special treat at Franko's! We love coming here…read morewhenever we can snag a spot. It's our go-to when we want to treat ourselves to a nice night out. The indoor seating has a fantastic ambiance--it feels quaint and intimate, but you never feel like you're sitting on top of other guests. It's one of the few places where you can actually talk freely without feeling like the neighboring tables are part of your conversation. When the weather cooperates, the outside patio is a lovely spot to enjoy a meal. As for the food, the steaks are excellent and we haven't had a single bad experience yet. My wife is also a huge fan of the chopped Caesar salad. Definitely make a reservation ahead of time and enjoy!

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    Frankos Italian Steakhouse - Interior

    Interior

    Frankos Italian Steakhouse - Focaccia

    Focaccia

    Frankos Italian Steakhouse

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    Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant - italian - Updated May 2026

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