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    Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant

    4.5 (162 reviews)
    Closed • 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant Photos

    AMALIA'S AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy
    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.

    Current menu
    A D.

    Food was delicious this reminds me of food from Charleston homemade definitely quality food service was phenomenal. Very romantic ambience...

    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.

    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

    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.

    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.

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

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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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    Granchio Seafood & Pasta Restaurant - Fried Calamari

    Granchio Seafood & Pasta Restaurant

    4.4(72 reviews)
    4.0 mi
    •$$

    Visited today after Fantasy lake with my family! service was excellent and so was the food :)…read more very happy we find this spot. Lo recomiendo al 100.

    Simply Delicious We…read morehave been looking for a good seafood restaurant since we moved away from the coast; and we have found one in Rolesville. Granchio is a straightforward, outstanding eatery that serves perfectly prepared dishes that are creative and flavorful. Portions are generous and the seasonings imaginative. All the staff (servers, chef, owners) are friendly and welcoming. This is a real 'feel-good' place to enjoy a sumptuous meal. While there are a some tasty pasta dishes and other options on the menu, the shellfish creations are the stars of the show. My favorites are the BOIL BAGS. The 1/2 pound portion comes with one Corn on the Cob and one large Boiled Potato. The one pound portions come with two each. Choices are Shrimp; Snow Crab; King Crab; Lobster Tail; Green Mussels; Black Mussels and Crawfish. Sauce options include Cajun, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Butter or Granchio House (a combination of all three). You can also chose between mild, medium or hot spice levels. The Black Mussel Boil Bag was absolutely delicious. The Mussels were slightly sweet, tender, plump and cook just until they opened. I chose the House Sauce seasoned somewhere between medium and hot. It was perfect - tangy, zesty, peppery, buttery and loaded with flavor. The Potato was large and the Corn drenched in the great sauce. I added the extra Sausage and had plenty for a filling dinner and lunch the next day. Another delightful surprise was the Blue Crab Ravioli. The ample pasta envelopes were stuffed with succulent Maryland Blue Crab and fresh Ricotta Cheese and covered with a creamy Red Vodka Sauce. Again, there was enough for an ample dinner and leftover lunch. We can also recommend either the Shrimp Cocktail or the Fried Oyster Appetizers. The Shrimp were just the right size, perfectly chilled and served with a zesty cocktail sauce. The Oysters tasted fresh and the spicy Oyster Dipping Sauce was just hot enough to get your attention. Another favorite is the Snow Crab Boil Bag. The flavorful snowy white meat locked up inside each leg takes a little work, but is worth the effort. It is sweet with a slight hint of the ocean and a pure delight when paired with the lively House Sauce. Finish you feast with a large serving of heavenly Tiramisu. It will put a smile on your face.

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    Vivo Ristorante Pizzeria - Chicken Alfredo

    Vivo Ristorante Pizzeria

    4.3(479 reviews)
    9.0 mi•Six Forks
    •$$

    Nice Italian restaurant! The service was good and the food was delicious. I loved their house…read morebread, nicely toasted and the crispiness went perfectly with the oil it was served with. Fried Calamari: Perfectly fried and the marinara sauce was delicious. Burrata with Truffle Oil: Decent burrata! The char on the crostini was too strong and had a bitter flavor, but the tomato, balsamic, and cheese were delicious. Fettuccine Alfredo + Chicken: Yum! Decedent and delicious Alfredo sauce. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. I added chicken to my pasta to get some protein. The chicken was blackened and I thought the char was too strong on the chicken (but maybe this is just my preference since I felt the same way about the crostini). I look forward to going back to check out their lunch menu and/or half price bottles of wine on Mondays!

    Great tasting genuine Italian food. We started with the Calamari for an appetizer. We were served a…read morenice sized portion - I could have used some more sauce. My wife decided on the Eggplant Parm. She will finish the rest at another meal. The sauce was tasty and the eggplant was properly cooked. I went with the Bolognese with Pappardelle pasta. The sauce was delicious. The pasta was perfectly cooked and a perfect portion. I liked the fact that I got a pasta spoon with my meal. The complimentary side of bread could have been better. The tables are well spaced, so you do not feel crowded. The service was average.

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    Inside Seating - June 2026

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

    Milton's Pizza and Pasta - Wakefield

    4.2(230 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    •$$

    We went to Milton's on a busy Friday night. We were greeted in a friendly manner by many of the…read morestaff when we arrived. They had a $8 margarita special. I had a strawberry one. I could taste the alcohol and it was yummy. I trued the cielo pasta. It is a seafood combination over a bed of pasta with red sauce. It was delicious. It had clams, shrimp, calamari. Everything was cooked perfectly and it was served super hot. I fell in love. This is my new favorite meal. I had been getting the old bay shrimp for years but yum. I have a new favorite. Great service and reasonably priced food while supporting a non-chain restaurant.

    Maybe it was an off day or maybe I just put too much trust in Wake Forest reviews again…read more My friend and I went during lunch. We were greeted warmly and our waiter was outstanding. He was hard working, always gave refills, and was kind. He was definitely the highlight of our visit. The ambiance is that of an old-school pizza parlor from the 90s, but it didn't feel nostalgic, it felt boring. Unfortunately, the food was just okay. I ordered the Milton's Special pizza and it was fine. Nothing to rave about but nothing to want to come back to, either. My friend ordered a pizza as well. It's nice that they have GF options. She wasn't too impressed with her choice, either. It tasted like it could have come from the freezer at the grocery store, it was very generic in flavor. The service was really the best part of our entire meal. 10/10 service, 4/10 food

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    Curb appeal

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

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