Over the last 18 months, I have been searching for the best Italian restaurant in Raleigh / Durham…read more/ Chapel Hill. I have been disappointed. I did find a remarkable pasta restaurant, but I still haven't found an Italian restaurant that reminds me of Venice or Sicily. The good news is that Encore Ristorante serves some outstanding food. I would rank it high on my list, although it's still not the one. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
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The restaurant has a modern flair, with a dining room and a separate bar area, but it lacks some Italian flair, so I didn't quite feel like I was in Italy. However, the restaurant's smaller size makes it a cozy spot, perfect for any dining experience. The size also allows for superior service. Josh made our experience absolutely flawless. He was attentive to our table and very informative about the dishes; he didn't rush us, even letting us order one course at a time, and the food was prepared quickly and served piping hot.
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Michael Glinter has traveled to 68 countries and 36 states to taste some amazing foods. His view on reviews is simple--taste, presentation, and service. He believes it's essential to give readers an unbiased look at the restaurant, both positive and negative.
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Four Cheese Arancini provided a great flavor combination of roasted garlic, herbs, Italian cheese, and crisp breading. Although the arancini balls were quite small and had less risotto than I expected, the taste and flavor combination was really good. I was really impressed with the homemade marinara sauce (definitely one of the best I've had in the area) and the homemade truffle aioli, which paired well with the arancini and made the dish even more interesting.
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The Warm Goat Cheese Salad was truly exceptional, both visually and in taste. First, the plating was executed well, with the deep red of roasted beets, the green of asparagus and baby spinach, and the bright red of roasted peppers creating a great presentation. Secondly, the taste was a complex mix of earthy, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The sweet peppers definitely added to the complex flavor profile. The white balsamic and Campari vinaigrette paired well with the goat cheese medallions, which were nicely topped with herbed crust and were very flavorful.
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Grandma's Sunday Gravy was another great dish, featuring an excellent combination of aesthetics, taste, and complexity. The beef short ribs were cooked perfectly and were extremely tender, and the Italian sausage and meatballs were the perfect accompaniment. The homemade pasta formed an excellent base for the dish, with creamy ricotta balancing the rich flavors. The crispy basil added the perfect color, texture, and taste on top.
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The House-Made Potato Gnocchi and Beef Tenderloin was another excellent display of flavors and textures. The house-made Yukon Gold potato gnocchi was exceptional - perfectly tender and caramelized. The roasted mushrooms, garlic, and shallots provided a fantastic mix of earthy, savory flavors that complemented the delicate truffle cream sauce. The beef tenderloin was extremely tender and even seemed to melt in one's mouth. Nevertheless, the dish had some drawbacks. First, there was a lack of visual contrast and color that would make the plate look warmer and more sophisticated. Also, something was missing to complete the ingredient set. The dish could use a little brightness and acidity; for example, lemon zest or a balsamic reduction could have really completed the dish. Adding fresh herbs and crispy shallots as garnishes would be a nice touch. While it wasn't perfect, the dish was still enjoyable overall, and I would definitely recommend it.
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We concluded the meal with the Limoncello Tart, which turned out to be an exciting mix of taste, sweetness, and consistency. The custard was made from Italian cream and paired well with a lemon cookie and blueberry crust, while caramelized sugar added a special crunchy texture. The raspberry sauce added freshness and balanced well with the cream and mint to complete the dish.
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Overall, this restaurant definitely earns a spot on your return list. I am looking forward to trying future dishes that this chef can create and add new flair to the menu.