Over the last 18 months, I have been searching for the best Italian restaurant in Raleigh / Durham / 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. ___- 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. __ 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. __ 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. __ 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. __ 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. __ 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. __ 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. __ 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. read more

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This place lived up to the ratings. And, we give it 5 stars. Everything went so perfectly. Our waiter, Peyton, took the best care of us. When he brought the bread and oil, he was able to take balsamic vinegar and draw the number 25 on the dish (we are soon to celebrate 25 years of marriage). Our 1st course was a plate of Crustini, prosciutto, provolone, burrata and balsamic marinated tomatoes. No problem finishing that. The atmosphere of this place is semi-casual. We were tucked in a little corner of a semi-private room, but could hear the patrons around us. Yet, it was not bothersome. For entrees, we both got pasta. My husband ordered the spinach noodled lasagna, which he told me was great. He couldn't finish his portion. As for me, I got the chicken parmesan with spaghetti. You can tell they used San Marzano tomatoes in their sauce. So good. I too, could not finish, so we get to eat this again. Make a reservation so you don't take a chance as a walk-in or bar patron. We loved that they said our name when we arrived at the proper time. Our waiter told us that the owner is from The Bronx, but he traveled to Bologna, Italy, and gets inspired by the dishes he tried there. Menu changes daily. We love that he went and treated us to some special treats (the dessert was a Limoncello tart. The top of the custard was bruleed, and it was served with tiny spoons and a dollop of real whipped cream. The plate was sauced with raspberry puree. Oh, the bottom was a crunch crust to add texture and flavor. Last thing, my Moscato D'Asti was imported from Italy. I like the pear flavor that comes through while drinking this chilled, bubbly wine. I hope you go there and try someone from the new menu. It will be nice to go again. read more

Excellent meal at this spot in the Wakefield area. Encore is located in a space formerly occupied by Bruno's. Interior is essentially the same, with a dining room to the right, a bar area in the center, with a few tables adjacent to the bar. It's bright, clean and bustling. On this visit, sat at a table on the bar side. The tables and bar were full, and it was loud. Definitely opt for the dining room side for a more sedate meal. Service is superb. Our server orchestrated the meal perfectly: as ordered and in the right order. Glasses full. Thank you! I tried the yellowfin tuna. Hi quality tuna is grilled to perfection - wonderful crust with cool pink rare center, sliced thin, sashimi style, bathed in pistachio and basil puree. The tuna is served atop a blend of orzo with mixed grilled veggies and artichoke hearts. Honestly, I can't think of how I would improve this entree. Really, really good. I was fortunate enough to snag a bite of the Chicken Encore. It's chicken franchaise-esq. A succulent breast, simmered in wine/lemon /butter sauce, adorned with mozzarealla and served atop risotto infused with garlic and spinach. The sauce is tangy and rich, the chicken is moist and flavorful, and both are complemented by the creamy, garlicky risotto. Another really tasty dish. There was barely enough room, but couldn't resist a bit of dessert. A delicious torte, topped with carmelized sugar (like creme brulee), drizzled with raspberry sauce. Sweet, tart and just enough to satisfy that sweet tooth. Recommend Encore for an upscale meal that is unpretentious. Food, service and atmosphere are great. Go! read more

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I normally don't like italian food but the food and service was great. I ordered a clam appetizer not knowing it was an appetizer but our server was able to catch that and add pasta to it to create a complete entree. read more

Encore Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Shrimp scampi is spot on. They are real big fresh shrimp, not frozen shrimps. The pasta tastes like home made. This is our favorite dish of all. The rolls are pretty good specially the balsamic reduction mixed in olive oil creates a sweet taste. The mussels are pretty good. They are not overcooked at all. And unlike those in Chinese buffet these mussels have no bad foul smell. The flounder is ok. The butter and white wine sauce does not mix well with the fish at all. It is pretty bland. We expect a stronger flavored sauce to go with the flounder. Rigatoni Bolognese is on the other hand abit salty. The meat however is fresh and tasty. They dont taste like ground beef like any other restaurants. The pasta should be cooked alittle more. Overall we enjoy our meals. The ingredients are like fresh-made not from groceries. The dishes seem to be cooked by real Italian chefs. The service is super. read more

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Awful atmosphere. Felt like we were in a mall food court with all the windows looking out to the parking lot. Everything cheap and plastic. Menus are literal pieces of paper-what?? The audacity to charge these prices and not have proper menus or seating or lighting. And the food was just mediocre. Typical Raleigh really. read more

Anniversary dinner was by far an experience! We went to Encore Ristorante in Wake Forest. The food was amazing but our waiter Peyton made the evening. He made the evening so special for us and paid attention to every detail. If you find yourself in Wake Forest call, make a reservation and request Peyton... you won't regret it! Peyton, you are our NC Tyler!! read more

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Our server was great, the place was clean and beautifully decorated. The food was good but a little pricey for what you got. It's a nice meal- but our server made it a great night. read more

Encore Ristorante - Pasta dish - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

This new Italian restaurant is where Bruno's used to be. In the Wakefield area, by Harris Teeter. It is the new venture by the folks who brought us Northside Bistro, which we all know and love. They are open for lunch and dinner, but you will only find the dinner menu online. I have managed to get my hands on the lunch menu and will post pics of both. Two of us tried this new restaurant for an early Saturday dinner. Service, delightful! John did a great job. We were also checked on by a manager and Chef. Plus food was delivered by others, so this is a team venture. Drink menu is also not online at this time, but I will post pics. We started with a dirty martini with blue cheese olives for Husband (he loved), while I started with a glass of Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay, followed by a red with my entree. Complimentary breads are delicious, and olive oil and balsamic with spices are excellent. We shared a Caesar salad with complimentary added anchovies. Light and tasty with garlic croutons. Anchovies really made it. Loved that they were kind enough to split it for us. Husband chose the vodka rigatoni with added sausage while I had Grandma's Sunday Gravy with handmade pasta. Ironically we both preferred the other's dishes. Red sauce is nice and rich. Heavy on the fresh oregano for the Sunday Gravy and heavy on the vodka for the vodka sauce. Quality all around. Biggest yum of the night one of the best desserts we can remember experiencing...their lemon tart with berry sauce!. Husband's coffee and my Limoncello and Prosecco Float went beautifully with it. read more

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Food, service and atmosphere was all 5star. Good value for the money. Will be back soon!! Thank you!

This is my second visit and it did not disappoint. Friday night and it was busy. Always a good sign. Had the mussels and burrata for appetizers and they were excellent. The fra diavlo, steak and parm were all on point. Samantha was excellent and my water glass never made it half empty. Always a sign of outstanding attention and service. Keeping it on the go to list. read more

Service was spot on and food was great. Bartenders know what they're doing! Definitely will be back

Food was amazing and service was above and beyond! My parents treated my family to dinner there and we were all pleased with our food! read more

Encore Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Lovely food, great ambiance, but the price/value relationship is a bit out of whack at Encore: prices are high. Pasta with "Grandma's Sunday Gravy", $32; Chicken Parmigiana, $29; Lobster & Shrimp Fra Diavlo, $49. This is a nice place with good food, but it'll be quite a while before we'll feel compelled to return. read more

Service was excellent Food was amazing the fish fresh tasted like out of the sea Wine list was extensive read more

Came here for birthday reservations, visiting for Xtreme Xperience. The menu was fairly limited, had some good food items I was a little surprised by the portion sizes of the pasta (kinda small) it's pretty crowded inside and was a bit loud for this caliber of restaurant. The server was kind and attentive, but I got skipped over during drink orders. Food was good but surprisingly most of it felt it needed a dash of salt. A little on the bland side. Worth checking out but wasn't my favorite read more

Encore Ristorante - Meatballs - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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We love this place. It is the sister restaurant to the North Side Bistro. The menus are similar but different enough (both delicious) that we frequent both. The service is always top shelf and atmosphere is always conducive to a relaxing experience. read more

Came here for the first time from a recommendation from a family member and this place did not disappoint. We love farm to table restaurants and even though the ambiance is a cafe the food was so far above what we were expecting. Loved our waitress I want to say her name was Tara or Kara and Will the bartender was phenomenal. Our waitress was absolutely so friendly and made us feel welcome and Will's personality is on point. Loved the watermelon cocktail and lunch flounder mmmmmmm. Hubby got the beet salad and it was awesome. Sad they don't have local draft beer and the bread service could be stepped up just a little with focaccia would push this place over the edge. Totally worth the 45 min drive from Garner. Can't wait to return. read more

Encore Ristorante - Watermelon cocktail mmmmm - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Payton, our wait rep, was amazing. He took the time to explain everything to us. We go to Encore for lunch and this was the first time for dinner with out of town guests and they loved the food, ambiance. A great local restaurant that never fails. Thank you Payton for making this an enjoyable time. read more

if you are looking for a cozy refined atmosphere it isn't at this restaurant. instead you will find a modern/industrial style setting. The menus are 3 pieces of basic paper. The center piece is an ugly black LED light and the tables are plastic. Just not the atmosphere I would have expected at this price point. The food was good not great. The peaches on the bruschetta tasted like canned peaches which was disappointing. On a good note the staff was kind and attentive. But there seemed to be a lot of staff for such a small restaurant. Maybe the overstaffing is the reason for the high prices on the menu. I think if the prices weren't so high I wouldn't have been disappointed in the restaurant. It just wasn't the experience I hoped it would be given the very high reviews. read more

First time visiting this wonderful restaurant. They are open for lunch now so since we are primarily lunch people we thought we would check it out. Extremely happy we did! We were immediately greeted with warm smiles and happy faces! Great beginning that continued with attentive service and delicious food! We began our adventure with a Louis Jadot Chardonnay and a Red Oak. Moved on to the Grilled Octopus and Crispy Artichoke Hearts! Next was a Caesar Salad that I bravely ordered with the complimentary White Anchovies! Final course was Eggplant Parmigiana with spaghetti and Shrimp Scampi served on Tuxedo pasta! We will certainly be back! read more

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Encore is our favorite and a must visit. Last nights visit was a bit disappointing. John's food is fabulous, lobster bisque is perfection, chicken parm is a huge but perfectly prepared entree, eggplant rollitini is mouthwatering with whipped ricotta and many more perfect selections grace their menu. But last night was an eye opener of today's economy...the entree prices were very high (almost all), perhaps a reflection of our current economy. That said dinner for two with a glass of wine or cocktail will cost upwards of $100 without tip, no appetizers, then a tip (service is exceptional). That turns a visit for most into an only once in a great while visit for most. We love this place out in the burbs but now can only visit for special occasion. read more

Food was absolutely amazing . Filet was done perfectly. Gnocchi and Beef Tenderloin was to die for with an excellent mix of flavors. Flounder was light and creative. Service (Michael) was funny and attentive. Lovely waiter and very personable. would recommend. One of the best restaurants around this area / greater Raleigh area. read more

B Tier. Good food for a good price. When I first stepped into the restaurant I was slightly disappointed. I was expecting a larger, more fine dining establishment. It is clear this was an old, smaller restaurant that was bought out and refurbished. The food was a tad bland for me, but the bread was nice and warm. The pricing is also very palatable. The service was very pleasant. They gave us the option for flat or sparkling bottled water which was nice. The tables were a bit small. I felt a bit claustrophobic. I don't think I will personally return, but for affordable italian eats it's a good choice. read more

Service- impeccably on time with refilling drinks and serving the food. Both Courteous & accommodating. Entree- pretty dang delicious for this NYC food snob. I will be dreaming of their winter special - braised short rib with persimmons and linguine all winter long. Appetizer- Their baby burrata was fresh and at perfect temp. Cherry tomatoes slightly grilled. Perfect combination. Dessert- though I could only fit one bite of their s'mores bread pudding in my tummy, it was well worth the stretch. Cinnamon chocolate ice cream, charred marshmallows surrounding the bread. Delicious We came for my husbands 35 birthday. I have a feeling we'll be back for his 36th birthday, any many times in between. read more

Encore Ristorante - Surf and turf - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I've eaten all over the world. There is none better. Their lamb dishes are the best ive eaten.

May 21, 2026 My son and I came for lunch today. I think it was a different chef prepared food this time. My son and I ordered the same dish that I ordered on March 3, 2026. That time I gave a five stars review. But today the food was very very salty. I was very disappointed since I have been telling my son how good the food was. We decided not to order desert. I did write on the back of the restaurant receipt reminding the Chef to go lite on the salt. read more

Encore Ristorante is perfection! From the moment you walk in the door you are greeted by a wonderful gentleman named Payton. Charming, funny and very knowledgeable of all the wonderful dishes served here. Our server was named Will or "socks," because he wore amazing socks Will was awesome as well! The venue is small and quaint. Very clean and simply decorated. My kids and I ate lunch. First let's talk about the hot, fresh bread! Encore makes their own basalmic vinegar and the olive oil is high quality. My daughter and I ordered the Caesar salad. Fresh romaine lettuce with focaccia bread crumbles and a very light dressing. If you're an anchovy lover you can have those added to your salad at no charge. I will say the salad could have used a tad more dressing but still fantastic. I'm not sure how they prepare the chicken that was added to my daughter's salad but it is the most tender and moist chicken I have ever eaten. Our entree's included rigatoni bolognese, chicken Marsala and shrimp scampi. All three meals were divine and very well portioned for the price. The crowning moment was the desserts. Encore makes all of their desserts in house. The lemon tart with a blueberry crust and a smear of fresh raspberry puree was divine. We also shared the most decadent chocolate espresso cheesecake. Very light and well balanced with the dark chocolate. My favorite had to be the homemade gelato! Payton said to try the cinnamon maple and I'm so glad we did. Smooth and indulgent. I highly recommend eating at this glorious Italian restaurant. Nothing but perfection all the way around! read more

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Excellent dinner and service. The chic parm was good size and delicious. I've never had a bad meal here. The Italian food is top tier.

Food was spectacular! Service was great and bar seating was a lot of fun with bartenders and other regular patrons.

We went for Valentine's Day and it was amazing! I got the sea bass and it was exceptional! The drinks are great, the service unmatched and the food is the best around! read more

Loud clanky atmosphere; outdated decor; burned sauce on the lasagne; soggy crust on the canoli; slow service.

We had a wonderful Birthday dinner. Our service from Pasquale was exceptional! They have an extensive wine list and daily specials to choose from. I had the Chilean Sea Bass with shrimp and mussels in a tomato sauce and ate the entire plate! We also chose a wonderful Chianti that complemented the meal very nicely. read more

We are thrilled to have Encore up near Wake Forest. We enjoy having cocktails at the bar when it's the two of us. We brought our family and everyone was raving. Homemade pasta.... Homemade gnocchi... it was an excellent evening. read more

Have eaten there any times and never disappointed. Ask for Paton the waiter he is terrific in fact all the staff are excellent.

Quality is the word for this food. Friendly service from being seated to our waiter Payton to the Chef himself serving us and checking on us. We both had the Sunday gravy which came with a cut up sausage, some shredded beef rib and a meatball with homemade pasta. The pasta was delicious not gummy at all. The sauce was so delicious. Meatball tender, sausage from chicago top notch. I only wished there was just one more meatball because it was sooo good. This is a hidden gem. It's also clean and modern inside. read more

Excellent food and service. The homemade lasagna is amazing. I've also had veal chop which was one of the best I've ever had. The chef is top notch. read more

Dinner was excellent and the service could not have been better. The entre selection is varied and enticing. read more

Superior dining experience. Food is incredible, service is top notch and the environment is very inviting.

Excellent food and service. I strongly recommend reservations on the weekend. It's a small restaurant.