I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but I definitely did that with this restaurant. I've been avoiding eating here because I really don't like their logo and sign out front. I think it looks cheesy and doesn't make me think of a hot dog joint. Anyways my girlfriends parents were in town and we decided to check out and I'm glad we did! The food here was amazing! I got the shrimp scampi and it was delicious. Very rich flavors while still feeling clean and refreshing after eating. Their cocktails were really interesting and very well made. If nothing else I would recommend stopping by and getting a cocktail here. The overall ambience and service was great as well! They had interesting art and out waitress was very genuine and knowledgeble! read more

First time trying this place food and review looked good so I thought give it a try. My parents was burnt. Her plate she had to send back it was so bad and even the second time they still didn't get it right the pasta was hard and stuck together in chunks. read more

New go-to spot in downtown. The decor is great let's just start there. The staff was very helpful and attentive, and the food was phenomenal! Local ingredients, and great prices! (On Sundays discount on spaghetti & beer shhhhh...) read more

Gravy - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Every trip to Gravy is one well spent. The service and food are consistently awesome. I finally branched out away from my delicious go-to order of the lasagna and I tried the shrimp and crab ravioli. It was not a disappointment at all! The garlic knots are usually great, but they were a bit too oily/buttery this time. I'll still be back though!! While I haven't personally used them, I do like their group/private dining options, so I'll keep them in mind for future events. read more

Gravy - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Define irony; The best part about Gravy was not the pasta sauce but rather, it was the pasta itself. So my wife and I each got a pasta dish, for her it was the gnocchi and for me it was the bolognese tagliatelle. Instead of receiving what I thought would be a tomato forward meat sauce that would be sure to carry more than enough savor and flavor, I received a cream/milk heavy sauce that was completely bland to the taste. The waitress was kind enough to bring more sauce but nothing could save the dish I'm afraid. Again the tagliatelle pasta itself was the "star" of this dish. For the gnocchi, while that was also heavy dairy based and worked better than the tagliatelle, that dish was loaded with salt and the only way to eat it was with a big piece of gnocchi. So, to Gravy, I have some suggestions for you. First, try to cut down the amount of cream/milk you are using in your sauce, it is just way way way way way way way way way too much (if that annoyed you to read then I got my point across). Bolognese should have the characteristics of the tomato and meat shining through. I hate to say it, especially down here in Raleigh where everything is over salted, but that dish was the exception and in the least needed more salt. On the flip side, you can definitely stand to reduce the amount of salt in the gnocchi. But here is the ultimate suggestion, despite your restaurant's name, less is more, let your pasta stand out as the showcase of the dish instead of drowning the pasta in sauce. This may be a bit more Italian versus Italian American style, but it just flat out tastes better. And one last suggestion to get that Gravy train picking up steam, please get new cloth napkins. read more

Four of us went there tonight. We were there a little early for dinner and were seated right away. We had the ravioli, the egg plant, the chicken parm, another pasta plate, and the salami appetizer. All of it was outstanding. One of the best meals I've ever had. Service was perfect too. Highly recommended. read more

No Italian calls tomato sauce "gravy". The garlic rolls were stale and not baked with the same color. Portions small. Sauce ok but large peices of bay leaf and other unknown pc's of herbs in the sauce. To much sauce on plate to cover small portions. The place was to loud and to crowded. Desert was just ok not much flavor and not that fresh. Over $100 bill. Yes I'm Italian and can say I'll never be back. read more

I had really high expectations coming in here, as I had heard a lot about it. I stopped in for lunch recently on a weekend, and found the place largely deserted (surprising), but service good and food tasty. The bread provided was tasty, and I opted for an eggplant parm sandwich with a side salad, which was very tasty. The eggplant parm had the right about of crunch and plenty of flavor, with a nice bread. Nothing special though, honestly, and I expected special. Interested to come back for dinner sometime and compare experiences. read more

I've only been here twice for lunch and I have to say in each case the service was exceptional and the food matched the service! Simply delicious! For me it's an easy five star! read more

I went to gravy as part of restaurant week and was not disappointed. The service was great. The waiter was very attentive and made great menu recommendations. They start you off with free garlic knots and I am a sucker for free bread. I ordered the tomato basil bisque to start which was delicious. I then had the pasta alla Norma for dinner which is not part of their normal menu and was just decent. I then had tiramisu for dessert which was also very good. My husband had the gnocchi with chicken that they use for their chicken parmigiana and it was amazing! I would say that Gravy probably has the best chicken parm in Raleigh based on tasting his dish. Overall this should definitely be on your list for go-to Italian meals in Raleigh. read more

Gravy - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Overall it was an ok experience. We had brie for appetizer and it was undercooked. The garlic knot was amazing though. We had mushroom gnocchi and family gravy. The sauce on the gnocchi was excellent but the gnocchi itself was overcooked. The braised beef on family gravy was not tender enough. read more

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Service was acceptable, though pretty lackluster. Wine list was decent enough to earn back a star Baked Brie had almost no Brie in it. Duck ragout tasted like wet dog hair. read more

Got a last minute dinner reservation on a Saturday night to dine at Gravy for the first time. Our server, Kelly, was friendly and informative. We went with the risotto balls and gravy for an appetizer to share. Garlic knots come with the dinner. We had two salads - arugula with lemon vinaigrette and kale Caesar salad. Both were delicious and very fresh! For entrees we had asiago chicken and family gravy (great way to sample a meatball, sausage, etc). Everything came quickly and tasted so good! Dinner for three with two drinks came to $72 before tip. We'll definitely go back. read more

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Background: Italian Tomato Sauce with meat is called 'Gravy' otherwise it's just 'red sauce'. Growing up in Boston (or New York or New Jersey ), you should know this. If you aren't from there, you know it now ~ OK? All kidding aside, this is a marvelous place, excellent food and fantastic service. We have been three times with friends and have now sampled almost everything on the menu. Never a disappointment in anything we ordered. Highly recommended! Parking can be a bit tricky but well worth the effort. read more

I had a really good experience my first time at gravy so when my friend asked me to go, I was excited. We ordered the baked Brie and it wasn't fully cooked, the cheese wasn't really melted. We ordered it gluten free and they didn't bother to tell us what was gluten free. I ordered the lasagna which was good but the edge was very burnt. I was pretty disappointed with the food and I felt like our waitress didn't really pay attention to us even though it wasn't busy read more

I want to really like Gravy but I can't get past the 'it's ok' feel of it. While I've liked aspects of my orders the few times I've been, I have never been 100% blown away. Either the food is good but the service is mediocre, or I get a combination of the two. Recently, I had their Lemon Arugala salad as a starter and it was so bitter that no one at the table could finish it (or wanted it boxed up). Our main dishes were also a mixed bag. I thought the Risotto was delicious but over-salted. My dinner companions enjoyed their Rollatini and Chicken Parmigiana, and the portions were huge so they could bring home at least half for leftovers. No complaints there. Our waiter threw us all off though when we asked for more detail about the fish of the day and he declared 'I don't like seafood, but I've been told it's a steak-like white fish.' Needless to say, none of us ordered it. Every experience that I've had there has been pretty similar, however, we have had some good dishes and it's a nice solution for someone looking for Italian food in downtown Raleigh. read more

My experience was based on a business dinner and I've got to say- ya' done good by the NY/NJ Italia snob. Nice charcuterie when we arrived. Chicken Marsala - not overly sweet, roasted vegetables, salad and a lasagna that smelled delicious (can't eat but know a good one by the aroma). The lemon chello cheese cake- two thumbs up! read more

Chicken Alfredo was not good. Worst I have ever had from an Italian restaurant. Frozen food one would have been better. The meat was in small supply. Shrimp dish had 4 shrimp and the scallop had 3. Not worth the 28.00 we paid for that scallop meal. Service was ok at best. Won't go back. Appetizers were good. read more

Hosted a very large party in the downstairs room and everything went perfectly. The kale salad appetizer was hands down one of the best things I have ever eaten. Staff were very helpful, attentive to the guests in my party and friendly. Only issue I had was that the water in the bathroom was too hot and I was attacked by the paper towel holder multiple times... That said, management dealt with the issues promptly and with tremendous finality. :) read more

We had an excellent experience dining at Gravy last night. Amidst the reopening of restaurants, we've had a lot of so-so and down right awful experiences dining out- each establishment citing COVID as the reason. Gravy has been the only restaurant so far to make the experience even BETTER than pre-Covid! The waitress was quick to describe in detail how the dining experience would be slightly different to maintain distance and kept everyone safe. Drinks, appetizers, entrees and dessert all came out in the correct order and quickly too! The risotto balls are some of the best I've ever had! I always order the tagliatelle bolognese, and it once again did not disappoint. My boyfriend ordered the shrimp fra diavolo and described it as amazing! For dessert we tried the new black berry cannolis, they were light and refreshing! If you're looking to dine out at this time, head to gravy for amazing service! read more

Service was impeccable. French press coffee, local beef, homemade pasta, fantastic dessert. They comped our app because a booth wasn't available! Get here early or make a reservation because they get busy. Best Italian spot in Raleigh. read more

My boyfriend and I had lunch here yesterday, it was our first time at Gravy. My boyfriend had the Italian sub with homemade chips, and I had the chicken parm sub with the kale Caesar salad and a glass of pinot noir. My wine was delicious!! Lol. The kale salad was too, but the chicken parm was just ok. My boyfriend didn't care for his sub. I was a little annoyed because I told the waiter that I didn't want pancetta on my sandwich (I don't eat mammals), and when he brought my sub out, it had the pancetta on it. I just picked it off. The bread rolls that they give you are amazing!! They are crusty on the outside, soft in the middle and coated with butter and garlic salt. We may be back just for those rolls... read more

Wow this place was awesome. We went there on Sunday and we had a great time. The food was really good. For appetizers we had the risotto balls and the calamari. Both were great. My son had spaghetti and meatballs and he said it was better than his mom's . My wife had the Tagliatelle and I had the Risotto, both were excellent. It was their birthdays and the cannoli cake was on the house, and it was delicious. Overall the experience was great and we will be back. read more

Got the short rib ravioli and mushrooms risotto! The dishes themselves were not my favorite, but the appetizers and tirimisu were amazing! I'd go back and try other mains or get some aps drinks and dessert. Staff was nice and accommodating as well. We didn't like where we were sitting and they let us choose another spot no problem! read more

Gravy is a beautiful restaurant that serves American interpretations of Italian dishes using local ingredients. Gravy is perhaps a misnomer for the restaurant as Chef Brent Hopkins' menus are not overly heavy, fatty, nor saucy. If you're a fan of Jamie Oliver's style of cooking, then you might like Hopkins'. Hopkins - like Oliver - takes amazing local ingredients, adds an acid, some fresh veggies, and perhaps one or two thematic spices, executes well on the cooking, and present the dish in a non-pretentious way. The approach has served me well in my own home cooking and I'm fat because of it. Gravy's menu will appeal to those who are a bit more classical in their tastes. Think spag & balls or mushroom gnocchi rather than wild peccary cheeks sous vide. This is perhaps a better place to take a first date or have a working lunch where a less adventuresome menu will be appreciated. In my humble opinion, Gravy is a solid 4 stars - doing everything very well. But ultimately the non-adventurous menu prevents me from giving Gravy a fifth star. If this menu was a date, it would certainly get a kiss at the door but nothing more. That's not why I go out to dinner. I want the menu to show up in a rented convertible blasting tunes I'll sing along to, go a few rounds of truth or dare, make up an impromptu song about me, and have a better than 50% chance of me getting past first base. I don't want to think "that was nice". I want to think about it the next day and make plans how to do it again as soon as possible. Which reminds me, I owe my wife a date. read more

Fantastic food!! Was very pleased with the service. Missy was a great waitress and very friendly. The gnocchi dish I had with chicken was superb. My tiramisu dessert was probably the best tiramisu I've had! My family loved their meals as well! Highly recommend! read more

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Wow Hallelujah! We finally found a great Italian food place. They have everything but sausage. They were incredible. We had the chicken parmigian and the eggplant pie with the ricotta balls. They were awesome! read more

First, let me say the food temperature, look and taste is great. In the three times I have been here, that has never been a problem. The server was OK, but the time it took to get the food was abysmal. Here's the time line. 1140 - arrive at Gravy and get seated 1143 - waiter comes buy and gets our drink orders 1145 - drink orders delivered and food orders taken (1 appetizer and 4 entrees) 1200 - appetizer arrives 1205 - more people start coming in 1225 - I ask the hostess when the food might arrive - she blames the lunch rush. 1232 - food finally gets there. This is 47 minutes after the order was placed. Now, having worked in food service, I get that "rushes" happen, but, if management knows what it's doing they staff for them. I don't think today was any busier than the other times we've been there, and while I couldn't see in the kitchen, they seemed adequately staffed. read more

Delicioso!! Our meal was delicious from start to finish, I only wish we left room for dessert! First, the garlic knots were warm & buttery and I am sooo glad they brought us extra when the entrees arrived. Growing up on my nana's sauce and fried eggplant I had high standards for the eggplant pie and it did not disappoint!! Hubby got the lamb. Great wine selection and definitely want to go again - make a reservation if you can!! read more

Gravy - Eggplant pie - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

More of a 3.5. Don't get me wrong--the food was good, and we were full. Our waitress (I forget her name :( ) was really nice as well! But for dinner, I would not recommend this place. I got the Tagliatelle Bolognese and my girlfriend got the Gnocchi with shrimp, and both were quite good! But at $19 and $25 (!) each, I feel like the value just isn't there... especially when you consider the wealth of other better restaurants Downtown at similar price points that you could go instead. I got the Raspberry Cello Martini which was very sweet (in a good way!), but to be $12 I was pretty disappointed that (1) it was served in what felt like the world's tiniest glass and (2) I didn't detect a lick of liquor in there. My girlfriend got a virgin cocktail for half the price and I felt like it was far stiffer than mine. We also got the Risotto Balls, which were alright, but for 4 at $9, that was another thing where the value just wasn't there. They weren't bad at all, they just weren't special. And when I'm paying for a tab that comes out to around $80 total, I think it's fair to expect to be wowed. read more

Gravy - Risotto Balls - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I came here because most places had lines/waits on Saturday afternoon. Cute little spot for Italian food. One of the better pasta dishes I've had at a restaurant read more

Gravy - Spaghetti and Meatballs for Lunch - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

We are visiting from across the country. Not sure what the food would've tasted like... But the people were so rude and the rolls they gave us were a month old. Which I actually over paid for the one soda pop and two rolls. We left very unhappy and they were rude to us when we walked out. Don't waste your time there are so many other places to eat while you're downtown. Interesting note everyone else in North Carolina is so friendly and so polite. read more

Sweet Italian place looking very American . Perfect to grab a bite. Beautifully bearded waiters and new breed of urban pastry, garlic knots. Be aware of small portions though. Unbelievable mushroom rollitini ( creamy spinach and mushroom inside). Average shrimp scampi. 4 stars of its urban glory. read more

Gravy - Mushroom rollitini, superstar of the menu! - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I went to Gravy for a work lunch and was very pleased. Everyone's food looked good and the salad I got was delicious! They did t have any issues modifying ingredients and the waitress was pleasant. It's not a very big place but is busy and well-run. I will definitely go back when I'm not restricting my diet and eat some pasta! read more

I had a great time here during lunch! I got here a little after the lunch rush and was greeted by Friend bartenders and staff. I was recommended the kale salad and the bolognese (pic attached) which were fabulous. My only concern was the art? Why are there pictures of Mario and Donkey Kong? I mean sure they're cute but they distract from the rest of the aesthetic. Maybe local art could be introduced as well? Just some thoughts... read more

Gravy - Italian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

A absolutely delightful spot. Cozy and traditional but with a modern spark. All ingredients are sourced either from Italy or from NC farms. We had the spaghetti & meatballs, which was one of the best iterations of the dish I've ever had. It was no frills, with a delicious "gravy" that didn't have all the extra ingredients most other spots use. The pasta itself was cooked to perfection (al-dente) which perfectly soaked up the robust tomato sauce. My girlfriend loved the cannoli & I throughly enjoyed the garlic knots. read more

Yum! Gravy is amazing! Went for a birthday party and enjoyed everything about this place. Food was amazing, service was incredible, and limoncello was a great way to end the meal. Must try place in Raleigh!! read more

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Everything was absolutely delicious! We loved the food and the atmosphere but our waitress Missie made the meal unforgettable! She gave excellent recommendations and was very attentive! What a great dinner! read more

I have been back a couple times since my first review. The gnocchi is great. Like really great. Stick with that and you won't be disappointed. read more

A+ entrees. Had carbonara and lasagna and both were DELICIOUS! Minus one star for pretty bland calamari and pretty weak pours of wine.