4 out of 5 stars

I’ve finally been able to dine at an Italian restaurant in Raleigh that I can recommend. Tavola Rossa is a stylish modern restaurant with a dramatic entryway and great mood lighting that happens to be right behind Crabtree mall. We came because of a restaurant.com gift certificate, which definitely helped mitigate the pricing. Service was slow that night because of a private party taking up the whole dining room, but we would return for the food. You can see their entire menu on their website.

So to the food! I had lovely handmade cannelloni with a delicate moist meat filling and a trio of sauces on top – bechamel, marinara, and pesto. Glen had the special, a bone in pork chop, pan seared, served over some sweet potato risotto and apples. Our appetizer was just OK – prosciutto wrapped shrimp, grilled and topped with a thick balsamic reduction. The shrimp were salty and overdone. The complimentary bread we also could have done without, a focaccia with a side of marinara. But both of our entrees were delicious. We actually ate in the bar area. We also both enjoyed our desserts. I had four mini cannolis, each with a different seasonal filling. I couldn’t identify what most of the fillings consisted of but they were decent. The cannoli shells were good. Glen had an eggnog custard topped with brandied cherries and a rich caramel sauce.

Tavola Rossa
5300 Homewood Banks Dr
Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 787-4015