Anthony's La Piazza Prime — Restaurant in Raleigh

La Piazza - A Slice of Italian Heaven in Downtown Raleigh

Where do I even start? La Piazza in downtown Raleigh isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. From the moment we walked in, we were wrapped in the warmth of its contemporary yet cozy and welcoming decor. It’s the kind of place that immediately puts you at ease, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.

Right off the bat, we were greeted by Anthony, one of the owners, with a classic New York “Hey! How ya doin’?” And just like that, I liked this guy. Anthony isn’t just proud of his restaurant—he lives it. He spent time talking to us about his roots, his passion for food, and especially his wine, which is made in Italy and shipped over. Out of the three I sampled, his personal label was the standout. So naturally, my wife and I both had a glass with dinner.

Then came the bread. Hot out of the oven with a perfectly crisp crust and a soft, warm center. I hate vinegar, but their balsamic and olive oil dip was so good, I couldn't stop dipping. The balsamic was sweet with just the right hint of tang, blending beautifully with the oil—mind-blowing, honestly.

I ordered the veal marsala, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was the best I’ve ever had—and I try veal marsala at every Italian place I go to. The veal was tender and full of flavor, served with angel hair pasta cooked perfectly al dente. My wife had the lobster ravioli and added shrimp—colossal shrimp. We’re talking “cut them into quarters” colossal. They were juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. I shamelessly stuffed my face.

We also tried the meatballs—Anthony’s mother’s recipe—and they were so close in taste and texture to my own mom’s that it brought me straight back to my childhood. The marinara was everything it should be: simple, savory, not overloaded with vegetables or trying too hard. Just honest, authentic Italian cooking.

Now let’s talk about the pizza. I've been hunting for real-deal NY/NJ-style pizza since I moved from Jersey 18 years ago, and this was it. When my wife took a bite and said, “Oh my God, now I know what you’ve been searching for all this time,” I nearly cried. Seriously.

And the prices? For what you get, I don’t think they’re charging enough. We spent $113 and honestly, I would’ve paid double. The only regret? Not having room for dessert—but that will be corrected very soon.

If you’re looking for authentic Italian food that transports you, whether it’s a date night or a casual dinner, do not miss La Piazza. The food, the wine, the atmosphere, the people—it’s all supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (yes, I went there). Trust me, you’ll thank...

Let me tell you, this is the place to go. I met Anthony on TikTok (I know, crazy right?). He posted videos of the food and I started commenting. He invited me to come by so I shot him a message just to let him know I was gonna come by. Not only did he welcome me, but he even set up a reservation for my family and I. When we got there, the place was gorgeous. The decor, the furniture, everything. Ambiance, top notch. Then came the service. The service was fast, attentive, and everything you could ask for.

Now for the food. First up, the complimentary bread. Looked and tasted like homemade rosemary focaccia that was clearly fresh out of the oven and hot, with this crispy bottom that tasted like they took a cast iron pan, lathered it in butter, and cooked the focaccia in that. It was rich and crispy and full of flavor. Plus, served with the traditional oil and vinegar with seasonings - top notch. Couple of cocktails and baskets of that bread and I'd be happy with that alone.

Then we got the Antipasto. Came with burrata, prosciutto, pepperoni, salami, provolone, turkey, grapes, olives, homemade pickled mushrooms, roasted red peppers, arugula salad, garlic knots, and more. Phenomenal. Top notch.

For entrees we got the Spaghetti Carbonara, which was clearly done right with the fresh egg yolk, pecorino, peas, pancetta, touch of pasta water, and seasonings. Pappardelle with Bolognese, which was rich and full of flavor, clearly done with love. Chicken Picatta with the potato of the day (mashed golden yukons with pureed garlic, salt, pepper, butter, touch of cream). Chicken was so tender and full of flavor with a perfect emulsion of lemon and butter with lots and lots of capers. Then my wife's Tortellini Alla Panna, which was simple but full of flavor.

Genuinely, a 10 out of 10 experience, could not ask for better. My family and I are already planning our next trip so we can try the pizza and...

November 11, 2024, my husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Anthony's La Piazza Prime, and it truly was an experience worth savoring. From the moment we stepped inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the tone for an exquisite evening.

We began with cocktails that were simply superb. I opted for the Lemon Drop Martini, a perfect blend of tart and sweet that left me wanting more. My husband chose the Old Fashioned, masterfully crafted with a hint of sophistication. Both drinks were expertly prepared by the talented bartender, who was not only skilled but also a pleasure to converse with, enhancing our overall experience.

The food was nothing short of outstanding. Each dish was a celebration of flavors, beautifully presented and reflecting a keen attention to detail. While we didn't delve into specific menu items in this review, I can confidently say that everything we tasted was crafted with precision and creativity.

What truly elevated the evening was the personal touch from the owner, who took the time to visit our table. His passion for the restaurant and commitment to excellence were evident as he shared insights about the menu and the culinary philosophy behind the dishes. This level of engagement made us feel valued and welcomed.

The staff throughout our visit were exceptionally friendly and attentive, ensuring our glasses were never empty and that we had everything we needed to enjoy our meal. Their genuine hospitality added to the overall delightful experience we had at Anthony's La Piazza Prime.

Our visit to Anthony's La Piazza Prime was a memorable one, filled with superb food, impeccable drinks, and a warm atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a special night out or simply a place to enjoy fine dining, I highly recommend this gem. We're already looking forward to...