We're NYC natives and have been to Bella Monica twice -- in our view this is the closest you're going to get to Little Italy in Raleigh. The Baked Ziti is truly to die for: served in its own mini casserole dish with the cheese still bubbling when it hits your table. The Lasagna is similarly stellar. Pizza is one of the best in Raleigh. The number of specials that they had tonight (Saturday) were mystifying. They had 3 or 4 appetizer specials, 2 traditional specials, and 2 entree specials. All of them -- such as the Eggplant Rollatini and the Pumpkin Ravoli with Shitake Mushrooms topped with Parmigiana Reggiano -- made your mouth water. What was equally mystifying was the fact that the server remembered every special off the top of her head -- including the dessert specials. Dessert = homeade tiramisu, cannolis, special: key lime pie.
Pros: Italian food (outstanding) service (beyond outstanding), romantic environment, reasonable prices
Cons: Reservations mandatory unless you'd like to wait 90 minutes
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