Gravy

I went there for lunch today (1:25 PM) with two co-workers. We work in downtown Raleigh so we could have become "regulars", but unfortunately we won't be. We were seated quickly and were offered our choice of a table or a high top. We chose the latter. It was several minutes for our server to tell us she would be with us momentarily. Five minutes later she showed up and took our drink orders. Our food came promptly by another server/foodrunner. The food was good, however we were never offered additional bread, water, how was our food, anything.....We literally did not speak to our server until it was time for our check. There was a party downstairs, however that should not have reflected on the poor service we received. Sorry, won't be back until I hear several good reviews. I hope they are able to work out the kinks and become a successful downtown restaurant.

Pros: Nice Ambience

Cons: Poor Service!!!!

Posted 11/18/09

We started with the roasted tomato and artichoke salad. It was very good, except we all felt that the roasted tomato was served too cold. We order three entrees. The eggplant Rollatini, that was excellent, the lasagna, which was OK (a bit soupy) and the Family Gravy, a plate of macaroni, tomato sauce, meatballs and sausage with homemade ricotta. It wasn't good at all. My husband ordered it and then traded with me and ate my lasagna. I am not usually all that picky and just really didn't like it either. They were very gracious and took it off the bill, and gave us a free dessert. Desserts were delicious. We had the flourless chocolate cake and the berry cobbler. The service was very, very good. It could be that we just ordered wrong. If I go in there again, I'll ask the waiter what to order.

Pros: Very good service, good desserts

Cons: Food wasn't stellar

Posted 11/13/09

Without a reservation, we sat at the bar for dinner on a busy Friday night. The bartenders, Ebony and Trey were attentive and personable. Best Italian food this side of well, Italy. Thanks goes to the manager for bringing out a free appetizer because we had to sit at the bar...she really cared about our experience. Nice evening, glad to be involved with downtown.

Pros: best food and service

Cons: crowded Friday night....pro? or con?

Posted 11/12/09

I had heard good things about Gravy but must admit to being disappointed with the food. The hostess and waitress were both outstanding. Extremely friendly and helpful. The waitress was so excited about some of the entrees that I really wanted to like them more!. I had the risotto cake appetizer and it was the best part of the meal, but wasn't really a risotto cake but arancini. It was tasty though. For my entree I had fettucine bolognese which is one of my favorite dishes and I was pretty disappointed. It wasn't bad, but certainly wasn't memorable. The pasta was homemade but was kind've gummy tasting which didn't help. I might go back and try something else though since my friends seemed to enjoy their meals and it is a fun spot.

Pros: service, price

Cons: food just ok

Posted 09/08/09

As an italian american I have been eating pasta and sauce since I was able to. I have lived in Raleigh for 4 years. My favorite Italian restaurant is by far Casalinga. Its the most real italian restaurant we have. When I heard Gravy was coming downtown where I live I was very happy. Now I don't have to drive to north Raleigh to get good italian food.

Well, think again. 4 of us ate at Gravy recently and we all had the same conclusions: The service was horrible. Our waiter had no clue. He was barely ever at our table and the place was basically empty, it took until mid way through or appetizers until we got the bread for our table. Also the food was basically Blah. This is italian food for the generic masses. Bland, lacking in any flavor or real spice. We all had to add salt to the sauce as it needed it badly and I rarely ever put salt on anything at the table. We as well had to load the pepper on it to make it even semi enjoyable. The meatballs which they are known for were mushy, falling apart, overcooked, and blah. The "spicy" meatball had no spice and the "buffalo chicken meatball" was neither spicy or buffalo sauce tasting. We had a few apps and they were so very basic and average. Not sure how a downtown restaurant with so much good competition within a few blocks thinks it will last.

The lighting was direct and in our eyes the entire time. You can either sit in the dark middle or the spotlighted outer tables.

I think the prices were fair. They have $2.50 draft beers with a small decent collection and a all-u-can-eat unlimited pasta for $12 on Sun. and Mon.

The manager was very friendly and came to our table eagerly to see what we had thought about the food multiple times. We didn't have the heart or the time to go into what we didn't like or thought could be improved.

Basically if you like bland americanized "italian" food that's served in a not exactly cozy atmosphere then you'll love this place. Otherwise goto any of the other great downtown restaurants (Mint, Sono, Duck and Dumpling, Raleigh Times, Busy Bee, etc...) or make the trip to Casalinga. You wont regret it.

Pros: Hmmmm..........expectations?

Cons: Taste, Lighting, and Service

Posted 09/06/09