Casalinga Ristorante Italiano

The server was ok at the beginning, but messed up my friend's dinner order (the chicken pizza was missing all other toppings except chicken!). he then seemed very reluctant to make another pizza and just offered to bring all other toppings separately as a side. Another friend of mine had asked for hot sauce and had to ask 3 more times before being told that they had run out of hot sauce and that he would have brought it earlier if he had it!!!.. In the end, the check had a "share" charge of $ 3 for three of our dishes.. when we asked about the share charge, we were told by the manager, that we were given more food because we asked for our dishes to be split in 2 and the server was actually doing us a favor by not charging us for an entire order. Sure enough, there was no mention of the share charge on the menu. the manager did finally take it off but added a "generous" gratuity to make up for it..... all in all, we didn't mind the food so much, but were quite disappointed with the service we got..

Pros: Food

Cons: Service, Restaurant location

Posted 11/07/09

My family been there several times never been nothing but impressed with the flavor of their Meals. Service is good and attentive. Place is a little pricey but sometimes we pay more for things that we view as good. Pizza is just ok.. stick with the pasta dishes!

Pros: Flavor and presentation of food

Cons: Little Pricey

Posted 10/01/09

My friend and I ate here last month and the food and service were excellent. We were turned off by the location at first (being located in a strip mall off Capital Blvd.), but once we were inside, it was a totally different atmosphere. Inside the it was was very cozy and nicely decorated.

Pros: Great Food, Cosy Enviroment

Cons: None

Posted 09/19/09

Even though Raleigh lacks an authentic Italian restaurant I like Casalinga. It is located in a low end strip mall but I keep going back because the food is great! I lived in Italy for 2 years so, I am comfortable with this type of atmosphere which is quite comfortable on the inside. It is a bit pricier than comparable places like Cafe Luna. If you live near Casalinga take advantage of taking out a pizza! If you like a more romantic place where you can walk to other bars and shops after the meal then go to Vivace in North Hills Mall.

Pros: Great dinner, pizza, service

Cons: location, pricey, same tomatoe sauce used on too many items

Posted 07/11/09

The first time my friends brought me to this place I thought it was going to be horrible. We pulled up to this strip mall and the outside of the restaurant looked mediocre at best. But once inside you totally forget the outside! It's very comfortable and laid-back inside. The food is amazing! I think it's funny to read some of the reviews that say the food is okay. Those reviews are probably written by the people that rave about Olive Garden. THIS is Italian food! I highly recommend it!

Pros: Food

Cons: Location

Posted 06/28/09

Dining in a strip mall has not always been my idea of a romantic dinner, but once you walk inside, you will feel enveloped in Italy! The walls are covered in photos of celebrities that have eaten Carlo's food. The tables are quaint and the bar area is really nice. I especially enjoyed the Caprese salad - it's hard to find good tomatoes this time of year. I had the seafood linguini. There must have been a pound of linguini on my plate. Enough for 2 and the fish was delicious. Carlo the owner was VERY hospitable. It's nice to walk into a place where the management greets you like you've known them all your life. This is a "hidden gem" and certainly worth a try.

Pros: Ambiance, Service, Food

Cons: Location

Posted 03/18/09

If you like garlic knots then this is your place....if you like Italian food try somewhere else.

Food was way overprice for the quality of what arrived in front of me to eat. My entree was supposed to be spaghetti carbonara, but it was spaghetti floating in "milk" that basically tasted like alfredo sauce.

If dragged there fill up on garlic knots, beer and have a salad!

Food was great after I had the time to fix it at home, so if you must be sure to take a portion home and redo it there.

Pros: Garlic Knots and Tomato Bread

Cons: Entree's way overpriced

Posted 03/14/09

We just recently moved here from the NY/ NJ area and my family came to visit last week and so I made a reservation for 25 in their back room. I was amazed when ALL our food came out ontime, it was all hot -our drinks never went unflilled - and carlo, the owner was great. He came into the dining room about 10 minutes after receiving our food to make sure that everything was ok. After dinner Carlo surprised all of us with free dessert! How awesome. He really went out of his way to make sure that we had the best experience possible. After dinner I noticed that he is a Five Star Chef and has his certificate on the wall. Although this was our first time eating at Casalinga it wont be the last! My family from NY told me they are coming to visit in about a month and begged me that when they come to town - Casalinga is the place they want to go.

Posted 02/13/09

I would just like to mention that my family and I eat at Casalinga ALL the time! since day one, we have always been treated like part of a family. Every person that works there always has a smile on their face and is so eager to help no matter how small or big the request. For all the people who have made comments about the place not being clean, the food taking forever to come out, ect. I would just like to say - that EVERYTIME i am in there I always notice that the workers are cleaning something. I have never seen dust on picture frames, or flowers, there is never any trash left on the floor (undertables, ect.) and even the bathrooms are always kept clean. As far as the food - WOW! Everything they cook comes out hot and tastes so good that all you want to do is lick your plate clean even if you are stuffed! You might have a small wait to get your food, but honestly people, lets be real - you will wait at ANY place you go to eat! All food is made fresh to order in the kitchen - no preprocessed or microwaved food (it even mentions this on the back of their menu). The owner, Carlo, is amazing! He is so involved - From helping in the kitchen to greating customers - it is a wonder how the man does it all! He is so friendly with everyone. He gives my two little ones hugs when they come in and makes a point to tell them chow when we leave! AMAZING - that is the only word I can think of to describe this place..... just pure AMAZING! So for all of you who like to write bad things about good places - lets find something else to take up your time. These people work hard everyday to make your dining experience the best it could ever be and if the best is not good enough it seems as though you should stay at home and cook something in your own kitchen that will take 5 minutes to heat up in the microwave! For those of you who like fresh made to order food - Casalinga is the place to go!! They have been open for 14 years - and that in itself has to say something!

Posted 01/27/09

I have had the opportunity to eat there and the food is great! The service is excellent. It is the best kept secret in the triangle. You will be blown away with the inside decor of the restaraunt. During these economic times noone wants to waste money on terrible food. You will leave there with your monies worth. The portions are plentiful and the taste will keep you coming back!

Posted 01/27/09

Looking for a " GREAT AUTHENTIC " Italian food? Casalinga is the spot! When i first relocated to the area all I heard about was the hidden Italian secret. I finally experienced it for myself. Casalinga is very warm and friendly environment, food always fresh and cooked to perfection. Very attentive staff making sure your experience is great. Huge portions and reasonablly priced. I recommend it highly.

Pros: plenty for the money

Cons: needs more than one location

Posted 01/27/09

It is a shame that citysearch requires you to give at least one star in order to write a review. Here is how it went down. Our server (if that job now requires no skills, manners, or sense of responsiblity) had to be flagged down to place an order. Each and every item when it FINALLY came was over seasoned and over cooked. Oh yeah I haven't mentioned the over abundance of fake plants with enough dust on them to require an allegra to sit down. I kept looking for cameras to see if I was on an episode of Kitchen Nightmares, but no chef Ramsey. This turned out to be how they did business. When asked at the register how was everything. I simply asked do you want the truth or what you would like to hear? That recieved a shoulder shrug. So I left it simply at don't worry I won't be back. I'm hoping that this review helps someone in not making thie same mistake.

Posted 01/25/09

.This place is a hidden gem that my husband and I just happen to run across this is my fav. restaurant now staff is wonderful owner is nice and very attentive to his customers I cannot wait to go back this is one of the best hidden gems in Raleigh it is a must try they give plenty of food for left over?s.

Pros: Food is great, Staff is wonderful

Cons: nothing everything is wonderful

Posted 01/16/09

If you have elbows, they won't fit in this space. They leave about 5 molecules between each table. I can't only inhale, but there's no room to exhale. And their sauce is icky... it's sweet.

The place is pretty, tho, with its murals and plants and paintings on the wall and arched doorways. I just couldn't really see it because about 5 other heads and elbows were in my face.

Pros: Pretty room, Nice artwork, Good location

Cons: PACKED, no room between tables, couldn't breathe

Posted 11/17/08

I love Casa Linga's food and ambience. It's in an extremely unlikely location but don't let that fool you. You will definitely enjoy your visit and the great food too.

Posted 09/25/08

I love Casalinga. Not sure why I haven't had any of their main Italian dishes, but I've had plenty pizzas, and they great. I just had a spinach salad with warm bacon vinagrette. It was amazing. As was the stromboli. I'm sure everything here is great. And the service is prompt and extremely friendly for takeout (I haven't eaten in yet). On top of all this, you are helping a small family business thrive against all the mega-franchises. It's a win-win.

Pros: great takeout service, great food, and a family business

Cons: no delivery (I'm lazy)

Posted 09/01/08

My experiences at Casalinga Has always been sensational! The food is exquisite and the service is exceptional. My family , friends and I have never been disappointed with the food or service at this establishment.. Coming from New York, I appreciate such fine Italian food - as if i were at home. Carlo is very warm and personable making the dining experience memorable. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who truly enjoys great Italian food and wishes to have a wonderful evening.

Pros: GREAT FOOD, SERVICE and ATMOSPHERE

Cons: None

Posted 08/12/08

This is a great place if you want traditional Italian food. On weekends, they have live entertainment (a little dated but pretty good). Don't be fooled by the outside appearance, the inside is fantastic. A definite try!

Posted 07/18/08

Listen up everyone who considers themselves a "Foodie", or just longs for exquisite Italian cuisine!
If you want to discover a treasure of Italian culinary pleasure, then you will be surprised to find this slice of heaven, in such a non-descript spot.........(near a Food Lion & a H&R block)......therefore, we must never judge a restaurant by it's exterior, or it's surroundings.
Oh, If everyone only knew, than all those "Italian type chain" restaurants in Raleigh, like the ones across, & down the street on Capital, would just go out of business!
I have only dined at Casalinga twice, but it is, by far, my favorite restaurant in all of North Carolina. And I have had the privilege of experiencing some of the finest establishments in several cities across the state that are known for great dining, such as, Charlotte, Chapel Hill, and Asheville. I moved to North Carolina in 1983 from San Diego, and fine dinning has always been apart of my family history.
Experience for yourself "Casalinga.....which means homemade in Italian".
And as we all know, word of mouth, is the greatest form of advertising!

Pros: The Best Italian cuisine in all of North Carolina!

Cons: One would never guess how wonderful Casalinga is by the location.

Posted 03/19/08

This is a wonderful little jewel hidden in a very unassuming location in Raleigh.If this place were in a downtown location instead of a little strip mall on Capital Blvd it would be considered one of the trendiest locations in the Triangle. One of the best places for everything from pizza to a gormet meal. The chef is wonderfula and the service is great. On weekends Carmine is at the mike singing love songs and making us smile as he works the room with his quick wit and great voice., He sings everything from the old Italian standards to Eric Clapton . The neat thing is he does all of it so well.
I have been there twice and I am totally impressed with the place. I recommend it to anyone who likes good food, especally good Itialian food

Pros: everything

Cons: none

Posted 03/14/08

The staff was friendly and helpful, especially our waiter Rob. Our appetizer, calamari, was out in a flash and was tasty. The main dishes took a little bit of time but they were freshly made, hot, and delicious. The bread was very good also. The decor was very nice and impressive, lots of art from Italy and the bathrooms were in tip-top shape. The only downfall was that it was slightly loud, but it was new years eve so there were lots of people. At the end the waiter came and packed our food into boxes for us, and was more than happy to do so. Overall we would definitely go back again, and we came from an hour away!

Pros: food, service, price, quality

Cons: slightly noisy

Posted 12/31/07

This is the most flavorful delicious buffet ever. The pizza is great NY style and the pasta and lasagne are very herbal with high quality ingredients. I used to ride my bike up here when I was a little kid and spend all my money on the buffet, I hadn't been back in the past 4 or 5 years and I will be going every chance I get now that I have been reintroduced. I just left stuffed but I am already craving more!!!

Pros: food atmosphere service

Cons: not free

Posted 08/29/07

My family has been enjoying Casalinga for over a dozen years. I feel that the author of "Stop the Proaganda" must have a personal vendetta against Carlo and is trying to ruin his reputation. None of what he has written is true. I happen to know for a fact that all of his sauces are made from scratch and their food is excellent. I have personally seen his awards and know they are real. Everyone that I know that frequents Casalinga only has the best things to say about the food. Carlo's wife Josephine, makes everyone feel welcome and special. The atmosphere is lovely and the new addition and bar add a great touch to an already solid restaurant.

Pros: Josephine

Cons: None

Posted 08/26/07

My family went to this restaurant on 25 Aug 2007 and enjoyed it quite a bit. We were there around 8 o'clock on a Saturday but it wasn't very busy and we were seated promptly. The service was friendly and the food arrived quickly. The complimentary bread was surprisingly varied and delicious and the fried ravioli appetizer was nice. We are a vegetarian group and were pleased with the selection on both the appetizer and entree lists. Their wine list is extensive and the three different wines we tried (two red and one white) were pleasing. The shopping center that Casalinga is in doesn't look like much, but the food is certainly worth it. Be prepared to pay a bit more than you would at chains like Olive Garden, but the food won't disappoint you. Enjoy!

Pros: Veggie-friendly, easy parking, fast service, ample seating, uncrowded, good wine list

Cons: Music was a bit too loud, but maybe that's just me :)h

Posted 08/24/07

This is our favorite restaurant. The food is excellent no matter what you order. Here you'll find the best calamari in Raleigh, no question. Other favorites include escargot, pasta a la vodka, ...anything a la Carlo, ... just about every seafood entree especially the fresh fish - ask chef Carlo to make a recommendation. The other day four of us ordered the sea bass and we all agreed it was the best fish we'd ever had. And don't leave without a piece of REAL ITALIAN cheesecake - heaven! The coffee is out of this world, too!
Carlo and family are delightful - don't let the next critic fool you. Go just once and you'll be hooked!

Posted 07/27/07

OK, so it isn't the best location, but this is the best pizza in Raleigh. And, they have a sanitation score OVER 100. And, it feels like you've taken a quick trip to the friendliest little pizza place in NY. What's not to love? Also - where else are you going to get a black and white cookie in North Carolina?

Pros: Great food, fun decor inside, friendly staff

Cons: Very busy and a little congested especially at lunch

Posted 05/18/07

I visited Casalinga's for the first time at the insistence of a very good friend. She's always right - and she was right about this place. The atmosphere, food, and service were reminiscent of some quaint eatery in Italy. We sat in the area of the restaurant that is a new addition and it was decorated with pillars, Sicilian artwork, and marble-like fixtures. Our server was friendly and prompt; she recommeded an excellent pinot noir that we enjoyed throughout dinner. We both ordered seafood pasta dishes that were absolutely delicious. After dinner, we enjoyed more pinot at the bar. We laughed and talked with the bartender until we realized that we had sat there long past closing time. None of the staff hurried us along or treated us like we were an inconvenient intrusion. This place has quickly become one of my favorites!

Pros: food, service, atmospher

Cons: closes early (10 PM on a Friday night)

Posted 03/02/07

A great find! We wanted a nice new restaurant because we were tired of Olive Garden, etc. We stumbled on this restaurant and loved it. We went on a Friday night--we made a reservation for 7:15 and did not have to wait, but the wait around then didn't look to be longer than 10 minutes. The interior is nice, authentic, and well-decorated--and all the staff was speaking Italian. It was a good sign. Service was very good, the food was definitely great--garlic knots were delicious. Their tomato sauce was also a highlight--uniquely fresh tasting and wonderful--so different from the usual canned stuff. Calamari was great. Plates were very big--recommend the Eggplant Parmigiana. Overall, a wonderful, authentic dinner we will repeat, though perhaps with some wiser food choices (spaghetti carbonara was good--only after I picked out the flavorless pancetta). As for the location, we were perplexed by the negative reviews. It's not in a bad or sketchy location at all. It is right next to a Jersey Mike's Subs, but after all the best places are holes in the wall!

Pros: service, garlic knots, calamari, big plates, big menu, authenticity

Cons: can't think of any

Posted 01/26/07

Don't let the strip mall exterior fool you - once you walk in the door it's literally like you're walking into a small restaurant in Italy. We had an excellent waitress who was friendly, humorous and thoughtful -- the food is unbelievable. Best Italian food in Raleigh!! I've only been for dinner and will be recommending this to all of my friends!

Pros: Calzones, Service, Garlic Knots

Cons: Unappealing location

Posted 12/14/06

The buffet is pretty good. The service is excellent. Jo can be a little moody sometimes but she's still a sweetheart. Jason (waitor) is top notch and Carlo is always ready for a reason to speak about his delicious food...try him..!! The buffet is not too cheap so definitely go hungry to get your money's worth!

Pros: Food and Tiramasu...Garlic Knots......YUM

Cons: moody cashier (Jo) but we all have our days! :)

Posted 11/07/06

My boyfriend and I have been to Casalinga's two times and have left very satisfied and full! The waiters are informative and prompt. The food is wonderful and come in huge portions! Not to pricey either. But, If you are looking for a place to have a quiet, romantic dinner I would recommend La Residence. The tables are really close together here.

Pros: Wonderful food, Wonderful Service

Cons: Tables to close together

Posted 10/21/06

If you like and know what Italian food should be, definitely eat here. The chicken francese and Linguini pescatore are fabulous. The tiramisu is the best I have ever tasted.
If you think Casalinga is mediocre and you got meat lasagna or eggplant parm, you got a mediocre dish...you can get that anywhere. BTW...I am a waiter...a lot of places charge for split dishes. Punishing the waiter by reducing the tip is not going to do you any good the next time you go in.

Pros: the food and service

Cons: the neighborhood is sketchy

Posted 10/08/06

I, as well as my boyfriend, are from New York, from areas where there were large Italian communities. We were always able to enjoy "the best home cooked" Italian food growing up and were each disappointed when we moved to the Raliegh area with what has been called "Italian food". Until we went to Casalinga! We've even decided that the food here is (sometimes) BETTER than we remember from "up North". The sauce is the best - yes IT IS in the sauce!!! And thank you, Casalinga, for making a traditional "New York" pizza - you will not find better anywhere! And thanks for bringing back all of those wonderful "home cooked" memories!

Pros: The Sauce!!!

Cons: The location leaves a little to be desired, but don't let that discourage you!

Posted 08/24/06

I am surprised to see the bad reviews of the food. I grew up in an Italian family in New York, and everywhere I go, I struggle to find pizza and Italian food that is as good as back home. Casalinga's food exceeds the quality of most Italian restaurants in the New York/New Jersey area, and exceeds the quality of the food cooked by my aunt's and uncle's at the many Italian weddings I have attended growing up. Please don't tell that to my family, they'd be insulted!

I took my father to this restaurant, who grew up with Italian immigrants in the heart of Brooklyn, arguably the source of the best pizza on earth. My father, unfamiliar with the restaurant and the owners, tasted the thick crust Sicilian pizza and he said "This reminds of of the pizza I grew up with in Brooklyn...in fact, it reminds of of the Pizza you'd get on 18th avenue in Bensonhurst." I told him I happened to know the pizza cook moved to Raleigh from Long Island...and my father said "Well, he may have moved here from Long Island, but this recipe is from Bensonhurst." When we met the chef, sure enough, he was correct.

In my opinion, the sicilian pizza available at Casalinga is the best I have ever had, anywhere. I have also sampled many other dishes there, and all I can say is that it ranks with the best. Amazing considering this place in Raleigh, about as far as you can get from Italian roots.

As far as the comments on service...this place feels very European. If you've ever been to Italy or France, you would know the service is slow in restaurants, and the seating cramped. In Italy, they call it "slowing down, enjoying your food, and getting to know your neighbor."

Otherwise, if you want snappy service, a formatted menu, and food that exactly matches what you expect, go to Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill.

As far as the location, I agree it isn't that great. So that would b e the only negative for me. Hence the rating of 9 instead of 10.

Pros: Best pizza in Raleigh, great food

Cons: Bad location

Posted 08/18/06

If you want to spend your meal in a cramped setting with mediocre service and unimpressive food, then Casalinga is your place. What's disappointing is that casalinga means homemade in Italian. This tasted on par with fast food. Additionally, it's in one of the skankier strip mall locations in N. Raleigh -- don't leave any valuables in your car.

Posted 08/09/06

I went here last month with a friend of mine to try out, before taking my dining out meetup group here...

We stopped in for the buffet to sample a few of their dishes... I am not a fussy eater, and I did not find ONE THING that had ANY flavor to it... I was SO disappointed, because this restaurant has high ratings.

I am so glad I came here and tried some of the dishes before being embarrassed bringing my dining out group here... I would NOT recommend coming here... The pasta was soft and overcooked, and the other dishes were tasteless, and just plain lousy! I had to ask for water... The only good thing I had was the salad.

Pros: NOTHING

Cons: Terrible food, Mediocre service, Pricy

Posted 08/05/06

The bread they start you out with is great. For dinner I order the Pasta with Prosciutto and arrabiata talk about good! The portions were larger than most, the service was a little slow at times, and didnt refill drinks unless asked (major annoyance).

The dining room is a little small; and the fact people can smoke in back room detracts from the atmosphere.

I will definitely go back.

Pros: Great Food

Cons: Shopping Center location

Posted 06/27/06

We go to Casalinga frequently and love it!!! It's the best, the breads with hebs & oil are just spectacular, the food is awesome, I am patial to Scallops ala Carols, it's the best, the scallops are huge, plus it has shrimp and the best alfredo sauce and large sun dried tomotoes. My husband likes the Tortellini Bolognese, it's the best since he was in Italy he says. Cudos to Carlos and staff for such a great restaurant, food and service!!
Mike & Cindy

Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere

Posted 02/03/06

The food was pretty good, but some menu items are unpredictable. The calamari is often good, but other days it is greasy. The same is true with the pizza. I've enjoyed many of the pasta dishes. Beware that they will slip an extra $3.00 on your bill "sometimes" if they catch you sharing a meal. I spoke to the owner about the issue and they refused to remove the charge. After asking why they don't charge when sharing other food items, they did not have an answer - said something like "it is for service" - So we decided to reduce the tip by 3.00. I don't know if bringing the kids is such a good idea because of the cramped area. Maybe after their new addition opens, the seating will be better.

Pros: Good food

Cons: Cramped, Additional fees

Posted 01/24/06

It was a good meal. I wouldn't call it fabulous...but I'd go back there again. I had the eggplant parm and it was above average, but again nothing I'd go writing home about.

Pros: good quality food, extremely clean

Cons: cramped seating

Posted 07/08/05

This place was recommended by a coworker, and we were not disappointed!! The atmosphere was wonderful and the food was great! Unlike chains, the feel was very warm and cozy. Even though we got there late and ended up the last people in there, we didn't feel like anyone was in a rush for us to leave. Great food, great wine selection-- very romantic!

Pros: Atmosphere, Dessert

Posted 05/14/05

I just moved to Raleigh and came to Citysearch looking for a place to eat that wasn't ANOTHER chain....this was just the ticket....

My roommate and I loved the food, the waitress was wonderful, and dessert was spectacular....and did I mention that the atmosphere is lovely???

I highly recommend this place!

Pros: Food, Service, Dessert

Posted 05/02/05

This is the best Italian food I have found in the Triangle! Everything from pizza to pasta to the specials are spectacular! Whenever we have family or friends in town we take them to Casalinga's and they agree.

Pros: great food, great service

Cons: tight quarters

Posted 02/26/05

This place is just awesome all around. The food,
service, atmosphere and prives are worth it. My husband and I have tried a variety of choices on the menu and never had anything that wasnt outstanding. I think the pizza sauce is true itlalian flavor and the home made breads and desserts just melt in you mouth

Pros: Great Service, Romantic, Great Atmosphere

Posted 08/18/04

I was very surprised to hear that anyone in Raleigh has anything bad to say about Casalinga. I being an Italian from New York was very happy to find such wonderful Italian food here when I moved to the area last year. The people who do have bad things to say about Casalinga obviosly do not know Italian food and should just keep going to Olive Garden!

Pros: great food, great service, family owned and oper

Cons: , liquer sales, longer hours

Posted 05/25/04