Best Italian Restaurants in Wake Forest

The “Pork picatta-ish” was fabulous as was the rigatoni bolognese. We shared the harvest salad as well as the million dollar pie for dessert as it was our anniversary. A carefully crafted old fashioned was just that - so smooth!! A wonderful Malbec perfectly suited our entrees. Our server, Claude, was perfect for the occasion - attentive but not intrusive. Excellent restaurant!!

Truly a neighborhood gem. The food is always outstanding, consistent and enjoyable. The service staff is friendly and highly professional. Don't miss out, enjoy soon.

Visiting from the Philadelphia area, which has many of the best eating establishments on the east coast. Encore Ristorante fare goes way above any in Philly. Chef Josh knows how to season and cook to perfection. The tuna had a perfectly seared exterior while still retaining the steak like texture of a wonderful filet mignon in the middle. The Italian dishes were not simply pastas and sauce. Each had a unique spin of goodness! Loved my grandma but no way could she match “Grandmas Sunday Gravy”.Portions are ample, Drinks are unique. Our server Sam, she was warm and welcoming. Wish we lived here so we could become regulars.

An absolute gem. I'm quite surprised to find this in Wake Forest. As I am from the midwest, I somewhat expected an independent place like this to claim 'authentic Italian food' but only serve Olive Garden style fare. I was a bit skeptical. Not the case at all - the place had the real feel of Italy to it. Very authentic dishes and care and attention to the craft. We were served by Gaetano, the owner. He was very enthusiastic about his food. We enjoyed the special Grenache made by his family in Sardinia, the Pappardelle Cinghale, Lamb Chops, and the veal chop. Amazing. And the owner brought us some of his special limoncello - delightful. Would absolutely dine here again. Great place, food, and service.

Outstanding Experience! Mulino’s recently helped me arrange a last minute work dinner and I couldn’t have been more impressed! From the moment I made the reservation, the manager was incredibly helpful, communicative, and accommodating to all of our needs. They were fully prepared for our arrival, ensuring everything went smoothly. What really stood out was how much more welcoming and accommodating this restaurant was compared to others in the downtown area. Many places seemed unwilling or unprepared to handle a semi large party (10-14). It was a huge relief to find Mulino’s and receive such prompt and helpful communication throughout arranging the reservation. They were flexible to our needs and agile as the headcount fluctuated a bit. The service throughout the meal was top-notch—attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere was stunning, with a perfect balance of elegance and comfort that made for a wonderful dining experience. And of course, the food was absolutely delicious! Every dish was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. One thing to note if you're driving and parking in Mulino’s parking lot: you can only enter if you're traveling southbound on Capitol, which turns into Dawson, or westbound on Lane. Just a small detail, but worth mentioning to save some time! Highly recommend this place for both professional and personal occasions. Can't wait to return! Thank you to the manager and staff for helping make our last minute business dinner seamless, easy, and enjoyable!!!!