This restaurant is literally my favorite in all of the Triangle area. My husband and I go here whenever we have a special occasion, and sometimes when we don't. You can be as casual or as dressy... More

This restaurant is literally my favorite in all of the Triangle area. My husband and I go here whenever we have a special occasion, and sometimes when we don't. You can be as casual or as dressy as you want, but most importantly, the ever changing menu is always superb. We have always loved everything that we have ever gotten there. The chef delivers this interesting infusion of Italian and Southern food that you absolutely cannot find anywhere else. Pros: quaint, quiet restaurant
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This is an excellent restaurant. You can tell the chef really is thoughtful behind the menu choices. Wonderful ingredients from local farms. The appetizers were actually better than the food. If I'm... More

This is an excellent restaurant. You can tell the chef really is thoughtful behind the menu choices. Wonderful ingredients from local farms. The appetizers were actually better than the food. If I'm short on cash, I'd go back and order a couple of first courses instead of the main course. I wanted to order two of the appetizers (gnocchi with braised beef and brussel sprouts). Always a vegetarian course too. Wonderful ambiance. Pros: Wonderful, thoughtful local food Cons: Pricey
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Panciuto is a delightful addition to the Triangle fine dining scene. We drove up pleasant Old 86 to Hillsborough, parked on a nearby street and walked the short distance to the restaurant,... More

Panciuto is a delightful addition to the Triangle fine dining scene. We drove up pleasant Old 86 to Hillsborough, parked on a nearby street and walked the short distance to the restaurant, enjoying the old houses and shop windows along the way. Panciuto is small, with a simple, tasteful and very attractive interior, with bare brick walls, indirect lighting, and the use of interestingly framed mirrors. White tablecloths and handsomely designed tableware complete the visual picture. On a week night it is very quiet, with low volume music in the background. Service is attentive and prompt. Our waiter seemed knowledgable, and maintained a good balance of friendliness and formality. Each woman guest is given a carnation to take home, and the meal begins with a tiny glass of bubbly. The food, using mainly local ingredients, is in a class with that of Magnolia Grill and Four Square, though the three-course menu is shorter. We have been there twice, and each time have found everything to be perfectly cooked, beautifully presented, with flavor and great attention to textures. The quantity was just right, leaving us happily filled, but not overstuffed. The romantic atmosphere makes Panciuto a perfect place for an intimate evening such as the quiet celebration of an anniversery. It deserves to be discovered by more of the Triangle diners who appreciate a high degree of attention to the details of food and ambience. Pros: Food, ambience, quiet Cons: parking might be a problem on weekends
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I've eaten at this restaurant with a group of 8 people - the service was excellent - attentive, the courses were well paced, the servers were knowledgeable. The food was excellent - I had a black... More

I've eaten at this restaurant with a group of 8 people - the service was excellent - attentive, the courses were well paced, the servers were knowledgeable. The food was excellent - I had a black lentil and crab appetizer that was fresh and delicious, with clean, simple flavors. The sea bass entree was equally good, and perfectly portioned. Tasting my friend's lobster pasta, I was treated to big pieces of fresh lobster, al dente pasta, and a tasty creamy sauce. The dessert was good - but for some reason I can't recall what I had, only that it was well done. The ambience is relaxing, with a small dining room. The wine list I believe were Italians only, not very extensive, but ok. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for a fine dining experience - It was worth the drive as well as the price (over $50/person for 3 courses, not including wine). Pros: Delicious Food, Ambience Cons: Parking
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