Dante's Italiano - Raleigh

Return for a previous great experience. Greeting was good, but quickly went downhill. Pizza was so. We had another duck that was okay. Service was team-oriented, but it was missing enormously. Do not be in a hurry and set expectations low.

I?ll start with this used to be my favorite local Italian joint? Went on a date night here with my husband last night. Our server was friendly and mostly attentive. Ordered a Caesar salad with my entree, way too much dressing on it but I sucked it up. Entree was decent but not what it used to be, their marinara sauce on eggplant parm used to be amazing-not anymore. When it came time for boxes our waitress disappeared, we didn?t get drink refills as requested, a different waitress boxed our leftovers and immediately brought the check. I wanted dessert to take home but whatever. While waiting for our check I watched a waitress whose last table left (it?s about 8 pm at this point) go to the bar and pour a glass of wine. No big deal she was off shift. We paid and left. When we walked outside our ?2nd? waitress and the waitress who was drinking wine were sitting outside. Again no big deal perhaps they were off shift, however, just seems unprofessional to be sitting outside the front entrance drinking while customers are still inside. Business hours are until 10 pm so perhaps they could have waited until closing. Heated up my leftover eggplant parm for dinner tonight again just mediocre, few bites in and guess what I bit into?STEEL-WOOL/Brillo pad/scouring pad. Glad they?re cleaning their pots and pans in the kitchen but really could have done without the STEEL! I hate writing negative reviews but this place is really going downhill, doubt I?ll be back to give another try.

This is an example of a $16 bruschetta? 2 pieces of toast cut in half and toppings thrown all over the box. And will add NO FLAVOR. Lasagna was barely warm. First and last time going to this restaurant. VERY disappointed when trying to give a local restaurant business.

Meh. Just ?ok.? Despite the reviews we had higher hopes that this restaurant would be a true Italian experience. Food was ok, bordering ?good.? Service was impeccable, attentive and very professional. Bread with dipping oil was delicious, but Italian fare left something to be desired. Not bad. Not good. Just ?meh.? Pricey for a bowl of spaghetti with meatballs and spaghetti with garlic and oil. I come from a true Italian family and this food did not hit that mark. I?d give Dante?s Italiano 2 1/2-3 stars, max.

Had a wonderful culinary experience! Had no reservations, but Danny and his staff made all accommodations to make our evening special. The food was on site; Italian comfort food in its finest!