We enjoyed our dinner at Bodega this past weekend. The food was great and excellent service.read more

It's taken us 21 months to finally try this place - and it's well worth the wait!…read more Envision the ambiance of an intimate Cheers bar: cozy, wood and brick decor with soft lighting. Super nice location in the heart of downtown Wake Forest, Bodega is located partially below street level on White Street, sorta catty-corner from the CVS by the viaduct. Wonderful selection of tasty appetizers, something for practically any preference. A to-die-for eclectic wine list and yummy bar drinks - my margarita el pastor was YUM. Other Yelpers have posted good menu pics & pricing, check em out. We were luckily able to snag the last open table when we arrived, so the rapidity of friendly service and serving of our 6 or 8 selections was amazing. It was truly enjoyable, a definite go-to for pre- or post-Renaissance shows or bowling, a short walk away. As is my custom, I've attached a few pics of the food and atmosphere. Go see for yourself, and let us know your thoughts - enjoy‼

I love the food and atmosphere. Plenty of outdoor seating and I'm obsessed with their Chicago dogs…read more I do wish that there was a less crowded ordering space. The restaurant is usually busy during lunch hours when I've gone and it can get very claustrophobic standing in line with the small space available.

I stopped in for lunch and was honestly impressed. The space is open, warm, and has that modern…read morefarmhouse vibe that makes you want to sit and stay awhile. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and moved with purpose--no one was just standing around. I ordered the herb-crusted salmon mesa bowl and it did not disappoint. The salmon was seasoned well with a perfect sear, and the sides actually felt fresh and intentional, not like fillers. Loved the kale, the sweet potatoes, and that corn was shockingly good. The green sauce on the side added the right kick and pulled everything together. Portions are generous, the food tastes clean and well-prepared, and the atmosphere feels like a local favorite in the making. I'll definitely be back.

One of our most exciting and flavorful dining experience in months. Our downtown Raleigh dining…read morescene has amazing options, and Madre has stayed under our radar for no particular reason. We dined at their lovely bar back in the first months of their opening, and it was good. We had met the general manager, Red, and were impressed with the flavors of our one appetizer, Calabrian Chicken, yet we never rushed back. Now, we feel compelled to return ASAP to enjoy these exceptional flavors, fabulous teamwork system of service, and a comfortable chic atmosphere. The place was happening at 5:45 pm on our recent dining night out with friends. Grateful to have a reservation we were seated at a very comfortable banquette type of seating. It felt like dining in a friend's home. Our server, William, is excellent at his job. Very efficient, great input on food choices, and quite personable. The meal started off with a burst of flavor as we enjoyed their fairly new offering of a ceviche called Eye of the Tiger that featured a sauce you can never get enough of. Wish their bread service was a bit more inspired, but the Le Farm bread did soak up some of the various sauces sent out from a very inspired kitchen team. Food runners help make certain the tapas come out fresh and hot when needed. They are a friendly group of hospitality workers who seem to genuinely enjoy their work and treat their guests with sincere appreciation. It all starts at the top, and GM Red is a personable and sound leader. We loved the Chef's pasta, our octopus dish was stellar, the Calabrian Chicken almost stole the show, but the unctuous flavors on the plate of the Seared Halloumi was hands down my favorite. I love how this culinary team can crank out such outstanding flavors table to table and patron to patron without missing a beat. The energy in the room must feed their souls & for that we are grateful. Lastly I wish to mention the thoughtfully curated wine list where my husband discovered a treasure of a wine from the Familia Torres brand. It was exquisite and paired perfectly with Madre's flavors. Our friend who frequent their bar often rave about their Mezcal margarita! Another visit. See you soon Madre familia!

This used to be one of my 3 go-to first date restaurants, but I've had to cut it from the list…read moreafter realizing it makes literally everyone in the place seem irresistibly sexy, and that is not wise. Truly, though, I'm here often and love it - my dear friend and I are both heavy-duty allergy kids and the Madre squad is exquisite at managing cross-contamination and adapting plates to be accommodating. If you have nothing else, order the cauliflower with the green goddess dressing. Maybe order that two or three times, actually. The salchipapas are probably my favorite app in Raleigh. Also, the owners are both super cute, and the Bryan Costello design is magnifique. I would hire that man to redo my entire home to feel like Madre.

We are from California, so we are trying the top rated restaurants on Franklin while in town. This…read moreplace is solid for tapas--not amazing, but very good. The service was excellent, with energetic young students from UNC who know the menu well and team up to cover each other. Our server was engaging and knowledgeable about the food and the wine choices. The atmosphere is warm and cozy. I will say that the booths are close together, so we could hear the conversations at tables behind and in front of us. It kept us entertained. We had: - the dates stuffed with pistachios and wrapped in bacon - the flounder - the steak with chimichuri - the olives - pan con tomate - potatoes bravas - tuna ceviche - crumble - cinnamon cake It was all very good. The best dishes were the potatoes bravas and the steak. Th rest was pretty mediocre. We had a broke of white Rioja--it went well with the food and was a good deal at $56.

Seriously easy to miss if you're strolling through Franklin. Cozy space with counter seating and…read morebooths in the back. Tried some more traditional tapas but with a twist, such as the outstanding Alubia Blanca, Gambas and Jamon. the Zanahorias were excellent, even had the Cubano, not Spanish traditional but still well done. Fortunately there was room for the chocolate cremeux, decadently rich. Loved the counter seating to view the busy prep action. Reservations are best, otherwise you're taking a chance without one. Super casual, savory dishes, and maybe my new favorite restaurant in CH.

First time coming here and it did not leave a good impression. Came in with my husband and the…read morerestaurant was not crowded. We were seated promptly but sat for over 10 minutes with no greeting or acknowledgement that we were there. The waitresses brought drinks to and checked on several tables around us and did not even say that she would be by in a few minutes to get us started. On top of that, the water glass at the table had a lipstick stain on it. We decided to leave and when walking to the door, the greeter asked us if everything was ok. We told him that no one ever came to the table and all he said was ok and went back to what he was doing. Very disappointed in this as some of the dishes around us looked good. Oh well.

Absolutely exceeded my expectations and wants... we were headed to a garden party when it was…read moretexted that the party would be delayed by an hour, and with the extra drive time... it just wasn't worth it. Last second punt to find something local and unique led us to The Nomad at Osburn and I am smitten... I absolutely did not expect that level of menu diversity and expanse. Thai, Indian, British fish-n-chips, steak... the menu was almost too much. I was craving Thai, and chose the drunken noodles. Was absolutely pleased with the flavors, portions, and service. The space was open, not too loud, and quaint but not intimate. It's a converted theater, so don't expect absolute privacy. Will absolutely return again to sample more of their menu!

Such a great spot in downtown Raleigh. Best cocktails and bartenders. The fish dip and onion…read morefritters are so good!

Cocktail drinks and fries were the best things. We didn't enjoy our entrees: vodka pasta and mrkt…read morefish (salmon). They both were flavorless and bland. As mentioned earlier, we did enjoy the fries. They came with a garlic aioli sauce. It tasted like mayo to me, I didn't like it. We ordered a passion fruit mojito and henny sidecar. Both were good! Our views were okay but not like other pictures we saw prior to going. We sat closer to the jail next door so we saw inmates in there cell starting out onto the city.

Always a thoughtful, tasty and memorable experience. From the warm and inviting atmosphere,…read moreattentive, responsive and respectful customer service, sublime libations and delicious food, Bar Virgile never disappoints.

Everything at Bar Virgile was amazing! I ordered a cosmopolitan, while my date ordered the…read moreelderflower cocktail. I liked my drink a little more since it was sweeter. We also ordered three small plates to share: the Mac and cheese, brussel sprouts with bacon, and the fried oysters. The Mac and cheese was absolute perfection and I probably ate the most of that dish. It was hot out of the oven and I enjoyed the crunch from the breadcrumbs. It was perfectly creamy but not too indulgent. The Brussels and fried oysters were also really great. Both were perfectly seasoned and tasted fresh. My date said the oysters were one of the best he's ever had! I'll be back for their drinks and food ;)

This place is amazing. The brunch. The drinks. The breakfast. The decor (the mirror on the wall is…read moreespecially stunning). So far, the French Toast is my absolute favorite dish and it's a very shareable size but I didn't share lol My friend and I visited for her birthday and we shared multiple plates because we couldn't pick what we wanted to had to try several things, so of course the best way to do that is to order a spread and share it! The servers are always so kind and welcoming. It's even better when they don't assume how much food is for you, especially when you're ordering to entrees to yourself to balance out the carbs and protein Needless to say, they'll be seeing me often.

You must visit this place. I spend a lot of time on the road and boy was this place a sight for…read moresore eyes. The flavors were absolutely amazing. I only got to take a picture of just a couple of what we ordered. My favorites: Little Asada - so flavorful and cooked perfectly Octopus and butter beans- prepared perfectly not rubbery. Great choice DIY hand roll - really fun and inventive way although had to fight to make my own roll NC Crudo - this tuna was really fresh. I mean it didn't taste like fish. It tasted like steak. Love the flavors they added to it. ceviche - great choice with the plantains Gambas à la plancha - the OG. Highly recommended. Shrimp cooked perfect. Overall it was so amazing. Service was great also they had a fun little wine list. Pro tip: in the spring get a spot out in the patio or outside. Highly recommended. Will be back!

Goated location, classy, noisy, good food, great wine…read more Will be coming back, wish they had more specials!

Tapas tapas and more tapas! One better than the other. We did run into a huge problem though,…read moreexplained in more detail below. Wife and I started our quick little anniversary getaway here, and they nailed it. The place itself is gorgeous. Huge patio with greenery, baller bar area in the middle of the upscale open space, which gives a modern and chic vibe. That problem I mentioned? Deciding what we were going to order off of the amazingly stacked tapas menu. One sounded better than the other, plates coming out to the left and right of us...we were deer in headlights not knowing what to do, words didn't come out when our friendly and knowledgeable server came by. As far as problems go at a restaurant, I guess it could have been worse. With helpful guidance and knowing our love for anything foodie related, we just started picking one by one after a few sips of our well balanced cocktails (another large menu with anything and everything for fellow cocktail lovers out there). Had to go with a meat and charcuterie board first. A decadent manchego, a creamy French that was smooth and tangy, plus a 20 month cured ham that was salty and smoky. Honestly everything that came out after was a 10/10. From the wild mushrooms, Wagyu carpaccio and bone marrow, to the pork belly, corn bunuelos and steak paillard...everything was cooked to perfection with amazing spices and sauces that complemented each dish perfectly. (See pics and captions for more details) These chefs and mixologists know what they're doing here. 2 managers came by our table to make sure everything was going well. Top notch service, top shelf food and drink, modern and upscale decor and vibe. A perfect concoction for a special night out with family or friends.

Great food and the staff is excellent. Good views from the deck. A good value. Always a good time.read more

Augustus Grill has blossomed into a first-rate restaurant that offers a wide variety of menu…read moreoptions at very reasonable prices. The indoor seating is limited - but comfortable. The spacious Deck is one of the best dining venues within miles. It's peaceful, scenic, bucolic and relaxing. Service is friendly and the dishes we have tried were well-prepared, innovative and delicious. The Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce ($21 with two sides) was as good as any I have had. The thick loin was pleasantly crunchy with a quick burst of tangy flavor. The inside was juicy, flaky and tender. The Roasted Mixed Vegetables were slightly undercooked, allowing the flavors of the Carrots, Cauliflower and Broccoli to stand out. The Potato Salad was OK, but I would have preferred something more zippy and zesty. The Chicken Salad Sandwich ($8.49 with one side) was smooth and creamy. The Toasted Multigrain Bread and Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing transformed this basic stand-by into something special. The Pasta Salad was a real winner. Unlike most bland pasta salads I have had, this one was nicely seasoned and brimming with flavor. We finished the evening with a generous slice of Cheesecake ($6) with a sweet but tangy Raspberry Jalapeño Sauce. Lunch with a grandson on the deck was a lot of fun for everybody. He had the Kids Meal ($6) which included a Hot Dog (he wanted it plain, of course), Bottle of Gatorade and Chips. We enjoyed the Pastrami Burger ($16.49 - with thin-sliced seared Pastrami, Cheddar Cheese, sliced Onion and Thousand Island Dressing) and the Hawaiian Burger ($14.49 - with grilled Pineapple, BBQ Sauce and Cheddar Cheese). The 1/3 pound burgers were served on a fresh Brioche Bun and included One Side. We can recommend either burger, but the one with Pastrami, was truly outstanding.