Authentic Italian Eggplant in Raleigh

Yes there are some very fine dining to be had in North Raleigh. The choices are numerous. Here we just look at three restaurants where those who love Eggplant can get their palate satiated.

Casa Lingua Ristorante is small storefront restaurant in a strip mall known as Mini City. You enter through the door into a dark hallway.

You notice immediately there are autographed pictures on the wall of the greats with the owners lining the wall. One picture after another.

At the end of the hall you come the the front counter. Immediately you notice the family resemblance between the three generations who run the restaurant. Occasionally you hear words that sound a lot like Italy. On display you see a plethora of breads in a glass case.

You are escorted through the tightly packed dining room to a small table with a candle on it. It has all the feelings of an authentic Italian restaurant, which it is. If you arrived at the right time, you will hear fine music as you preview the menu.

The waiter gets you drink selection and brings you a large basket of breads. Garlic knots, Italian bread, Rolls and soft bread that is covered with tomato sauce like a pizza. (I could eat just this)

The salad and entrée selections are as good as any you will find anywhere. But we are after the Eggplant. We order a salad and the Eggplant. The salad is a standard fare item with a selection of dressings. It is good but not exceptional.

Finally the Eggplant Parmigiana arrives, with pasta. It is done just right. The skin is soft and the center is firm but done. There is plenty of cheese and sauce covering the meal. The serving is large enough for the greatest Eggplant lover.

Though they do have great cannoli and other deserts, there is seldom room after this feast. And the best part is the Eggplant entrée is only $12.95. For those who have other tastes to fulfill they have a broad selection of Italian style entrées starting at about $6.25.

The coffee is a fine ending to a great meal at this authentic family run restaurant.