Viva Vivace!

Vivace definitely lives up to its name in Raleigh, NC. It's a lively, contemporary Italian trattoria tucked in the back corner of the North Hills shopping area. Expect a wait, or make a reservation relatively far in advance as this place is very popular. With a variety of antipasti and the traditional cured meats and cheeses, there's plenty to choose from to start off your night, whether you want to cozy up to the bar or sit down in the dining room. Their rustic brick oven pizzas are a great appetizer to share amongst a few people or as its own dish. Their traditional pasta dishes range from spaghetti with meatballs to the most sensational seasonal risotto. Their entrees (or Secondi) range from Roman Style Chicken and Veal Saltimbocca to Polenta Crushed Salmon and Grilled Tuna. 

Jen loves Chicken Agnolotti

As for my recommendations? You really can't go wrong. The four-cheese pizza with carmelized onions and portobella mushrooms is absolutely fantastic. The calamari fritti with spicy tomato aioli will impress any calamari fan. To top off the appetizers, the white-bean spread that comes with the rustic Italian bread is deliciously seasoned with a light hint of rosemary. As for the main course? The seasonal risotto is always fabulously rich and delicious. The smoked chicken and spinach stuffed agnolotti with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms and a garlic cream sauce is to die for! It's Jen's favorite go-to dish. It practically melts in your mouth! If you're looking for another twist on a classic, the Capellini Fra Diavolo with shrimp, cherry peppers, roasted tomatoes and ricotta is wonderful. This spicy dish is perfectly topped with a dollop of ricotta which adds a creamy smoothness to the dish and soothes the spice. 

Capellini Fra Diavolo

Each dish has a contemporary twist on an old classic. If you're looking for Italian in Raleigh, Vivace is the place to go!