Raleigh: al fresco pizza?

I realize it's been months - just want to give a sincere "thanks!" to the people who suggested Moonlight. We've since become happy semi-regulars, even though it's gotten too cold to sit on the patio.

We like the food and funkiness, plus they're dog-friendly in the summer. The staff has been wonderful to us, and some of their pizza creations are really interesting. I love permeating garlic or ricotta or lemon zest or fresh rosemary on my pizza.

I like them much better than Lilly's. If I had to compare the first pizza I ate at Lilly's 7 years ago with the first I had at Moonlight this year .... that would be a tough call, with Lilly's possibly winning.

But with us, eating out is more than the food, it's the experience. The staff at Moonlight gives us an overall great experience. Not the case at Lilly's the last few times (and I've been at both places when they were REALLY busy.)

Anyway - half a year later - thanks for the suggestions.

Best,
H

hajnalka in Southeast

Raleigh: al fresco pizza?

Excellent suggestion! We eat at Porters and Fraziers all the time, we love the Urban Food Group people but never thought of Vivace for pizza. We'l try this along with Moonlight. (Actually I can't wait. I have to drag my BF out of the downtown/Cameron/5 points area, but for this he will leave.)

Vivace pizza outside within the next week - I can't wait.

Unfortunately Mellow Mushroom is out for us, as posted above :(

hajnalka in Southeast

Raleigh: al fresco pizza?

We will definitely check out Moonlight Pizza - thanks both of you for the tips!

I like Mellow Mushroom fine, except for the hectic running around aspect .... when the weather's good they usually quote us a 2 hour wait, and for me the price:quality ratio, minus the peacefulness drinking a glass of wine uninterrupted without having to move around while waiting = is not worth it.

hajnalka in Southeast

romantic dinner Durham/Chapel Hill

IMO Sage is way too small to be romantic, though it's definitely intimate. Take someone you already know well .... or a blind date make or break. Not good for romance.

hajnalka in General South Archive

Swansboro NC - the Ice House

Oh, absolutely agree.; wasn't trying to disparage anything you said. I love this place .... GOOD indeed! FRESH fish, HUGE portions, and they seem to know how to handle their fish. Seafood I've had at the bar is excellent. As I said, I eat lunch there every chance I get. I have never sat at the bar, and sometimes have had to run down servers .... but it's all good. Overall, a great place to get a wonderful meal at an amazingly reasonable price.

I think we're on the same page, BeaN? I recommend the place to everyone.

All my best,
Dawn

hajnalka in General South Archive

Raleigh: al fresco pizza?

Now that summer's here -

My boyfriend and I are looking for places to sit outside, with service, and eat a good pizza. We live near Cameron and happily go to Piccola Italia about twice a month, but are looking for someplace new. Hopefully this place will have some good wine offerings, but that's not absolutely necessary. We love to sit outside and eat and drink, and eat and drink some more ..... and we love pizza.

Lilly's is out because last time we were there (don't mean to be harsh) it was quite dirty and they got our order wrong/service was bad and it was hard to even get some drinking water.

We usually stay close to home, but will drive to Durham or Chapel Hill for a great outdoor pizza-eating experience.

Serious thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Best,
Dawn

hajnalka in Southeast