Ciago's, Raleigh

Over plates of Italian dishes and drinks, visitors to Ciago’s can spot multiple generations of the Candes family bustling between the kitchen, dining room, and full bar. The family and staff carry plates of veal parmesan and pizzas crowned with artichoke hearts, jalapeños, and eggplant, which diners wash down with more than 20 wines. Beneath spotlights at the 20-seat bar, patrons look up breathlessly at high-definition televisions as athletic events reach their conclusion and players are doused in Gatorade to prove they aren’t robots. Tabletops line up beneath the awning of the outdoor patio and snake out into sunnier areas dappled by the shade. Glittering strings of hanging lights illuminate the patio when night falls or when oversized passing parade floats eclipse the sun.