Villa Rosa Italian Restaurant & Grill, Greensboro

It wouldn't quite mesh with the ambience to say that Villa Rosa Italian Restaurant & Grill screams romance—say rather that it whispers it. The pink stucco building appears to have been airlifted from an Italian villa, complete with water fountains and a brick-and-iron arbor. Italian paintings line the walls near the full bar, where bartenders pour wines from Italy, Australia, and North America.

Even the restaurant's name comes with a bit of romance, since it was chosen to honor owner Frank Rappa's wife, Rosa. The two emigrated from Italy in the 1970s, and they quickly opened an Italian restaurant named Sal's. But something was missing. The traditional pastas were a hit, but Frank dreamed of a more formal venue, a place where their dishes could serve as the centerpiece of special occasions. So he transported the menu to Villa Rosa Italian Restaurant & Grill, showcasing mussels marinara and classic entrees such as veal parmigiana and capellini with red clams. Dessert—perhaps homemade cannoli stuffed with cream—is, naturally, strongly recommended.