411 West Italian Cafe

We ordered to go. Order was correct, good was still hot when we opened it. Steaks were cooked correctly. Crab cakes had good flavor, could have used a different side with a contrasting flavor, the greens got lost flavor wise.
Pickup was easy, the bartender was thorough in checking the order.
Chicken Parmesan and Lasagna were also hits with the group.

Great location and service in a cozy restaurant. Some solid dishes with a few dishes that could use some improvement. This visit was good, and some dishes were very good, but some menu item descriptions sounded better than their execution.

This is the second time that we have enjoyed this restaurant. The first was the day we dropped our daughter off at Chapel Hill three years ago; I was sobbing, and so we came in for a glass of red wine and some comfort pasta. On that visit, the server was extraordinary! We talked about how sad it was that my daughter was leaving home, and he said that she was going to do great, and he even left me a note on the bill. We actually saved the note. It was that sweet.

Three years later, and she is indeed doing great, and looking at PhD programs. So we thought we would take her to this restaurant when we visited her for a clothing drop off. On this visit, the service was fine. Of course, I didn’t expect it to be as sweet and loving as the first time, but there was nothing wrong with the service. The location is good, really in the thick of things.

On to the food. The specials looked fantastic, and they sounded fantastic, but I think they were just not quite executed well. I ordered the Brussels sprout pizza, which came with caramelized shallots and bacon and Gorgonzola, and it should’ve been a taste explosion! But it was rather bland. It also had a balsamic reduction, and I think if they had leaned into that a little bit more, it would’ve balanced it and provided a bit of zing.

The warm olives were a nice appetizer. I’m starting to see those pop up everywhere. It was quite a few olives, which was great.
My daughter enjoyed her meal a great deal. She is a vegetarian. My husband always gets the chicken parm. He said it was good, and was a big portion, but was a bit overcooked. Sometimes chicken parm is really thin, and it comes out very tender, but this was a thicker cut, so that may have affected the way it was cooked. He thought it was a little bit dry. And overdone.

I would also like to see a more affordable red wine on the menu, so that it acts as sort of a “House” wine. Often some Italian restaurants will have an inexpensive chianti or valpolicella or some such, which is nice to order and share with the table. They did have some wine specials. One rosé, one white, and two reds. And they do have a nice wine list, but I’m talking about adding just a “house“ wine that’s super affordable that is always on the menu.

I remember really enjoying all the food on my first visit, even though I was sobbing, and so I will definitely revisit this restaurant, but perhaps choose different dishes.

I've been here at least half a dozen times in the last decade, everyone seems to think it's great. But I've been disappointed in the food every time. I don't know why I keep giving it a chance every few years.

I will say, though, that I've had a few professional dinners here (for a research network meeting), and the back room that's like all windows and can be rented out for events like this is delightful, pretty, great ambiance... I just wish the food was better, but finding good Italian food in this area is a serious challenge.

I can’t say enough good things about our service, food and overall experience from this past weekend. My son graduated from UNC dental school and we had a large party of 15 Friday night for dinner at 411 West. This restaurant exemplifies what customer service should look like. Our waiter, Jarrett, was outstanding. He made sure that our drinks were kept full, our food was brought out in a timely manner and we were aware of all the specials, etc! He took group pictures for us and helped make this out of state mom’s job of coordinating and executing a small party seamless. Thank you 411West for your amazing service!

The good: super nice service, quaint seating area, flourless chocolate cake was DIVINE with the raspberry sorbet. Artichoke dip w focaccia was a good starter:

Comments: pasta was bland and a bit cold. Pesto had no flavour and the texture of the noodles just felt tiring ?? Salad didn’t have enough dressing but the parts that did were nice. Crème brûlée was tiring and needed more caramel. Tiramisu was a bit tough and I think it needed more balance. Also I have 0 clue why the chef would add cream to the cake and sorbet.

Server deserves a huge shoutout for being epic. Impressed with speed and big group service! The other meals — like the steak and salmon — looked far better done than the pastas.

Good Italian food and nice atmosphere. The service is very good. Highly recommend! Best is tomake reservation as it is busy but can be sitted outside (if no rain) if you don't have reservation.

I loved this place. We made a reservation the same day (Friday at 7:30) I liked the atmosphere and our waiter was kind and nice. They give you some hot rolls to start, which I love because most restaurants here never give anything like that for free and I consider it a logical thing to do. We ordered meatballs with mozzarella as a starter (the portion is big and delicious) then pasta with scallops and shrimp and grilled salmon, and I can say it was the best salmon I've ever tasted! To drink IPA beer and basil gin! (Very well served) unfortunately we had no more room for dessert but we ordered a "carajillo", the waiter mentioned that they had no licor 43 and came to our table accompanied by the bar man who prepared us a drink that was close to the carajillo, different taste but really good. I highly recommend eating here, everything is perfect! Despite the demand for parking, we found a parking space across the street and the parking is only open from 6am to 8pm after is free