North Carolina Pizza Joint Serves Lasagna So Delicious, Locals Swear It’s The Best In The State
I first walked into Amedeo’s on a rainy Tuesday, craving something warm and familiar, and what I found was a plate of lasagna that completely redefined what comfort food could be.
Nestled beside NC State University, Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant in Raleigh has spent decades building a loyal following—and for good reason. Since opening its doors in 1963, it’s become a beloved landmark known for two things: its irresistible pizza and that “famous” lasagna locals swear by.
Whether you order it extra cheesy, meaty, or classic, every bite delivers nostalgia, flavor, and heart. It’s more than a meal—it’s a Raleigh tradition still thriving today.
The Beloved Staple Beside Campus
Amedeo’s was founded by former NC State football player Amedeo “Dick” DeAngelis and has long been a Wolfpack gathering spot—one reason its dining room stays lively night after night.
Walking in feels like stepping into a time capsule where students, alumni, and professors all share tables and stories over steaming plates.
Its site documents the history and location at 3905 Western Blvd., just steps from campus. That proximity to NC State has turned Amedeo’s into more than a restaurant; it’s a tradition, a meeting point, and a place where memories are baked into every dish, especially that legendary lasagna everyone keeps talking about.
Verified Open, With Active Reservations And Online Ordering
As of today, Amedeo’s shows active menus, online ordering, and live reservations through TableAgent and Resy, confirming it’s currently open and operating.
Nothing frustrates me more than driving across town only to find a closed sign, so I always double-check before heading out.
Hours listed on third-party platforms show daily service, staying open late until 9 or 9:30 pm most nights. Whether you want to grab a quick lunch between classes or settle in for a long dinner with friends, Amedeo’s keeps the ovens hot and the doors open, making it easy to satisfy that lasagna craving whenever it strikes.
Famous Lasagna, In Several Styles
The menu explicitly labels Amedeo’s Famous Lasagna—a layered bake with ricotta, Parmesan, ground beef, Italian sausage, and house marinara—plus seafood and spinach variations.
I tried the classic first, and the way those layers melted together felt like a warm hug from an Italian grandmother I never had.
Delivery menus and the restaurant’s own pages back that up. Each bite delivers perfectly seasoned meat, creamy ricotta, and a tangy marinara that doesn’t overpower but complements. If you’re feeling adventurous, the seafood version brings shrimp and crab into the mix, while the spinach option keeps things lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Pizza Joint Credentials Intact
Yes, it’s a pizza joint: Amedeo’s runs a full pizza program alongside pasta, calzones, and subs. I’ve watched families order a pie to share while someone at the table sneaks a lasagna order on the side, because why choose when you can have both?
House and build-your-own pies appear across the official menu and ordering portals.
The crust strikes that perfect balance between crispy edges and a chewy center, and the toppings are generous without turning into a soggy mess. But here’s the twist—even with all those pizzas flying out of the kitchen, the lasagna still steals the spotlight, proving that sometimes the side act becomes the main event.
Why Locals Swear By The Lasagna
Recent local coverage calls out Amedeo’s for being “best known for their famous lasagna,” and community chatter regularly points to the dish when debating Triangle favorites. I asked my neighbor why she drives past three other Italian spots to get here, and she just smiled and said, “You’ll understand after one bite.”
That word-of-mouth loyalty is why plates sell briskly during prime dinner hours.
It’s not fancy or fussy—it’s honest, hearty comfort food made the same way for decades. When a dish survives that long in a college town where trends come and go, you know it’s earned every bit of hype.
What To Expect When You Go
Expect classic red-sauce comfort, generous portions, and a family-friendly vibe. I brought my picky eater nephew once, and even he polished off his plate without complaint—a miracle I didn’t think possible.
You can book a table online or call; on busy weekends and school events, reservations help. Catering and family packs make the lasagna a go-to for game days and gatherings.
The staff treats regulars like old friends and newcomers like future regulars, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Don’t expect white tablecloths or stuffy service—this is about good food, fair prices, and leaving with a full belly and a smile.
Quick Planning Tips
Check the live menu before you go, especially if you want a particular lasagna style. I learned this the hard way when I showed up craving the seafood version only to find it was a weekend special.
Prime times near home games and graduations fill up—reserve early.
If you’re craving it at home, the online ordering pages list the famous lasagna for pickup or delivery. Calling ahead also helps if you’re ordering for a group or want to confirm availability. A little planning goes a long way, and trust me, the payoff is worth it when that steaming, cheesy masterpiece lands in front of you.