Every now and then I’ll run across something that distinctly recalls feelings and memories from my childhood. Sometimes it’s a song. Sometimes it’s a smell. Sometimes it’s food. I get that whenever I eat the spaghetti at Amedeo’s. They used to have a location at North Hills (where Panera is) to go with their Western Blvd. location. Since last year there is also a North Ridge Shopping Center location to go with the home store.

Amedeo’s is a locally-owned, family-run Italian pizza parlor that is a den for N.C. State fans. The decor on Western Blvd celebrates the Pack, and even has booths dedicated to State sports legends and family friends. The North Raleigh location also gives nod to The Pack, but focuses more on local high schools with jerseys, photos, etc.

The pizza, manicotti, and hot subs are good, but I keep going back for the spaghetti with meat sauce, which is unmatched in Raleigh. Sleep and Amedeo’s spaghetti are the two things in life that stop both my daughter and me from talking. One more delicacy that takes me back is the Blue Cheese dressing. It has an extremely slight horseradish taste, but just enough to give the dressing its edge.

Another neat facet to the quirky pizzeria’s original location is the layout of the restaurant. Over time it has expanded into adjacent store spaces, so there are several different dining rooms. My high school reunion group of 15 comfortable met in the basketball room behind the bar, while my little league basketball team celebrates the season’s end each year in a portion of the large football room. They also added patio seating last summer for those who like to eat outside.

Finally, Amedeo’s is one of the few restaurants where you can conveniently feed a family without breaking into the budget too much. The menu below shows that a trip back into Raleigh’s past won’t cost an arm and a leg.

map it:

Amedeo’s Western Blvd

Amedeo’s North