The food was fine overall — the fig salad was very good and the affogato was delicious (with caramel sauce-delicioso). The grilled bruschetta didn't seem grilled — it was lightly toasted rather than the charred rustic bread I expected. And I thought there was too much piled on it. I didn't taste the pastas but my table mates enjoyed theirs. The service was superb— sweet and friendly and accommodating. Bravo for Massimo! He made the night enjoyable for us. Eating outside added to the ambience and felt a little more authentically Italian despite “Volare” playing in the background.
jo nathan
We had a lovely time at Il Palio while visiting my daughter at the university. The service was excellent, the staff really took care of us and made us feel welcome. The food overall was good, and the rest of our group really enjoyed their meals. I ordered the scallops, which were a generous portion and well-prepared, but for me, the flavor was just okay and not as outstanding as I had hoped. Still, it was a pleasant dining experience and I'd recommend it for the great service and atmosphere.
Mark
We were celebrating a 70th birthday and could not have had a better experience! It was awesome and perfect!!!
Alisa
From reservation to check out and everything in between this hotel is A+++mazing. I was in town for my cousins surgery at the cancer hospital - It was a hard and emotional week going back and forth . From making the reservation with Katie at the front desk ( amazing customer service ) the room was so beautiful and comfortable , everyone was so warm and friendly , I had a dinner reservation the first night I arrived , went to the restaurant and not only was the food impressive ( I am a tough critic when it comes to Italian food ) the folks that worked there from the executive chef , Christopher , Addie at the bar , and my server Lyle ( the best) !!!! It felt like I was coming home to family every night . I can't say enough about my stay and highly recommend this hotel If you are going anywhere close to chapel hill Look no further!
Patrick
What an amazing experience we had! From the front door to the table it was the most professional and hospitable treatment we've ever experienced...and we love to eat out! Here's some examples; when the Executive Chef, Bob, found out that it was our first time in he immediately took a knee by our table to tell us about the highlights of the menu! Our waiter, Mossimo, had perfect timing with every course. Showed us their gluten free pasta options and never missed a beat with his other guests. II Palio is the absolute best Italian restaurant I've ever experienced and should be recognized as a flagship for hospitality in the restaurant industry! We will be back!
Glenn
As always, the food and service were impeccable. This is truly one of the outstanding restaurants in the area. Be forewarned though, it is quite pricey. In my opinion, for the price point and great quality, the overall ambience could be improved upon. In particular, there are hard surfaces throughout, which makes it too loud and noisy to be congruent with a fine dining experience. Tablecloths and rugs would certainly help distinguish the dining room from what one might find in a sports bar, and lower the volume. However, I will be returning for the fine food and service.
Francine
As always, our dinner was exquisite! Mossimo makes a great experience over the top, exceptional! Thank you for making a Daddy-daughter dinner truly an evening to remember. My wife and I will be back for our annual Anniversary dinner at il Palio in August!
Jeanne
My friends and I went to Il Palio to celebrate our birthdays, which are a week apart this month. We chose the Chef's Tasting Menu with paired wines, and everything about our experience was outstanding. The food was delicious, the wines are wonderful, and the service was some of the best I've ever experienced in a restaurant.
Charles
We were staying at the hotel for a few days and ate there twice. Both times for dinner we had Spencer as our server, and he was fantastic, and so nice. The food was excellent. The breakfast servings were also very good. Highly recommend the hotel and the restaurant.
Denise
Delicious food, wonderful ambience and fantastic service by Massimo in the evening and Gabriel in the morning made my experience fantastic! I'll be back!
Our favorite Italian in Chapel Hill. Everything is made in house: focaccia bread, vinaigrette dressing, all pasta, my beloved black truffle sauce, honeysuckle syrup for a specialty Pimm's drink and desserts. It is worth the hype and price!
Karen
Lovely dinner. Great way to celebrate our anniversary. Food was excellent, service was top notch.
Sue
What a wonderful surprise to find this delicious restaurant in our hotel. It was the perfect way to end a travel day. What made it even more special was our waiter, Massimo. He made us felt welcomed and special .
Jesse
It had been a long time l had been dining here and remembered what an excellent experience it had been. Sunday, Mother's Day, was a wonderful dining experience for me and my wife. I shall return in the near future.
Marjorie
I enjoy going to a fine dining restaurant where I am certain that every time I go it is consistently great. That is why I go to Il Palio. We had a delicious meal with a welcoming & professional staff.
The food was fine overall — the fig salad was very good and the affogato was delicious (with caramel sauce-delicioso). The grilled bruschetta didn't seem grilled — it was lightly toasted rather than the charred rustic bread I expected. And I thought there was too much piled on it. I didn't taste the pastas but my table mates enjoyed theirs. The service was superb— sweet and friendly and accommodating. Bravo for Massimo! He made the night enjoyable for us. Eating outside added to the ambience and felt a little more authentically Italian despite “Volare” playing in the background.
We had a lovely time at Il Palio while visiting my daughter at the university. The service was excellent, the staff really took care of us and made us feel welcome. The food overall was good, and the rest of our group really enjoyed their meals. I ordered the scallops, which were a generous portion and well-prepared, but for me, the flavor was just okay and not as outstanding as I had hoped. Still, it was a pleasant dining experience and I'd recommend it for the great service and atmosphere.
We were celebrating a 70th birthday and could not have had a better experience! It was awesome and perfect!!!
From reservation to check out and everything in between this hotel is A+++mazing. I was in town for my cousins surgery at the cancer hospital - It was a hard and emotional week going back and forth . From making the reservation with Katie at the front desk ( amazing customer service ) the room was so beautiful and comfortable , everyone was so warm and friendly , I had a dinner reservation the first night I arrived , went to the restaurant and not only was the food impressive ( I am a tough critic when it comes to Italian food ) the folks that worked there from the executive chef , Christopher , Addie at the bar , and my server Lyle ( the best) !!!! It felt like I was coming home to family every night . I can't say enough about my stay and highly recommend this hotel If you are going anywhere close to chapel hill Look no further!
What an amazing experience we had! From the front door to the table it was the most professional and hospitable treatment we've ever experienced...and we love to eat out! Here's some examples; when the Executive Chef, Bob, found out that it was our first time in he immediately took a knee by our table to tell us about the highlights of the menu! Our waiter, Mossimo, had perfect timing with every course. Showed us their gluten free pasta options and never missed a beat with his other guests. II Palio is the absolute best Italian restaurant I've ever experienced and should be recognized as a flagship for hospitality in the restaurant industry! We will be back!
As always, the food and service were impeccable. This is truly one of the outstanding restaurants in the area. Be forewarned though, it is quite pricey. In my opinion, for the price point and great quality, the overall ambience could be improved upon. In particular, there are hard surfaces throughout, which makes it too loud and noisy to be congruent with a fine dining experience. Tablecloths and rugs would certainly help distinguish the dining room from what one might find in a sports bar, and lower the volume. However, I will be returning for the fine food and service.
As always, our dinner was exquisite! Mossimo makes a great experience over the top, exceptional! Thank you for making a Daddy-daughter dinner truly an evening to remember. My wife and I will be back for our annual Anniversary dinner at il Palio in August!
My friends and I went to Il Palio to celebrate our birthdays, which are a week apart this month. We chose the Chef's Tasting Menu with paired wines, and everything about our experience was outstanding. The food was delicious, the wines are wonderful, and the service was some of the best I've ever experienced in a restaurant.
We were staying at the hotel for a few days and ate there twice. Both times for dinner we had Spencer as our server, and he was fantastic, and so nice. The food was excellent. The breakfast servings were also very good. Highly recommend the hotel and the restaurant.
Delicious food, wonderful ambience and fantastic service by Massimo in the evening and Gabriel in the morning made my experience fantastic! I'll be back!
Restaurantji Recommends
Our favorite Italian in Chapel Hill. Everything is made in house: focaccia bread, vinaigrette dressing, all pasta, my beloved black truffle sauce, honeysuckle syrup for a specialty Pimm's drink and desserts. It is worth the hype and price!
Lovely dinner. Great way to celebrate our anniversary. Food was excellent, service was top notch.
What a wonderful surprise to find this delicious restaurant in our hotel. It was the perfect way to end a travel day. What made it even more special was our waiter, Massimo. He made us felt welcomed and special .
It had been a long time l had been dining here and remembered what an excellent experience it had been. Sunday, Mother's Day, was a wonderful dining experience for me and my wife. I shall return in the near future.
I enjoy going to a fine dining restaurant where I am certain that every time I go it is consistently great. That is why I go to Il Palio. We had a delicious meal with a welcoming & professional staff.
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