Damian and Trina Mandola's Italian Market restaurant, on the west (Lamar) side of the Triangle, was an instant hit from its opening moments. The delectable pastries (cannolis to die for, napoleons to kill for), zingily fresh paninis, and fresh deli food of all kinds draw a daily crowd. A less obvious attraction is the Wall of Fame in the inner dining room – a homemade, thoughtful collection of framed photos of Italian grocers and their groceries from the East Coast to Texas, heavy on Louisiana and Houston – home of the first Mandola's as well as the famous Carrabba's family restaurants. Come in, order lunch, and sit beneath the Wall of Fame: Everything tastes better under the light of all this loving, personal history.
