Oakwood Cafe

I eat here several times a week. Great food, service, and price. You can't beat a seven dollar steak for lunch . more

Having just moved here a few months ago from the New York area where there are many good Cuban/Latin restaurants, we went the New Oakwood Cafe based on reading the reviews hoping to experience what the others were saying. Boy were we in for a shock. We arrived just prior to 6 pm (when they open). We were the first ones seated in the restaurant. Several other tables starting filling up after we had sat down. Our order was taken 3rd after what must have been some ""regulars"" placing there order. 10 minutes later our rude waitress told us they lost our order so we ordered again. Around 40 minutes later after harsh stares and unsuccessful attempts to get our mindless waitresses attention, we were about to leave. Two of the tables that arrived after us were finished eating and ready to leave. Our food was thrown in front of us by another waitress with a half hearted apology. All of the previous misdoings would have been forgotten had the food been edible. Both the Churrasco and the Roast Pork were extremely salty and not seasoned well at all. They were tasteless. At this point we just grabbed whatever waitress we could find to tell her that the food was not edible. She sent out the Chef/Owner. He asked if we were regulars and said ""ok you don't have to pay"". (he said he was missing a helper in the kitchen). After he rudely pushed our plates in front of us, we left. more

Most people would not notice the Oakwood Cafe as they hurry through their day, but the pygmy-esque structure at Edenton and Wilmington is well-worth putting your blinker on for. Every entree is literally mouthwatering... as if you can't wait for the next bite. You cannot go wrong with the Churrasco steak (or chicken) or the succulent pork dishes. Be sure to get the plantains as your veggie, and even if you have no room in your tummy for dessert, take the tiramisu to-go with you. There is no pastry chef in all of Italy that can make tiramisu to compare! The diminutive size and modest interior in no way can dwarf the big-hearts of the family enterprise or the luscious and gratifying treats that will surprise you with every mouthful. Pros: Savory, quaint, surprising, refreshing... a totally un-Raleigh experience Cons: parking (when they are deservedly busy) more

Traveling these days is expensive, so I've got a secret. Board the New Oakwood Cafe in downtown Raleigh and journey to Agentinia . . . Cuba . . . perhaps fly over and expereince a little bit a Italy while you're there. The food is absolutely delicious. The menu is varied. The ambience is unqiue with an old-world family atmosphere. And the prices cannot be beat given the quality and service. Pros: wonderful good, prices can't be beat, great ambiance Cons: parking (but you can slip into the post office next door) more

It is always about the food! Pros: Excellent food consistantly. Cons: Parking can be a bit of a problem; but park in the Post Office parking lot. more

Okay so we won't yammer on and on and tell stories about how my family came about finding Oakwood, or who was the genius who found Oakwood's listing on Citysearch (oh yes, they are indeed genius for finding the listing), or even what any of us wore to the restaurant. We just will tell you the point of this review....get ready....here it is: Pros: Yummy Food, Great Atmosphere, Friendly Staff Cons: We didn't get to order one of everything on the menu. more

I am a well travelled, former journalist who delights in finding great ""secret"" restaurants. What a treasure I found in Raleigh, NC. If there is a better Argentine restaurant in the US, I have not found it in the many I have visited. The preparation of the churrasco or vacio impecable. The home-made (Italian) appetizers to die for. The service welcoming, timely and accomodating. And the prices...made me think I was visiting Argentina. I will plan to fly into Raleigh, just to go back to the New Oakwood Cafe. A deep bow of respect. Pros: Quality of Preparatio, Service, Incredible pricing Cons: Remote Raleigh more

The New Oakwood Cafe is not an Argentinian, Cuban, or Italian restaurant. The Oakwood cafe is simply a great restaurant based upon the roots of the chef-owner who was born into an Italian family living in Argentina and who learned restaurant cooking in the Cuban restaurants of Miami. The menu is extensive and the prices are locked into a World War II price range. For example, at lunch the churrasco steak with two sides and bread is priced at $6.95. There is no better steak flavor available in the US than the flavor of the churrasco at the Oakwood. Charcoal-grilled grouper or mahi-mahi are wonderful sea food selections. The New Oakwood Cafe is a family operation and the result is great food, honestly and simply presented, at prehistoric prices. Pros: Food Quality, Price, Menu variety more

The first time that I ever was invited to go, I thought I was in for a horrible night. You pull up and its not much to look at, either on the inside or the outside. Its quaint, it's cozy, but you could never call it fancy. The looks are definitely deceiving however as the food is absolutely unbelievable. In fact, the food is better than any of the more acclaimed restaurants that I've been to in Raleigh, other states, and Mexico. The price is reasonable bordering on cheap and the service is always friendly. Of course once in a while its not quite as good (you cant be perfect every time), but even on those rare occasions its in a league by itself especially if compared to other local restaurants. Definitely a must try if you can make it. Pros: Amazing Cuisine, Comfortable, Atmosphere Cons: Parking, Hours more

This is a cozy, quaint, and romantic bistro at night! The great Italian dishes are only exceeded by the Argentinian and Brazilian food. Service is good, wines are affordable and very good. The prices are the best! Pros: Romantic, Fresh dishes, Inexpensive Cons: Small dining room more

Family owned & operated. Everything is homemade. I don't know what that other reviewer is talking about!! Everything made to order no pre made or microwaved food here!! Pros: y Cons: n more

This restaurant is great. Has Argentinean, cuban, and some italian food. The churrasco steak is wonderful. A great place to stop by for lunch, or dinner. I beg to differ with the recent negative comment. more

If it's Cuban food you desire, go to Miami. If this is not convenient, try the New Oakwood Cafe but be forewarned, it's not good Cuban food. For people who have never tasted freshly prepare Cuban food, it will taste pretty good. For those who are familiar with Cuban food, the food is so-so. Nothing special, a bit better than Goya frozen dinners. Why is this? The black beans are right from the can, no green bell peppers or onions added, no hint of delicate seasoning. The rice is not Cuban, it generally taste like popcorn. The Cuban dishes are probably made well in advance and kept frozen. Be sure to order from the daily menu, it most likely will be freshly made. more

This is a great little cafe/restaurant with a great atmosphere. The shrimp scampi linguine is out of this world!!! The staff is great too!! :) Pros: GREAT FOOD, GREAT SELECTION more

Argentinian/Cuban delights! Lunch and dinner. No frills eating with great food and great wine at great prices. Pros: Great Food, Inexpensive, Unique more