Parmagiana di Melanzane Paste
Parmagiana di Melanzane Paste
Nice decor
Outside view
Almost like Firenze
Outside view
Inside
a bar with wine glasses
Inside
Bar view
Bread and white bean in olive and balsamic vinegar on table
Menu
Meatball apoetizer
Caorese salad
Eggplant parmesan
Crab Cakes
Complimentary bread
Menu
Olive oil in balsamic vinegar for fresh bread
Fresh bread
Caesar Insalate
Evan D.
Feb 23, 2025
Located in the Promenade on Providence shopping center, Arooji's Wine Room and Ristorante has been serving Tuscan-inspired cuisine for over 22 years, making it a long-standing spot in Ballantyne's dining scene. With murals throughout the dining space, the ambiance leans into a rustic, old-world charm that complements their Italian menu.I stopped by for lunch on a Sunday when only the lunch menu was available, which mainly featured soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastas. One thing to note is that their pastas are not made in-house. Fresh bread with oil and balsamic vinegar is served, a nice touch before the meal.When trying a new Italian restaurant, eggplant parmigiana is usually my go-to. While the lunch menu only had it in sub form, my waiter, Joel, who was great and checked in at appropriate times, was able to accommodate me with a lunch-sized portion of the dinner eggplant parmigiana plate with spaghetti. The red sauce leaned more acidic than sweet, which some may prefer, but the eggplant itself was roasted and baked rather than fried, resulting in a mushy texture. It was difficult to distinguish where the eggplant ended and the sauce began. I also didn't see any mozzarella on top, just a light sprinkle of Parmesan. I know some Italians prefer it that way, but I wasn't sure if that was intentional or just an oversight. The best way to describe this dish would be a roasted eggplant caponata without the capers and olives served over spaghetti.The spaghetti itself was cooked correctly, and there was plenty of sauce to coat the pasta. But overall, this style of eggplant parmigiana wasn't my preference.One unexpected observation was the men's restroom setup, which was a bit puzzling. There were two toilets, but one was out in the open instead of enclosed in a stall. Not sure about the logistics there. Since Arooji's is a bit of a drive for me, I would need some convincing to return. Nothing was bad, but it wasn't my ideal style of Italian food. That said, I was told their lasagna and house-made meatballs, which are only available at dinner, are worth trying. If I do come back, that's what I'll be ordering.
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Roger S.
Feb 25, 2025
Food was good but very pricy.$16 for French fries.Waiter was very rude , huffing puffing complaining. We were 7 people and only table there.For example . We asked for separate checks from the beginning and he would not do it. Gratuity was automatically added , I guess if party of 6 and more they add it.Hope this helps
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Christy C.
Aug 11, 2024
Had an amazing experience at Arooji's! My friend and I spilt appetizers, wine and crab cakes.The ambiance was perfect. It was a calming atmosphere that we could easily carry on a conversation in!Our service was amazing and the food was delish! We will be back.
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Joan R.
Oct 16, 2024
This is a nice small restaurant with friendly staff. I attended a group dinner with 35 people. So it was extremely noisy and crowded. Bread and white beans in olive oil on the table. I ordered my go to Italien favorites, Italien meatballs and caprese salad. My dining mate ordered eggplant parmesan and some others ordered mostly pasta entrees at our long table.. I have to say my meatball appetizer was a huge disappointment. The meatballs were dry and hard abd tasteless and I had to slice them with a knife not a fork. My caprese salad was tasty and nothing exceptional. My dining mate shared his eggplant parmesan with me which was good. Others diners liked what they ordered when I asked them and some thought food was mediocre. Food was plated nicely and came out hot. Menu a bit pricey in my opinion. Not sure if I would return again.
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Mitch K.
Jul 20, 2024
Returned with another couple for dinner. Arooji's was back to excellence, food and service. We stayed for 2.5 hours talking, eating and drinking. A great evening.Angel G. did a great job keeping us happy without being obtrusive. Prices have been going up all over due to inflation. Wines by the glass were $13 each. The pollo piccata was $29, the ravioli special was $32, penne alla vodka was $22. Appetizers were under $20.Atmosphere is comfy and warm. A great date place or, as we did, to visit with old friends.
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Brittney W.
Mar 23, 2024
The food was good! Service was friendly. Nice decor but could use some updating. Outside and inside seating .
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Kane S.
Jul 7, 2024
They're very short staffed which isn't the end of the world but they just constantly forgot about me and what I had ordered. The glassware was all dirty to the point I didn't want to drink from it. I think they should just limit their customer intake and have a manageable crowd considering how few employees they have.
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Ashish J.
Dec 26, 2022
We had a large family event and loved the ambience and service. Situated in a strip mall but you get a very classy feel as soon as you walk in. Separate sections and a trattoria type feel and service. It's a quite popular so ambient noise can get up there during busy times. Several vegetarian antipasto options.
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Jack R.
Aug 8, 2024
Service is outstanding, comfortable with good ambiance, extensive menu, well-prepared authentic Italian recipes that Mr Arooji perfected over the years, now carried on by his son! Highly recommended!
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Dominic S.
Mar 29, 2024
Best rigatoni bolognese in Charlotte. Attention to detail, aldente, (always) consistency. Managers run a very tight ship. Appreciate their hard work and impeccable service.
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