News-Archive

The golden hour hits a little differently depending on where you are. Whether you’re unwinding poolside surrounded by Italian-inspired charm, catching the sunset high above the skyline, or celebrating life’s biggest milestones, late summer brings its own unique rhythm to each of our destinations.

From rich house-made pastas and charred coastal seafood to lively cocktail hours and custom event bars, we’ve put together your ultimate late-summer order across Mulino, La Terrazza, and Melrose Knitting Mill. Pull up a chair, raise a glass, and explore what’s on the menu right now.

From La Terrazza

The Sicilian

Pistachio Pesto Perfection Under the Stars

There’s no better backdrop for a summer evening than the Raleigh skyline from our ninth-floor terrace. To match the breezy rooftop vibes, we love sending out The Sicilian. We toss our house-made spaghettone in a rich, velvety Bronte pistachio pesto—a bright, nutty Sicilian tradition that feels light and perfectly tailor-made for warm August nights.

Polpo

Charred, Vibrant, and Made for Golden Hour

If you’re starting your evening with drinks on the terrace, our Polpo is an absolute staple. We char octopus to tender perfection and pair it with crisp potatoes, sweet confit tomatoes, and a bright sherry vinaigrette. It’s light, flavorful, and brings a touch of the Mediterranean coast right to our skyline view.

The Sunset Coupe

Citrus-Kissed and Photo-Worthy

Nothing sets the mood for an evening like a crisp, ice-cold cocktail served in a classic coupe. Whether you’re sipping a bright watermelon creation, a bittersweet Aperol variation, or a citrus-forward gin craft, our bar team pours the ultimate afternoon companions.

From Mulino

Gnocchi Al Tartufo

A Taste of Umbrian Luxury on the Patio

As the late summer sun sets over our patio, we love bringing out dishes that offer both comfort and sophistication. Our handmade potato gnocchi is tossed in a velvety Parmigiano crema and finished with aromatic black truffles. It’s our homage to the prized summer black truffles (tartufo estivo) found in the hills of Umbria—rich, silky, and best enjoyed al fresco with a cold glass of wine.

Pinsa Mulino

Made for Sharing

If you’ve stopped by recently, you know our house-made Roman-style Pinsas are the ultimate summer patio bite. Our signature Mulino Pinsa brings together classic Italian elements with a lively summer twist: a crisp base topped with San Marzano sauce, fresh mozzarella, peppery arugula, cured prosciutto, and an organic baked egg right in the center. Prosciutto is deeply tied to Umbria’s butchery heritage, and this colorful pie is one of our absolute favorite dishes to bring out to a table full of friends.

Amalfi Holiday

Coastal-Inspired Sips

Can’t get away to the coast? Our Amalfi Holiday brings the Mediterranean directly to your glass. Crafted with Altos Tequila, Cointreau, cold-pressed melon, a dash of smoke & salt bitters, agave, and fresh lime, this signature sip offers a unique, elevated spin on a classic cocktail. Enjoy it poolside at Mulino for the ultimate late-summer getaway vibe.

From Melrose Knitting Mill

Chicken & Waffles

A Southern Classic, Elevated for Celebration

Cocktail hour is all about effortless, crowd-pleasing bites, and nothing gets guests talking quite like our mini Chicken & Waffle Skewers. We pair golden, crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffle quarters, finished with a drizzle of sweet maple glaze. Skewered for easy mingling, they offer the perfect balance of savory Southern comfort and upscale event style.

The Spritz

Effervescent and Unmistakably Festive

There’s no better way to greet your guests than with a bright, ice-cold spritz in hand. Bursting with fresh citrus, aromatic botanicals, and a generous splash of prosecco, an Aperol Spritz is light, refreshing, and sets an effortlessly chic, elevated tone from the very first toast.

The transition from winter to spring in the City of Oaks is a special time. The evenings get longer, the breezes off the skyline get sweeter, and the desire to dine under the open sky becomes the top priority for every Raleigh local.

At Umbria Hospitality Group, we believe the return of the sun isn’t just a change in the forecast; it’s an invitation to rediscover the joy of gathering. From the first blooms of spring to the golden heights of summer, whether you are seeking a breezy rooftop toast, a poolside Italian feast, or a historic backdrop for your next milestone, our Downtown Raleigh collection has a seat waiting for you.

1. Sunset Sips at La Terrazza

Perched on the ninth floor of The Dillon, La Terrazza offers a vantage point like no other. As the sun dips behind the Raleigh skyline, our terrace becomes the city’s premier destination for Mediterranean-inspired summer evenings.

• The Vibe: High-energy, sophisticated, and breezy.
• The Seasonal Pick: Pair our seasonal crudi with a crisp Italian white wine as you watch the city lights flicker on through our floor-to-ceiling glass walls or outside on our patio.
• Perfect For: “Just because” spring/summer cocktails, romantic date nights, and Father’s Day toasts with a view.

2. A Mediterranean Escape at Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar

There is a reason Mulino is consistently named the best patio in Raleigh. Centered around our iconic reflecting pool, the courtyard at Mulino transports you straight to the Amalfi Coast.

• The Vibe: A lush, hidden oasis in the heart of the Warehouse District.
• The Seasonal Pick: House-made tagliatelle enjoyed poolside, followed by a bottle of estate-grown wine from our curated cellar.
• Perfect For: Fun Saturday dinners, summer anniversaries, and hosting Father’s Day celebrations that feel like a vacation.

3. Historic Summer Gala at Melrose Knitting Mill

Summer weddings and corporate mixers require a delicate balance: the beauty of natural light without the North Carolina humidity. Melrose Knitting Mill offers the best of both worlds.

• The Vibe: Industrial-chic elegance with massive arched windows.
• The Advantage: Our third-story venue is awash in sun, but with full climate control and catering exclusively by Mulino, your guests stay cool while enjoying world-class cuisine.
• Perfect For: Summer wedding tours (now booking for 2027!), spring corporate networking events, and large-scale private parties.

Plan Your Spring with Umbria

While May graduation weekend has our tables humming with celebration, the magic of spring in Raleigh is just beginning. Now is the perfect time to secure your reservations for Father’s Day or start planning your July corporate mixer.

Ready to experience the best of the City of Oaks?

• Book your table at La Terrazza
• Grab a poolside spot at Mulino
• Inquire about events at Melrose Knitting Mill