It may seem like an odd combination, but the blending of Italian and Japanese cuisine at Capriccio 42 ensures there’s something on the menu for every appetite. The restaurant, which opened over the summer, fuses many tastes together for an experience that is like having more than one eatery under one roof.

Enter the restaurant on any given night and you may see a biker at the bar watching the game, friends catching up in a quiet corner, or a couple sampling the delicacies at the sushi bar.

“It’s hard to define because it’s so unique,” said Vilamon Carroll. “This is a very authentic place. People are so driven by brand names. I want to see this place boom like the brand names do, because they deserve it.”

Carroll began as just another customer at Capriccio. A self described “sushi connoisseur,” after sampling what Capriccio had to offer, she knew she had to get involved.

“I went to one of Raleigh’s premiere sushi restaurants with some friends and paid $90, and the sushi was good,” she said. “I came to Capriccio the next night and paid half that, and the sushi was out of this world. The presentation was better and the rolls were better.”

Carroll is now a regular customer and helps the owners with marketing in her spare time.

And each of the owners is as eclectic as their menu. Chai Phasukkan, John Rapana and Ra Raksanit are all originally from Thailand, but each brings a different set of culinary skills to the table.

Phasukkan acts as general manager. He has decades of restaurant experience under his belt, some of which were spent working at the Saint Regis Hotel in New York City. He also currently owns two upscale restaurants in Pinehurst – Table on the Green and Whispering Woods Café.

Rapana is a co-partner and the resident sushi chef. He got his start in Washington, D.C. before making his way to North Carolina, where he worked at Sushi Thai in Cary.

Raksanit is a co-partner and the Italian chef, bringing 30 years of experience in cooking Italian food.

According to Rapana, it’s the mix of backgrounds that make for a restaurant that stands out from the crowd.

“I realize that chain restaurants are a dime a dozen,” said Rapana. “Capriccio has a unique flare that separates it from your typical chain restaurant. Here at Capriccio you will find authentic Japanese food, the best cut of steak at an unbelievable price, and New Jersey style pizza that makes your mouth water, because you have three owners and chefs that have their own uniqueness with a touch of love in every dish.”

And with a varied menu, there are plenty of dishes to satisfy your appetite. The menu is comprised of traditional Italian dishes, seafood, steak, sandwiches, appetizers, salads and more. The Japanese portion of the menu offers appetizers, soups, salads and entrees; but the real showpiece is the sushi menu – with traditional favorites like the California Roll and Philadelphia Roll, to the creative concoctions of the Beauty and the Beast, Lava Roll, Godzilla Roll and Lobster Bomb.

Capriccio also offers food specials throughout the week. Tuesday is karaoke and ladies’ night, with half off appetizers for women. Come in Wednesday and get 25 percent off sushi rolls. If you’re looking for dinner and a show, Thursday is open mic night, with plenty of local entertainment on tap, including Jason Carroll. Originally a member of the band Wyde Open, Jason plays country and classic rock, including covers by Lynyrd Skynrd, Gary Allen and more.

There is also live music on occasion during the weekends – call ahead or check the web site to confirm. And with a full bar and several TVs, getting a drink and catching the game couldn’t be easier. There are also happy hour specials on Tuesdays through Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., where customers can get half off on selected appetizers. If you’re coming in for lunch, try the all-you-can-eat pizza for $5 per person. For a list of daily dinner specials, check out the web site.

Capriccio 42 is located at 25 Old Drug Store Road in Cleveland, in a building that has seen its fair share of businesses over the past few years. But the owners are hopeful that they’ll be feeding and entertaining the community for years to come.

“We now can offer a friendly neighborhood restaurant that has all you can ask for under one roof,” said Rapana. “We take pride and love in the special dishes and want to show the community we’re here to stay. We especially want to give a warm thanks to all of our customers [and] to ask for continued feedback so that we can improve our day to day to make sure we get the best reviews.”

To get a peek at the full menu and see what Capriccio has to offer, visit their web site at www.capriccio42.com. And check out the web site or call to confirm live music for the weekends, at 662-8272. For those trying to finish up their holiday shopping, Capriccio offers gift certificates for a fun night out for your loved ones. And if you’re planning a meeting or party, contact the restaurant for space or catering options.

Hours

Monday - closed

Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (if there’s special music, hours may extend)

Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.