Church restaurants in North Carolina include the esteemed La Cava Restaurant where traditional flavors of the Old World can be found. Located in one of the most inspirational settings in the heart of Salisbury, this beautiful eatery combines delicious Italian cuisine with the enriching atmosphere of a restaurant in a former church. Let's take a look inside La Cava.

Today, the exterior of La Cava still resembles a church, so you can't miss it.

In the years between when the church moved to its new location and when LaCava opened, two very ornate church steeples were removed from the building; one of them used to be right over where the entrance of the restaurant is today. Take a look at some La Cava restaurant photos.

With the exception of pews and other seating, most of the interior of this former church is still as it was in the 1950s when the congregation of the church moved to a newer, much larger place of worship here in Salisbury.

Miraculously, over the past 40 years or so, the interior was kept intact as well, even though it was not in use as a church any longer.

Then, in 1994, the owners of La Cava converted the old church into one of the most thrilling dining venues in the city. Customers rave as much about the atmosphere as they do about the incredible Italian and Continental cuisine served here.

The enormous stained glass windows are a beautiful reminder of the past of this restaurant in an old church. Stained glass began being used in places of worship as early as the 7th century. The artwork served to filter light into the structure as well as tell the stories of the bible to those who could not read.

One of the most sought after locations in La Cava is the original pulpit area, where two tables can be reserved in advance for special occasions. This area also serves as the restaurant's wine nook.

The wine selections here are as lauded as the food, the atmosphere, and the service, by the way.

And speaking of food... the pasta here is just as you'd find it in a quaint little bistro right on the street in Italy.

The Spinach Ravioli looks like Christmas stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese and served in a creamy tomato sauce.

Everything Italian, from Eggplant Parmesan to Lobster Ravioli, and more is available daily.

And nightly specials are carefully crafted to wow the taste buds while sticking to the traditional cuisine served in the Old World.

And we enjoy the assortment of specialty desserts.

If you've yet to sample the goodness at La Cava Restaurant then what are you waiting for?

Church restaurants include La Cava Restaurant which you can learn about on its website. Have you ever dined in an eatery that was once something else? Please share with us in the comments below.

While you're in Salisbury, explore the lovely 83-acre Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve. And if you enjoy hiking, try a free trial of AllTrails+.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/destination-waiting-for-explorers-nc/