The Absolute Most Delicious Italian Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte has become quite the foodie town, not just in the Southeast, but all across the country! And no town can gain that kind of recognition without at least a couple of great Italian restaurants. Well, we’ve put together a list of them. Each of their menus vary based on region, however we can guarantee that no matter which one you pick, you will have a hot, fresh, and ultra comforting meal. Start from the top of the list and work your way down. However you do it, you’re going to want to check all of these out. Bon Appetit!
Fiamma Ristorante
2418 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 333-3062
Fiamma is a family owned and run business so you just know they put their heart into everything that they do. This restaurant is calm, relaxing and so inviting you’ll feel like you’re enjoying a meal at your own family dining table, except you’re being served and the food is probably better here. Just about everything on the menu is made in house. They’ll start you off with some bread and a pesto dipping sauce that is just magnificent.
For your appetizer, try an order of piatto di burrata or the fiocchetti, or both! The fiocchetti will just melt in your mouth, same with the burrata. Before bringing out your entree, they serve a complimentary sherbet to cleanse your pallet. It really is the little things that make for a wonderful dining experience. For dinner, there are several different pasta options with protein like chicken, shrimp, and Italian sausage. Their gnocchi is simply out of this world. You can really tell how fresh all of their ingredients are by the flavor of their dishes. If you’re able to save some room for dessert, try the tortina al fiamma, a warm baked chocolate cake with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and other goodies!
Photo Credit: Facebook
Mama Ricotta’s
601 S Kings Dr AA, Charlotte, NC 28204
(704)-343-0148
Famous for the freshest mozzarella in town and Double Zero flour imported from Italy, and with over 20 years of experience, Mama Ricotta’s gave us a real Italian gourmet experience. From sensational calamari appetizers to tasty Greek yogurt Caesar Salad to Pene Alla Vodka for those who love their vodka in pasta. The freshly baked bread is to die for, and the crab risotto and the shrimp are creamily delicious.
We tried out the Mama’s Giant Chocolate Cake, New York Style Cheesecake, and the Nutella Pie for dessert – they did not disappoint. The entire menu will whet your appetite. Garnering regional and national accolades, Mama Ricotta’s is voted as the Best Italian Restaurant continually.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Dolce Ristorante
1710 Kenilworth Ave, 28203 Charlotte (North Carolina) NC
(704)-332-7525
We found several variations of the traditional Italian pasta at Dolce Ristorante that tantalized our taste buds. For all your homemade vegetarian, omnivorous, and vegan pasta, this is the place to be. All recipes in this original Italian family-owned eating house have their origins from their Italian lineage and are made fresh daily.
What’s even better is that they are available for private parties, no matter the size of your event. So, if you’re looking for wonderful food at a great venue to impress your guests, this is an ideal place. To order your food, call from 3:30 pm. If you are ordering a meal on a weekday, it is advisable to order two days prior.
Closed for lunch on Saturday and Sunday, you’ll find them fully operational for dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Sunday through to Thursday, and up to 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Portofino’s
There are three different Portofino’s outlets located in this neighborhood.
Portofino’s Park Road
5126 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209
(704)-527-0702
Portofino’s at Eastway
3124 Eastway Drive #500, Charlotte, NC 28205
(704)-568-7933
Portofino’s at the Arboretum
8128 Providence Road #100, Charlotte, NC 28277
(704)-542-9911
You can order for delivery or pickup, but we chose to eat in to experience the service and the ambiance, which was great. Their ageless passion for food is evident in their menus. This passion is further elaborated by having only family and friends serving as staff members at each of their outlets, most of whom have roots in Italy. This ensures consistent quality, giving you a gratifying Italian experience.
The menu includes a balanced mix of vegetables and cheeses, meats or seafood, and of course, pizza and pasta. You can download a printable menu from their website for your ease of reference and just dial in when you want to order.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Capishe: Real Italian Kitchen
500 East Morehead Suite 100, Charlotte NC. 28202
980-819-9494
Capishe Real Italian Kitchen is an Italian fine dining restaurant with an aesthetically attractive open layout and wonderful twinkling lights that is gratifying for the entire family. Bruce Willette, the creator of Salsarita’s, a renowned “fresh-Mex” restaurant located in Charlotte, is the brains behind the business.
Voted as Charlotte’s Best New Restaurants of 2019 by Yelp, Capishe has various menu options. These include Pizza Rosso, Pizza Bianca, Sandwiches, Salads, Pasta, Desserts, Beverages, and even meals made specifically for kids. They avail a fast-grab option through takeout or delivery and an indoor dining experience.
Some popular favorites include Buffalo Mozzarella, caramelized cipollini onion, Capishe red sauce, and Peppadew – dolce piquante pepper.
Photo Credit: Facebook
North Italia
1414 S Tryon St. Suite 140, Charlotte, NC 28203
980-279-8900
North Italia has built a name with its everyday special – a new delicious pizza and pasta meal that the Chef handmakes from scratch, waiting for discovery and devouring. Not only renowned for their tasty food, but they also offer tasty, unique cocktails inspired by locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Some of the menu favorites are spaghetti and meatballs, the house specialty – Bolognese, strozzapreti, chicken parmesan, and white truffle garlic bread.
Conveniently visit this restaurant without worrying about parking as they will validate your ticket for the RailYard garage for floors two to eight. You can comfortably dine till late, up to 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday and up to 10:00 pm from Sunday through to Thursday. Or you can choose to order for delivery or pickup.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Zio Casual Italian
116 Middleton Drive, Charlotte, NC 28207
(704)-344-0100
Zio Casual Italian opened in Charlotte in May of 2005 and continues to remain in the family lineage. This unique eatery was named after the restaurants’ founder. In Italian, Zio means Uncle. It all started in 1946, when the first family member in the restaurant business, Uncle Duff, opened a legendary Italian restaurant in New York, Duff’s Tavern.
Zio’s principles are simple. To guarantee the highest food quality, they grow most of their ingredients in their garden, providing their kitchen with farm produce of about 1000 pounds each year. The unique aspect of this place is that you can stroll through The Garden when you visit Zio Casual Italian. What other form of confidence would you require to eat at any outlet?
With menu favorites such as meatball parmesan, baby arugula salad, meat lasagna, piccata, and a range of grilled and hot pies, you’re spoilt for choice. They are open to hosting luncheons, private gatherings, dinner rehearsals, holiday parties, baby and bridal showers, and even wine tasting events.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Primo Prime
116 Middleton Drive Charlotte, NC 28207
(704)-334-3346
Primo Prime extends a combination of classic Italian, Steak, and Seafood cuisines. Outstanding spinach ricotta gnocchi, grilled romaine, tagliatelle Bolognese, beef carpaccio, beef tenderloin pappardelle, and spiced duck breast are among the restaurant’s exquisite menu favorites. Delivery and takeout options are readily available. You’ll also find a mix of lovely cocktails, or you can get to select wine from the cellar.
Well acknowledged for their inviting atmosphere, great food, and superb service. Primo Prime was highlighted in the South Charlotte Weekly Culinary Corner. They are open for dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Sunday and Monday and close at10:00 pm on Tuesday through to Saturday.
Luce
214 N Tryon St J, Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 344-9222
Luce is a small, sophisticated restaurant serving Northern Italian dishes right in Uptown, Charlotte. Be sure to make a reservation here otherwise it may be hard to get in. If you arrive early, sit at the bar and order yourself a pre dinner cocktail or a glass of wine. When you are seated, you’ll be served complimentary bread and instead of the typical marinara sauce or oil, they serve a white bean dip that is actually quite delicious. If you are dining with Luce for a special occasion, be sure to let them know and a glass of champagne will be brought your way.
Some of their antipasti include their burrata con prosciutto di parma and their pepata di cozze e vongole, which is steamed clams and mussels in a light spice tomato sauce. Both a tasty start to your meal. For dinner, try their capellini pomodoro, rigatoni buttera, cavatelli, or one of their specials of the night. For non pasta dishes, try one of their salmon or steak dishes. For dessert, they have a wonderful creme brulee and the torta di cioccolato is the perfect touch of sweetness to end the meal. Sit and enjoy a cappuccino or an espresso martini before enjoying a night in Uptown.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy your stay in Charlotte with a variety of mouth-watering Italian cuisines, freshly made, from some of the best Italian Restaurants in Charlotte. Whether craving for something new or one of your long-time favorites, you’ll never miss out on either.
Editors Note: This article was originally published on September 5, 2021 and last updated on March 29, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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