10 Absolutely Delicious Italian Restaurants in Louisville
When only red sauce, carbs, and the feeling of being part of the Familia will do, visiting a local Italian restaurant is definitely what you should do. So to help you out, we have found the best Italian restaurants in beautiful Louisville, KY to try the next time you are craving the old-world flavors and atmosphere that Italian restaurants are famous for.
1. Silvio’s
104 Fairfax Ave Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 883-6369
This local favorite Italian spot is well-known for its big flavors and classic Italian dishes. From greeting you outside with Silvio’s Italianate mural to the family atmosphere inside, eating at Silvio’s is sure to make you wish you had an Italian grandmother. Returning customers always order the chicken parm or the seafood pasta and many nights the owner will greet you as well, just like in the old country.
2. Volare Italian Ristorante
2300 Frankfort Ave Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 894-4446
This fine dining experience lets guests enjoy classic Italian dishes while being surrounded by contemporary Italian-inspired art, soaring wine racks and flickering candlelight. Perfect for a romantic evening or brunch, Volare’s specialties include the beef carpaccio appetizer and the salmon filet dinner. Brunch offerings at Volare are an option too, and intimate live music is part of what makes the atmosphere here so enjoyable to the guests.
3. Vincenzo’s
150 S 5th St Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 580-1350
Louisville residents and visitors return to Vincenzo’s downtown for a high-end Italian dining experience and the flavors of the old world that Vincenzo’s is known for. Whether eating in the main dining area or in one of the two private dining rooms, guests love to come here for special occasions to dine on options like the maiale infarcito, stuffed pork tenderloin, or the chef’s special five course dinner that comes with a glass of prosecco. Expect a leisurely dining experience here and not a table-turning meal since Vincenzo’s presents their meals with the European style of lingering. Enjoy multiple courses and the company of whoever you come with over a glass of wine.
4. Milantoni Italian Restaurant
1600 S Hurstbourne Pkwy Louisville, KY 40220
(502) 742-8210
Enjoying this suburban Italian eatery located in a renovated building is always a great option. Milantoni is serving up some hot lunch and dinner every day of the week. They sometimes have live music to add to the casual atmosphere here, but locals love to come here for the authentic Italian food. Popular dishes like the shrimp fettuccine and the baked ziti will have visitors thanking the chef for cooking up such delicious, classic meals at Milantoni. Adventurous eaters might want to try the Hawaiian calzone, a fun combination of the Italian doughy hand pie that is filled with tropical ingredients like ham and pineapple.
5. The Black Italian
2009 Highland Ave Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 690-8914
The husband and wife team behind The Black Italian provides family-style meals and catering packages at their counter-service spot as well as outside dining options for guests here. But guests at The Black Italian will be sure to enjoy plenty of authentic Italian flavors with a touch of soul flavor like the creamy garlic formaggio pasta and the smoked marsala mushrooms. The family-sized meal packages are popular options too, and The Black Italian continues to focus on supporting local families with these options to help families get a quick and delicious Italian meal on the table to enjoy together.
6. bar Vetti
727 E Market St Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 883-3331
This hip Italian bar is perfect for an upscale night out or even late-night noshing. If after hours is not your thing, try bar Vetti’s brunch dining where a country ham & egg pizza can fulfill your breakfast and Italian cravings in one fell swoop. But evenings here are popular where guests dine by the light of a gorgeous and fun neon bar Vetti sign in a sleek, modern dining room. Locals love the rigatoni cacio y pepe as well as the tiramisu. The craft cocktails at bar Vetti are not to be missed either.
7. Pizza Lupo
1540 Frankfort Ave Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 409-8440
Voted the Best Pizza in 2021, Pizza Lupo is located in a quaint old home that hides the deliciousness cooking up inside here. When you are looking for the best Italian restaurants in Louisville with a casual vibe, but unmistakably top-notch pizza, come to Pizza Lupo’s walk-up counter. Be prepared to be awed by the gorgeous food they bring out to your table. Favorites like the Sting Like a Bee pie will make you question why spicy honey isn’t a standard pizza topping option. The Milk & Honey pizza’s interesting combination of cambozola cheese and ricotta cheese sauce makes this dish worth testing out here as well.
8. DiFabio’s Casapela
2311 Frankfort Ave Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 891-0411
This local favorite has been serving up savories and sweets since 1995 and their consistently great flavors are the reason why. As one of the best Italian restaurants in Louisville, DiFabio’s Casapela not only delivers authentic old-world dishes but also well-made seafood options and house-made desserts. You won’t leave here hungry because portions are generous, too. Locals return to Casapela for their lobster ravioli, the spinach alfredo lasagna, Italian cream cake, and crème brulé.
9. Grassa Gramma
2210 Holiday Manor Center, Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 333-9595
Here’s a fun fact: Grassa Gramma means “the plump grandmother!” At this gorgeous Italian restaurant, expect to leave with a satisfied and full appetite. A favorite among Louisville locals, Grassa Gramma has an old-century Italy courtyard ambiance with an indoor fountain and brick walls. The menu offers a variety of flavorful options: caesar salad, prosciutto and mushroom pizza, pesto primavera pasta, seafood scampi, classic lasagna, and so much more. If you find yourself at Grassa Gramma and can’t decide what to get, the cacio e pepe is a favorite among guests. Dine in with friends, grab some drinks, and you’ll be sure to have an awesome time at Grassa Gramma!
10. ROC
1327 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 459-7878
ROC is a chic, high-energy restaurant serving up the freshest homemade pasta and the most incredible seafood around. This classy spot is perfect for special events and intimate date nights. For dinner, start yourself off with a quality Italian cocktail or a bottle of wine. There is an extensive wine menu, so there is plenty to choose from. Order the calamari as your appetizer and follow it up with an exquisite dish like the creamy rigatoni with sausage and butternut squash. End your meal on a high note with amazing desserts such as the strawberry panna cotta or affogato al caffe. Be sure to visit ROC on Tuesday nights for cacio e pepe night; the chef emerges from the kitchen to prepare the most creamy, cheesey, peppery dish tableside, flambéed in a giant wheel of pecorino romano.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Louisville, check out our Louisville city page.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on December 27, 2022 and last updated on November 16, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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