This guide covers 22 italian restaurant options in Charlotte. Guests rate them 4.4 out of 5 on average. Most of them are spread across Barclay Downs, Dilworth, Cherry, so those are the areas to start with.
All Italian restaurant in Charlotte
Zio Casual Italian
Zio Casual Italian is a restaurant that serves authentic Italian fare in a friendly and casual setting at a good value. It offers a menu of homemade pastas, New York-style pizzas, and other Italian dishes, all made with traditional recipes brought over from Italy with its grandmother. The restaurant's philosophy is simple: to serve authentic Italian fare in a welcoming atmosphere, without sacrificing quality or value. Zio Casual Italian is located in the Myers Park area of Charlotte, North Carolina, and is known for its cozy atmosphere and exceptional service. Regular customers rave about the restaurant's friendly staff, generous portions, and delicious food, which includes exceptional pizzas, homemade pasta, and other Italian specialties. The restaurant's menu is limited but well-presented, with options like snapper piccata, charcuterie, and arugula pizza. Reviews from customers on Yelp and other platforms praise Zio Casual Italian for its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent service. One reviewer described the pizza as "phenomenal," while another praised the restaurant's half-off wine deal on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The restaurant's commitment to using authentic Italian recipes and high-quality ingredients has earned it a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
- 116 Middleton Dr, Charlotte, NC 28207
- Eastover
- (704) 344-0100
- ziocharlotte.com
- Today: 5–9:30 PM
Opening hours
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday5–9 PM
- Wednesday5–9 PM
- Thursday5–9 PM
- Friday5–9:30 PM
- Saturday5–9:30 PM
- SundayClosed
Open Kitchen
The Open Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant located in Charlotte, North Carolina, serving Italian and Greek cuisine. Established in 1952, it has been a staple in the community for over 74 years, offering a diverse menu with daily lunch and dinner specials to satisfy various cravings. The restaurant is known for its historic atmosphere and distinctive memorabilia-filled setting. The Open Kitchen is a family restaurant that started in 1952 in Charlotte North Carolina, and it has been serving the community for over 70 years. The restaurant offers a mix of Italian, Greek, and American cuisine, which can satisfy even the most complex palate. The menu includes dishes with homemade sauces and marinades, salad dressings, and desserts made in the small kitchen. The restaurant grew to its current size with building expansions in the 1960s and 1970s to accommodate the growing Charlotte population. The Open Kitchen is a beloved local business that has been serving the community for over 70 years, offering a unique dining experience with its historic atmosphere and memorabilia-filled setting. It is home to the area's first pizza pie, which was introduced by brothers Steve and Speros Kokenes in the 1950s. The restaurant has been recognized as a Neighborhood Favorite in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and it continues to serve the community with its delicious food and warm hospitality.
- 1318 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28208
- Wesley Heights
- (704) 375-7449
- worldfamousopenkitchen.com
- Today: 11 AM–10 PM
Opening hours
- Monday11 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday11 AM–9 PM
- Friday11 AM–10 PM
- Saturday4–10 PM
- Sunday4–9 PM
The Jimmy
The Jimmy is a restaurant that offers Italian and French-inspired cuisine. It is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and serves handmade pastas, stone-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and exquisite wines and cocktails. The restaurant's inventive and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is crafted with care, and its menu is inspired by Italian and French flavors. The Jimmy's menu features a variety of dishes, including wood-fired pizzas, fresh burrata, and handmade pasta. The restaurant also offers a selection of seasonally refreshed cocktails and a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere. The Jimmy's patio is open year-round, making it a great place to relax from brunch to late-night martinis. The Jimmy's culinary expertise is rooted in the Mediterranean, but its inspiration comes from overseas. The restaurant recreates the delicious simplicity of Italian favorites, enhances them with French techniques, and touches them with the flavors of its own seasonal ingredients. This approach allows The Jimmy to offer a unique dining experience that is both familiar and innovative.
- 2839 Selwyn Ave x, Charlotte, NC 28209
- Barclay Downs
- (704) 979-4242
- thejimmyclt.com
- Today: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Opening hours
- Monday11:30 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday11:30 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday11:30 AM–9 PM
- Thursday11:30 AM–9 PM
- Friday11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Saturday10:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Sunday10:30 AM–9:30 PM
Portofino’s Italian Restaurant Eastway
Portofino's is an Italian casual dining restaurant. It serves appetizers and Italian pasta dishes, including chicken, veal, and seafood options, as well as whole pizza pies and pizza by the slice. The restaurant also offers various sandwiches, such as cheesesteaks, hot/cold subs, and fresh-made-to-order salads. Portofino's has multiple locations in the Charlotte area, with a focus on creating menus inspired by a timeless passion for food. Each restaurant is staffed by friends and family, many of whom are originally from Italy, and uses local ingredients when possible. The restaurant's goal is to bring la dolce vita to customers when they dine with them. Portofino's has a reputation for its exceptional service and quality food, with customers praising the restaurant's friendly atmosphere and attention to detail. The restaurant offers catering services, delivery, and takeout options, and is pet-friendly. With a cozy atmosphere and a wide variety of options, Portofino's is a popular spot for families and friends to gather.
- 3124 Eastway Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205
- Commonwealth Park
- (704) 568-7933
- portofinos-us.com
- Today: 11 AM–10 PM
Opening hours
- Monday11 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday11 AM–9 PM
- Friday11 AM–10 PM
- Saturday11 AM–10 PM
- Sunday12–9 PM
PORTOFINO’S RESTAURANT AT AYRSLEY
Portofino's is a Italian restaurant that offers traditional Italian recipes made with fresh ingredients and a genuine love for Italian cooking. It serves a variety of dishes, including pizza and pasta, as well as classic Italian entrées. The restaurant is located in Ayrsley, Charlotte, and has a casual yet polished, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for everyday dining, group dinners, romantic occasions, and special celebrations. Portofino's offers a wide range of menu options, including appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and full-course meals. The restaurant's menu features a variety of traditional Italian dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and risotto, as well as some non-Italian options for those who want a break from the usual. The restaurant's chefs use only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods to prepare each dish, ensuring that every meal is a delicious and authentic Italian experience. Portofino's is a family-friendly restaurant that welcomes guests of all ages and backgrounds. It has a full bar, patio seating, and convenient table reservations, making it a great option for both families and couples. The restaurant's friendly and attentive staff are always happy to help with any requests or questions, and the restaurant's casual yet elegant atmosphere makes it a popular choice for special occasions and everyday dining.
- 2127 Ayrsley Town Blvd #100, Charlotte, NC 28273
- Olde Whitehall
- (980) 297-7090
- portofinocharlotte.com
- Today: 11 AM–9 PM
Opening hours
- Monday11 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday11 AM–9 PM
- Friday11 AM–9 PM
- Saturday2–9 PM
- Sunday1:30–8 PM
Pizzeria Omaggio
Pizzeria Omaggio is an authentic Italian pizzeria that takes pride in and pays tribute to the art of pizza making by following traditional recipes that use fresh, quality ingredients. It is an Italian/American classic that caters to customers with a wide range of options, including pizzas, appetizers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts. The pizzeria offers a full experience of a real Italian pizzeria restaurant, with a cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and a variety of options to satisfy any palate. Pizzeria Omaggio is known for its commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes to create authentic Italian dishes. Its menu features over 20 pizzas, including seasonal options, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free pies, as well as appetizers, sandwiches, soups, and salads. The pizzeria also offers catering services for private and corporate events, with a focus on using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes to create a memorable dining experience. Pizzeria Omaggio has received rave reviews from customers and critics alike, with many praising its delicious pizzas, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere. Reviewers have noted the pizzeria's commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, as well as its wide range of options to suit any palate. With a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and a 4.7-star rating on Google, Pizzeria Omaggio is a top choice for anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- 1055 Metropolitan Ave #130, Charlotte, NC 28204
- (704) 370-0777
- pizzeriaomaggio.com
- Today: 10:30 AM–10 PM
Opening hours
- Monday10:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Tuesday10:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Wednesday10:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Thursday10:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Friday10:30 AM–10 PM
- Saturday10:30 AM–10 PM
- Sunday11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Piada Italian Street Food
Piada Italian Street Food is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in serving hand-rolled Italian piadas, fresh chopped salads, and tossed pastas made to order. The company has 38 locations across the US and is known for its customizable menu options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly choices. Piada's menu features a variety of dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and is crafted by chef-led teams. Piada's offerings range from Italian-style sandwiches and salads to pasta dishes and signature piadas, which are thin, stone-baked dough rolled with fresh ingredients and big flavor. The company's menu includes items such as basil pesto pasta, crispy chicken BLT piadas, and farmers market salads, all of which are made to order with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Piada's menu is designed to be inclusive and customizable, with options to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Piada Italian Street Food is geared towards customers who are looking for quick, delicious, and customizable Italian food options. The company's fast-casual model allows customers to order online, pick up their food, or dine in, making it a convenient option for busy individuals and families. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a variety of menu options, Piada Italian Street Food is a popular choice for those seeking a quick and satisfying meal.
- 282 S Sharon Amity Rd Unit 337, Charlotte, NC 28211
- Cotswold
- (980) 710-5500
- mypiada.com
- Today: 10:45 AM–10 PM
Opening hours
- Monday10:45 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday10:45 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday10:45 AM–10 PM
- Thursday10:45 AM–10 PM
- Friday10:45 AM–10 PM
- Saturday10:45 AM–10 PM
- Sunday10:45 AM–10 PM
North Italia
North Italia is a restaurant chain that operates in the hospitality industry, specializing in handcrafted Italian cuisine. It was established in 2002 and has since grown to manage 46 locations across North America, with a workforce of 500-1,000 employees. North Italia focuses on serving high-quality, scratch-made meals that resonate with customers seeking premium dining experiences. The company's menu features a range of dishes, including handmade pasta, artisanal pizzas, and seasonal ingredients, all made from scratch daily. Its open-kitchen concept allows for culinary transparency and guest engagement, creating a unique atmosphere that balances modern culinary trends with traditional Italian techniques. North Italia offers a variety of small plates, salads, pizzas, fresh pasta and entrees, including options such as Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Bolognese, and Squid Ink Tonnarelli, among others. North Italia's services cater to a wide range of customers, including individuals and groups, with options for reservations, takeout, and delivery. The company has a strong reputation for good food, good service, and good prices, with locations in various states, including Texas and North Carolina. Its menu offerings and services make it a popular choice for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
- 1414 S Tryon St Ste 140, Charlotte, NC 28203
- (980) 279-8900
- northitalia.com
- Today: 11 AM–11 PM
Opening hours
- Monday11 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday11 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday11 AM–10 PM
- Thursday11 AM–10 PM
- Friday11 AM–11 PM
- Saturday10 AM–11 PM
- Sunday10 AM–10 PM
Mano Bella – South Park
Mano Bella Artisan Foods is a business that specializes in crafting authentic Italian food products. The company is known for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and traditional Italian recipes. Everything is made in-house from real, whole ingredients, with no shortcuts, pre-made sauces, or frozen products. The company's products include fresh pasta, baked goods, and Italian wines, all made with imported Italian ingredients and sourced from local farmers. Their fresh pasta is made daily with imported Italian semolina flour and extruded through bronze for superior quality and texture. They also offer a variety of artisanal bread products, including taralli crackers, amaretti cookies, and breads, all made with care and attention to detail. Mano Bella Artisan Foods is a family-owned business run by husband and wife team Raffaele and Madison Patrizi. The couple's passion for Italian food and tradition led them to create a business that showcases their love for handmade, artisanal products. With a commitment to sustainability, community, and quality, Mano Bella Artisan Foods offers a unique and authentic Italian food experience that is perfect for those looking for a taste of Italy in the heart of North Carolina.
- 721 Gov Morrison St Ste 150, Charlotte, NC 28211
- Myers Park
- (704) 900-6506
- manobellaartisanfoods.com
- Today: 11 AM–9:30 PM
Opening hours
- Monday11 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday11 AM–9 PM
- Friday11 AM–9:30 PM
- Saturday11 AM–9:30 PM
- Sunday11 AM–4 PM
Mama Ricotta’s
Mama Ricotta's is a family-style Italian restaurant located in Charlotte, NC, serving authentic Italian cuisine made from the recipes of founder Frank Scibelli's family. It has become an institution in the city, garnering regional and national attention and praise. Mama Ricotta's is consistently voted Best Italian Restaurant and has served up scratch-made family favorites for over three decades. The restaurant offers a variety of Italian classics, including pasta dishes, pizzas, and homemade Italian favorites. The staff makes most items from scratch, including sauces, soups, sausages, bread, and desserts. The house-made mozzarella is famous for being the freshest in town and is always served when it is less than 24 hours old. Mama Ricotta's chooses the finest ingredients, even importing Double Zero flour from Italy and sourcing produce from local farmers' markets when seasonally available. Mama Ricotta's is a popular spot for both special occasions and casual outings, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere, as well as a private dining room that can accommodate up to 30 guests. The restaurant has a long history of providing exceptional service, and its staff is committed to creating a welcoming environment that makes guests feel at home. With its rich tradition of quality, creativity, and warm hospitality, Mama Ricotta's is a beloved institution in Charlotte's dining scene.
- 601 S Kings Dr AA, Charlotte, NC 28204
- Cherry
- (704) 343-0148
- mamaricottas.com
- Today: 11 AM–9 PM
Opening hours
- Monday11 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday11 AM–9 PM
- Friday11 AM–9 PM
- Saturday11 AM–9 PM
- Sunday11 AM–9 PM