After my first trip to Italy 2 years ago, I fell in love with the food, wine and culture. Every bite tells a story of tradition, passion, sourcing and flavor. From the bustling streets of Rome to the rocky landscapes overlooking the ocean in Sardinia, there is no doubt that Italian food is extremely special. Bringing you my Top 10 favorite Italian restaurants in Charlotte ranging from cozy family-run trattorias to chic urban bistros, each spot on the list is showcasing their own unique interpretation of Italian cuisine. Perfect for families, date night, girls night out, or groups, there is a restaurant here for everyone! 

Aqua e Vino 

IG: @aquaevino

Location: 4219 Providence Rd. #3993

Neighborhood: Strawberry Hill 

Concept & Vibe: Chef Gabriele Grigolon is Italian born and trained. His small, intimate restaurant showcases flavors in Northern Italy, Milan, Monte Carlo, Paris and the US. A hidden gem tucked away in the SouthPark area 

Food & Drink: Seasonal, fresh, local. Chef utilizes what is fresh and available. The wine list is a treat with a bottle for everyone. Barolo for me, please! 

Ever Andalo

IG: @ever_andalo

Location: 3116 N Davidson St. 

Neighborhood: NoDa

Concept & Vibe: Inspired by a village in the region of Northern Italy called “Andalo” (very cool story on the website) This restaurant is cozy, warm and inviting. The perfect addition to NoDa. 

Food & Drink: Antipasti for you and your date to share, fresh pasta, focaccia bread served with a top quality Italian olive oil flight. Did I mention an extremely intentional curated Italian wine list to pair? Oh and the desserts are top notch. Every item on the menu is made by hand in their scratch kitchen.

Aria Tuscan Grill

IG:  @ariatuscangrill 

Location: 100 N Tryon St. 

Neighborhood: Uptown 

Concept & Vibe: Aria captures the flavors of Tuscany where old world comfort food meets a warm Italian setting. I love the U-shaped bar, the glass window looking in to watch the chef’s cooking and the intimate chef’s table located inside of the kitchen.

Food & Drink: Chef Alex does a stellar job with the menu. You will find a few classics, as well as re-invented modern spins. Wood-fired pizza oven, fresh pasta, extremely high quality ingredients, bar happy hour specials.. Just a few things I love about Aria! 

The Jimmy

IG:  @thejimmyclt

Location: 2839 Selwyn Ave. 

Neighborhood: Myers Park

Concept & Vibe: Italian fare meets French flare. Inspired by the Mediterranean coastlines of Italy and France. Picture yourself in a sun-washed trattoria or bistro overlooking the cliffs and beaches

Food & Drink: Fresh pasta, pizza with a 72 hour fermentation process made with organic, locally sourced super sprouted wheat, delicious entrees using ingredients from local farms and an exceptional wine list with a sommelier on staff. And prosecco on tap. That’s a reason to go in itself. Don’t miss out on Aperitivo Hour during the week! 

Flour Shop

IG: @flourshopclt 

Location: 530 A Brandywine Rd. 

Neighborhood: Montford

Concept & Vibe: The entire restaurant is built around the open kitchen. The bar has the best seats in the house! You will see meat roasting on the crank grill, fresh bread baking, and pasta being made right on the stone counter.

Food & Drink: The menu changes seasonally and they do an exceptional job of sourcing local. You will find an array of appetizers, salads, pasta and mains. I have always loved the wine list here as well as the house-made desserts. 

Stagioni

IG: @stagioni_clt 

Location: 715 Providence Rd.

Neighborhood: Providence/Myers Park

Concept & Vibe: Stagioni pays homage to a world traveler and legendary hostess who formerly lived in the villa. They do a fresh, seasonal take on traditional Italian dishes. The atmosphere is warm, rustic and perfect for a romantic date night

Food & Drink: Italian staples served with some twists. Just as the hostess would have wanted. Stagioni is also known for their wood-fired pizza with the perfect char.

Pizzeria Omaggio

IG: @omaggiopizzeria

Location: 1055 Metropolitan Ave. #130

Neighborhood: Midtown

Concept & Vibe: Omaggio pays tribute to the art of simplicity and pizza making. Authentic italian pizzeria specializing in Roman style pizzas with a few Italian/American classics! It feels like you have entered a bistro in Rome! Intimate, cozy and very much feels like home.

Food & Drink: Over 20 specialty pizzas and build your own options on the menu, the focus is always on the ingredients and level of craftsmanship. Every pizza is intentionally made and meant to pair with a beautiful glass of italian white, red, aperol spritz or espresso martini! 

Little Mama's
 

IG: @littlemamasitalian

Location: 4521 Sharon Rd.

Neighborhood: SouthPark & Waverly (Rea Farms)

Concept & Vibe: Little Mama’s has something for everyone. Comfort food with Italian-American flavors and recipes. Full bar, sun-room and dining room perfect for any occasion.

Food & Drink: Mozz bar, handmade pasta, decadent, cheesy, Italian dishes. The kind you get very excited to take home for leftovers. 

Portofino's

IG: @portofinosus

Location: Multiple Locations

Neighborhood: Park Rd, Indian Land, Eastway, Arboretum

Concept & Vibe: Bringing you “la dolce vita” the sweet life. The city of Portofino is on the coast of Northern Italy where food, wine and dolce vita are the true way of living.

Food & Drink: Many of the staff members are originally from Italy! This restaurant has a passion for making you feel like part of the family.. Serving up pasta, pizza, seafood, meats, cheeses and more! 

Indaco

IG: @indacocharlotte

Location: 2046 South Blvd. 

Neighborhood: South End

Concept & Vibe: Indaco is Italian for “Indigo” owned by the Indigo Road Hospitality Group. Rustic, Modern Italian with a gorgeous interior! Wood accents and butcher block tables make it feel very warm and inviting. Great for date night or girls night out. 

Food & Drink: Fresh pasta, focaccia bread, wood-fired pizza oven and house-made sausage. 

Other Must Visits: I have been told to dine at Open Kitchen for years. It is still on my list, but I hear it is a staple in Charlotte! I wanted to put it on your radar. I also want to try Mezzanote Ristorante on Providence Rd.  

Looking for an authentic Italian market? Serving up Italian meats, bread, take home items, cannolis, gelato, cakes, olive oil and more. You must check out Enzo’s Italian Market on Potter Rd and Nonna Maria’s Italian Deli & Market in Matthews!