The Best Italian Restaurants in Charlotte

We may not have a luck to inflict Italy in our lifetime , but we can still eat on veritable Italian intellectual nourishment . Charlotte has a variety of Italian eatery – from romantic mulct - dining blot to more casual come - as - you - are eateries . There is something sorcerous about sit down at a tabular array with a clean tablecloth , being served a alimentary paste bag and a scrumptious Chianti as soft music plays in the background , but the real magic might be in the sauce .

Dolce Ristorante

Dolce is easy to pass on busy Kenilworth Ave , but that would be a travesty for you and your taste buds . It does n’t have showy décor , but the food is the true star – each dish tastes like it was lovingly prepare by someone ’s grandmother . A simple caprese salad , for example , is so fresh , it tastes like the chef just hook the tomatoes off the vine . alike , fan - favourite gnocchi is only served on Tuesdays to give up other dishes to have a fight chance of being ordered . Before lead home to settle into a carb - bring on sleep , order the vin santo . You ’ll rest better with a abdomen full of this dessert wine , served over panna cotta gelato with fresh mixed Charles Edward Berry and whipped ointment to top it off .

Portofino’s Ristorante Italiano e Pizzeria

With three placement , this Charlotte restaurant knows how to create alimentary paste dish antenna , pizza , and other Italian entrees . establish in 1996 by Giosue ( Josh ) and Luigi ( Gino ) , who were childhood friend in Naples , Italy , Portofino ’s serves recipes from Josh and Gino ’s childhood . The fellowship - friendly restaurant assist a miserly veal saltimbocca alla Romana ( veal , sautéed Spinacia oleracea , and prosciutto with melted mozzarella ) and some of thebest pizza in Charlotte .

Aria Tuscan Grill

A dejeuner staple fiber for Uptown workers , and a dinner party staple for those going to the Blumenthal for a show , Aria is known for flying service and delicious food for thought . To verify the solid food is as authentic as potential , the kitchen staff at Aria were prepare in Tuscany . Order the caramelized gnocchi with pear , gorgonzola , and truffle oil to share , or just keep it all for yourself ( highly recommend ) . If you do go in a radical , order the pasta tasting pick for the tabular array – you ’ll get to bask a five - course chef ’s choice savor card . If you ’re still not stuffed , adjudicate the orecchiette with sausage – made with chilies and roast red Piper nigrum , it has just the correct amount of kicking without being too overpowering .

Fiamma

Do n’t let the fact that Fiamma is located in a strip mall discourage you . Focused on northerly Italian cuisine , Fiamma makes pasta in - business firm , and the Pisces is fell in from Europe to give diners an authentic taste of Italian intellectual nourishment . Although it serves luncheon , the best time to visit is during dinner party , where dim lights and flickering candles make for a very romantic setting . Start with the Polpettini di Melanzane – eggplant croquette served with salad and Capricorn high mallow – or the Tagliolini alla Zafferano al Succo di Granchio ( if you’re able to sound out the name , you ’re amazing ) , a homemade saffron alimentary paste sautéed in a gamey tomato sauce with crab .

Mama Ricotta’s Restaurant

A Charlotte restaurant staple for almost 15 eld , Mama Ricotta ’s is known for a welcoming air with attentive religious service . somewhat price and always delicious , Mama Ricotta ’s will make you feel like you ’re walking into someone ’s family . The lettuce is made in - house , so commence with either the cheesy garlic pelf ( it be extra , but tote up the truffle vegetable oil ) or the warm goat cheese and mascarpone dip suffice with crostini . The ever - democratic penne alla vodka with sautéed pancetta in a peppery , spicy , tomato cream vodka sauce is the most popular pasta dish , and with good ground .

Luce

An intimate spot nestled at the Qaeda of the Hearst Tower , Luce is white tablecloth din at its best . A not bad date or special - juncture daub , this Uptown eatery has also become a lunch - stain staple for banker and attorney trying to impress customer . You ca n’t order wrong here , but definitely go with one of the novel seafood dishes – the flash - fried calamary is attend with a spicy marinara and trick garlic sauce sauce and is a bully way to give up off your meal . The branzino , also known as European ocean bass , is a standout seafood dish because the recipe changes daily . Be sure to dictate the ricotta cheesecake before you leave .

Stagioni: Four Seasons of Food

spread in 2014 , Stagioni is the third Charlotte restaurant from chef Bruce Moffett . Cozy is the serious mode to describe the interior of Stagioni , which is located in a historical mansion , as well as how you ’ll feel after dining here . The carte du jour changes with each time of year ( in fact , Stagioni means seasons in Italian ) , and while the pizza is a standout , the Italian sweetheart with a twist are the literal draw . The pork chop is served with Anson Mills polenta , braised green , and fry muddle . The gelato is awesome , but if it is on the menu , order the Baba au Rhum , a rum - soaked brioche with lemon crema .

Luciano’s Ristorante Italiano

This perfunctory dining spot is perfect for out - of - town node and kinsperson because it feels more like a small neighborhood speckle than a restaurant located in the heart of hustle South End . If you want something other than pasta , the eggplant Parmigiana is a perennial favorite . Even if you do n’t have room , order the zeppole to go ; this dessert features Italian doughnuts filled with ricotta tall mallow and Nutella .

Vivace

With a with child standard atmosphere and one of thebest patiosin the urban center , Vivace wait on up beautiful dishful in an equally beautiful setting . The spaghetti with braised meatballs is as comforting as a hug from your grandmother . And those with gluten allergies need not dread : Vivace has an entire gluten - devoid menu so you do n’t have to miss out on dishes such as pasta Bolognese and fettuccine . Do n’t block to end your meal with a glass of the house - made limoncello .

Zio

This hidden gem is insert away so only the true devotee of Italian cuisine have a go at it about it … until now . For over a decade , Zio has do made - from - scraping dishes to Charlotteans and transplanting likewise . Gluten - free and vegetarian options are available , but centre eaters can rejoice at this restaurant . The substance lasagna will still you for the rest of your meal because you will want to savor every bite . When you inflict , do n’t miss out on the hazard to see where some of your food comes from and visit the garden where Zio produce fruits , vegetables , and herbaceous plant .

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