Best Italian in Charlotte, NC
Evan's personally-vouched-for italian spots in Charlotte — 9 tried-and-true picks — in no particular order — with hours, addresses, and links to menus and reviews.
Mano Bella✓
Family-recipe Caesar (yes, anchovies — it works) and a standout Rabbit Cavatelli special: rich ragu over fresh house-made pasta, made with imported Italian f…
Osteria Luca✓
Authentic Italian with modern touches. The tiramisu is incredible and the eggplant parmigiana holds its own with the best in the city.
Aqua e Vino✓
Reopened in Strawberry Hill with a cozy, dim-lit dining room — great for date night. Reservations are phone-only with a 2-hour dine-in limit. The eggplant pa…
Dolce✓
Authentic Italian that doesn't need a gimmick. When I want the classics done properly, Dolce is on the shortlist.
ESO Pasta✓
Pasta worth writing a whole review about, which I did. Carbs as a personality trait, and I mean that as a compliment. Full story on my Substack.
Ardente: Roman Kitchen & Market✓
The pastas are made in-house and the wood-fired pizzas. I like the Alla Vodka pasta and adding a scoop of ricotta and chicken.
Basilico Italiano✓
NY-style Italian done right. Come Sunday for the lasagna special, and at lunch get the Mega Mozzarella or the Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. This is my comfort I…
Flour Shop✓
Flour Shop runs a rotating seasonal menu built around house-made breads and pastas that are cooked exactly right—the mushroom occhi with beef short rib and t…
Rizzo's Spaghetti House✓
Casual, affordable, consistent American-Italian, the kind of spot you grew up going to. NY-style plates and friendly service that makes you feel like a regul…