The Best Italian Restaurants in Charlotte

If you're looking for Italian food in Charlotte, here are some of the city's best! From neighborhood places to restaurants for an upscale night out, we've got a wide range.

Fiamma

2418 Park Rd
Charlotte, NC 28263
(704) 333-3062

Great good and atmosphere, Fiamma is some of Dilworth's best dining. Plenty of people have called this the best Italian food in the city. Some of the standout dishes here are the lamb osso bucco, the salmon, and about any of the gnocchi and pasta dishes. The pastas and breads are made in-house, and the pesto is excellent. There are plenty of diverse wines here, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

Portofino's
3124 Eastway Dr
2127 Ayrsley Town Blvd
5126 Park Rd
Charlotte, NC
(704) 568-7933

Just about anything from Portofino's is going to be an excellent dish. Whether it's their New York style pizza, the marinara, the lasagna or baked ziti, it's all great! It's a regular spot for locals and a destination for visitors. They're small, and can get crowded—but you know that's the sign of a good restaurant.

Vivace
1100 Metropolitan Ave
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 370-7755

The menu at Vivace is a little limited, and a little eclectic...but pretty good! The atmosphere is modern but classic. The truffle ravioli here is highly recommended, as is the bruschetta appetizer. The restaurant can get a bit noisy and busy, but it's still a good spot for date night. There's also a nice wine selection here.

Zio
116 Middleton Dr
Charlotte, NC 28207
(704) 344-0100

Right near the Providence and Queens intersection in Myers Park is this little gem. The chicken Parmesan here is excellent, as is the pizza. They've got a grilled pizza here that really stands out. This is a great spot for a quick dinner or lunch. It's off the main road, a casual place, and just a great "neighborhood" restaurant.

Ilios Noche
11508 Providence Rd
Charlotte, NC 28288
(704) 814-9882

Ilios Noche in south Charlotte's Providence Estate area has a variety of cuisines, not just Italian. But don't let the name fool you because the Italian food here rivals any restaurant that specializes in it. The main emphasis is Mediterranean but you can find just about anything. The veal and mushrooms here is an excellent dish. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice as well.

Toscana Italian Restaurant
6401 Morrison Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 367-1808

Toscana is an upscale restaurant in the South Park area. You'll find it in the Specialty Shops at the Park. The decor is quaint and charming, and plenty "romantic" enough with dim lighting and a great wine list. The outdoor patio is nice as well. The service here is consistently well-reviewed, and the food is top-notch as well. The seafood dishes here are excellent, including the grouper.

Luciano's Ristorante Italiano
1910 South Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 833-1484

This restaurant is somewhat new to the scene, but many people are calling Luciano's the best Italian food in Charlotte. Taking a look at online reviews, it seems like their food is excellent, but where Luciano's really shines is customer service. The restaurant itself has a very nice ambiance, whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a nice night out. The ravioli here (they have several varieties) is a must try.