The Best Italian Restaurants in Charlotte

From Bruschetta to Ziti, Here's Where You Get Charlotte's Best

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

Fiamma

2418 Park Rd
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 333-3062

Great food 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

Portofino's
3124 Eastway Dr
8128 Providence Road #100
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

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

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 grilled pizza. 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

Ilios Noche
11508 Providence Rd
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 814-9882

Ilios Noche in south Charlotte's Providence Estate area has a menu that features Mediterranean delights, including Greek offerings, but the Italian food here rivals any restaurant that specializes in it. The veal is a standout dish. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice as well.

Toscana Italian Restaurant

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

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.