What's not to love about Italian cuisine? According to a recent YouGov survey, Italian food was ranked as one of the most popular & most liked food in the world. If you think about it, it makes sense, it's hard to find people who don't like pasta or pizza! Perhaps it's the aroma which awakens your senses & blends well with a variety of wines. Maybe it is the idea of family-style, feasting that we find ourselves drawn to. Maybe it's all that cheese or the variety of sauces. Or honestly, maybe it's the carb loaded comfort that a bowl of pasta brings. No matter the feelings it evokes, you can find fresh dishes being served with the highest quality ingredients in Charlotte. These are some of our favorites:
NO. 1 | VOLO
Why it is Concierge Approved | Volo is a lively yet cozy restaurant! The interior is lovely & sleek which really sets the mood for the wonderful service, food & refreshments. The drink menu & wine list offer a great selection & has something for everyone. The dishes are very fresh & authentically made. The flavor is incredible & the balance to each dish is just right. With the menu changing seasonally, there are always new dishes to try! A few of our favorites are the Gnocchi, Eggplant Parmigiana & Branzino which they plate for you table side. For dessert, we love their rendition of the tiramisu & of course limoncello for a nightcap!
1039 Providence Road | 704.919.1020
Why it is Concierge Approved | From the moment you walk in the door, you are invited by the most intoxicating aromas. The kitchen is front & center with a 22 seat bar surrounding it which makes for an entertaining meal. If you are looking to sit at a private table, we highly recommend a reservation. The atmosphere is intimate, bright & modern. While the menu changes seasonally, we can tell you that shared plates is a fun way to go. If on the menu, we recommend the house-made burrata, wood roasted beets, ham croquettes & smoked trout. All of the pastas are divine & made to order. No matter the menu or season, the Flour Shop uses fresh ingredients in unique ways & serves the most amazing homemade bread & pasta!
530 Brandywine Road | 980.299.3754
NO. 3 | VIA ROMA
Why it is Concierge Approved | Via Roma is a quaint restaurant making pasta from scratch & to order. Any of the pastas on their menu can be made gluten free all you have to do is ask. Everything is so charming, authentic & as we mentioned quaint, so if you don't have a reservation that's okay just grab a seat at the bar & enjoy a glass of wine! While we frequent often, our favorite thing to do is order a few things for the table to share. Everything we have had is amazing; however save room for dessert because the tiramisu is on our top 5 ever.
7416 Waverly Walk Avenue | 980.245.2166
NO. 4 | STAGIONI
Why it is Concierge Approved | When you dine at Stagioni be prepared for a fabulous experience. The atmosphere is quite intimate, but we recommend sitting on the terrace, if possible. The staff knows the menu extremely well & they are very attentive. The homemade pasta is pure perfection! We highly recommend their pizzas which are served in a unique way! Some items on the menu change with the seasons but everything is delicious. Some of our favorites, if they happen to be on the menu are the burrara arancini, stracciatella pizza, squash blossoms, tonnarelli & save room for the zeppoli. Trust us...you will not be disappointed! 715 Providence Road | 704.372.8110
NO. 5 | OGGI RISTORANTE
Why it is Concierge Approved | There is nothing better than authentic Italian! Oggi is family owned & they have the utmost respect for high-quality fresh ingredients. The pasta is made in house & cooked perfectly. The sauces are incredibly flavorful! The Crabmeat Ravioli is divine, as well as the Ricotta & Sun-Dried Tomato Agnolotti, the champagne cream melts in your mouth. Each dish is simplistic, yet is beautiful plated. The atmosphere is quaint, lighting dim, has a romantic vibe & everyone is friendly. If you get a chance to sit on the patio, we would highly recommend it. It's much quieter & can be so relaxing with a good glass of wine.
16646 Hawfield Way Drive | 704.716.9400
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HONORABLE MENTIONS:
ARIA 100 N. Tryon Street | 704.376.8880
6401 Morrison Boulevard, Suite 6B | 704.367.1808
4219 Providence Road, Suite 3 | 704.364.4445
116 Middleton Drive | 704.344-0100
5126 Park Road | 704.527.0702
300 S Tryon Street | 704.445.2540
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Didn't happen to see your favorite Italian restaurant on our list, please let us know about it. There is nothing better than fresh noodles & homemade sauce, so we would be thrilled to hear your recommendations. Email your favorite Italian spot to concierge@cltsfinest.com.
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