Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Charlotte | Upscale Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Charlotte | Upscale Italian Food

• Jeremiah's Italian Ice — Italian · rated 4/5: This vibrant dessert destination invites guests into a world of playful indulgence where the refreshing chill of artisan Italian ice meets the velvety swirl of premium soft serve. Signature Jelati creations layer these contrasting textures into colorful masterpieces, offering nostalgic flavor journeys through whimsical combinations like Frosted Animal Cracker and decadent Strawberry Shortcake.
• Joe Mama's Pizza & Grill — Italian: The air at Joe Mama’s Pizza & Grill is thick with the savory perfume of hand-tossed dough crisping in the heat and the irresistible sizzle of prime cuts hitting the flame. This vibrant neighborhood haunt invites diners into a world of comfort where golden, bubbling pizzas emerge from the oven to join succulent, char-grilled specialties in a celebration of hearty, soul-satisfying flavors. It is a place where the warmth of the kitchen and the lively hum of conversation create the perfect backdrop for a relaxed meal shared among friends.
• Hawthorne's NY Pizza & Bar — Italian: The spirited energy of a classic New York corner joint comes alive in this neighborhood hub, where the comforting aroma of hand-tossed dough and bubbling mozzarella fills the air. Oversized, thin-crust slices boast the perfect foldable char, served alongside a vibrant bar scene where craft pours and spirited conversation flow freely. It is a welcoming retreat that celebrates the simple, timeless joy of a great pie shared among friends in a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.
• PIE.ZAA — Italian: This high-energy urban sanctuary celebrates the bold spirit of the Big Apple, where the sight of massive, 28-inch pies creates an instant sense of spectacle and shared indulgence. Diners fold oversized, thin-crust slices that strike a perfect harmony between a crisp, charred base and molten cheese, all within a vibrant space that pulses with the social rhythm of the city.
• The Randazzo's Grid Iron — Italian: The Randazzo's Grid Iron pulses with the high-octane energy of game day, where the aroma of charred meats and savory spices wafts through a space defined by camaraderie and local pride. Guests settle into a lively atmosphere where every sizzle from the open kitchen competes with the cheers of the crowd, creating a sensory feast that pairs ice-cold brews with flame-kissed comfort. It is a spirited neighborhood anchor that transforms a simple meal into a vibrant celebration of sport, flavor, and community.
• Pizza Baby East — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt pulses with a laid-back, modern energy, where the irresistible aroma of bubbling mozzarella and blistered, hand-stretched dough wafts from the glowing ovens. It is a space designed for lingering over artisanal pies with perfectly charred crusts and inventive toppings, offering a soulful slice of community that feels both effortlessly cool and warmly welcoming.
• Villani's Bakery — Italian: Stepping into Villani's Bakery feels like a journey to an old-world pasticceria, where the air is heavy with the intoxicating aroma of toasted flour, sweet vanilla, and rich espresso. Sunlight glints off glass cases overflowing with jewel-toned macarons, crisp-shelled cannoli, and golden, flaky pastries that shatter delicately at the first bite. It is a neighborhood sanctuary where the rhythmic hiss of the milk steamer provides the soundtrack to mornings spent lingering over artisanal treats and warm, crusty loaves.
• Da Vinci's Pizza — Italian: Stepping into this vibrant pizzeria feels like entering an artist’s studio, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of bubbling mozzarella and hand-stretched dough. Each pie emerges from the oven as a masterpiece of charred, leopard-spotted crust and bright tomato sauce, topped with artisanal ingredients that celebrate the timeless harmony of Italian flavors. Whether shared over a bottle of red in a cozy, sun-drenched booth or enjoyed as a soul-warming slice on the go, every bite captures the soulful spirit of traditional craftsmanship.
• Alpha Omega Grill & Pizzeria — Italian: Alpha Omega Grill & Pizzeria serves as a vibrant neighborhood crossroads where the smoky allure of the grill meets the comforting warmth of a stone-fired oven. Golden, bubbling pizzas emerge with perfectly charred crusts alongside succulent, flame-kissed meats and savory Mediterranean-inspired plates that celebrate bold, honest flavors. It is a space of casual conviviality, inviting guests to linger over generous portions in an atmosphere that feels both familiar and energized.
• North Italia — Italian: North Italia pulses with a vibrant, modern energy where the comforting aroma of toasted focaccia and earthy white truffle garlic bread drifts through a stylish, sun-drenched dining room. The kitchen celebrates the art of the shared table, serving up golden-crisp zucca chips and molten cacio e pepe arancini alongside plates of buttery wild shrimp scampi that capture a soulful, contemporary approach to Italian-inspired comfort.
• Carrabba's Italian Grill — Italian: The air hums with the lively energy of an open kitchen, where the smoky scent of a wood-fired grill mingles with the fragrant aroma of fresh herbs and simmering sauces. Guests gather around tables to share warm, crusty bread dipped in herb-infused oil before diving into hearty plates of pasta and flame-kissed meats topped with bright, sun-drenched flavors. This inviting space captures the spirit of a bustling family kitchen, offering a warm and social atmosphere where every meal feels like a spirited celebration of shared traditions.
• Aria Tuscan Grill — Italian: Aria Tuscan Grill transports diners to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with a sophisticated atmosphere where the comforting aroma of warm, house-made focaccia and slow-simmered meatballs fills the air. The kitchen celebrates bold Mediterranean flavors through artfully plated dishes like charred octopus and golden mushroom arancini, alongside pillows of caramelized gnocchi that melt on the tongue. From the delicate brightness of bluefin tuna crudo to the rustic warmth of traditional pasta fagioli, every plate offers a refined yet soulful journey through the heart of Tuscan cuisine.
• Mama Ricotta's — Italian: This bustling neighborhood landmark hums with the spirited energy of a large family gathering, where the comforting aroma of slow-simmered Sunday gravy and wood-fired dough fills the warm, brick-walled dining room. Heaping platters of hand-rolled pasta and charred New Haven-style pizzas celebrate the soul of Italian-American tradition, creating a communal dining experience that feels like a heartfelt invitation to the family table.
• Jet's Pizza — Italian: The irresistible aroma of garlic-buttered "Turbo Crust" beckons diners to this lively haunt, where the star of the show is the thick, square-cut Detroit-style pizza. Each slice offers a masterclass in texture, pairing a light, pillowy center with a golden, caramelized cheese edge that delivers a legendary crunch in every bite.
• Pizzeria Omaggio — Italian: Pizzeria Omaggio invites guests into a warm, spirited atmosphere where the air is perfumed with the earthy scent of black truffle bruschetta and slow-simmered marinara. The kitchen honors the art of the Italian table with a contemporary touch, serving up velvety butternut squash ravioli and savory Roman-style bean salads that capture the rustic soul of the Mediterranean. Whether sharing an overflowing antipasto platter or savoring homemade meatballs topped with clouds of ricotta, every meal feels like a heartfelt tribute to timeless culinary traditions.
• Pizzeria Sapienza CLT — Italian: The rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough and the irresistible aroma of simmering tomato sauce define the vibrant energy at Pizzeria Sapienza CLT. Here, thin-crust pies emerge from the oven with perfectly charred edges and molten cheese, offering a soulful slice of New York tradition in a welcoming, modern urban setting.
• Wheelz Pizza — Italian: Wheelz Pizza captures the essence of a modern neighborhood pizzeria, where the irresistible aroma of bubbling mozzarella and hand-stretched dough invites guests into a space of casual, high-energy charm. Each pie emerges from the heat with a perfectly blistered crust, ranging from the garden-fresh simplicity of a classic Margherita to the savory, spice-kissed layers of a loaded Supreme. It is a destination where the timeless comfort of a great slice is elevated by premium ingredients, creating a vibrant dining experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
• Fiamma Ristorante — Italian: Fiamma Ristorante radiates a sophisticated warmth, drawing guests into a space where the flicker of candlelight meets the irresistible aroma of wood-fired Margherita pizzas and golden-crisp eggplant croquettes. The kitchen masterfully balances textures and tastes, pairing the delicate sweetness of pear-stuffed fiocchetti with the savory depth of paper-thin beef carpaccio and vibrant, farm-fresh salads. Whether sharing a platter of creamy burrata or savoring the coastal crunch of fritto misto, every bite captures the soulful, sun-kissed essence of authentic Italian dining.
• Inizio Pizza Napoletana — Italian: The air hums with the radiant warmth of wood-fired ovens as artisanal dough is hand-stretched and transformed into charred, blistered masterpieces that honor the soul of Naples. Vibrant swirls of vodka pesto and spicy pepperoni meet the creamy indulgence of house-made cheeses, creating a sensory journey where traditional techniques and bold, modern toppings collide. Each slice offers a rustic, communal experience, inviting guests to savor the simple perfection of sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil in a space that feels both timeless and energetic.
• Emmy Squared Pizza — Italian: Emmy Squared Pizza reimagines the classic slice with its signature Detroit-style squares, where airy, focaccia-like dough is edged with a crispy, caramelized cheese crust and finished with bold, savory toppings. The lively, industrial-chic space hums with energy as guests dive into indulgent double-patty burgers on toasted pretzel buns and vibrant seasonal sides. It is a destination where comfort food is elevated to an art form, offering a soulful dining experience that celebrates the perfect crunch in every bite.
• Primo Tuscan Grille — Italian: Sun-drenched flavors and the rustic charm of the Italian countryside converge at this inviting grille, where the air is alive with the aroma of charred herbs and simmering sauces. The kitchen transforms vibrant ingredients into a tapestry of Mediterranean comfort, offering everything from the delicate silkiness of beef carpaccio to pillowy spinach gnocchi and golden, crispy seafood that dance on the palate.
• House of Pizza — Italian: This neighborhood landmark wraps guests in the comforting scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted flour, where the warm glow of the pizza oven serves as the heart of the bustling dining room. Hand-tossed dough meets vibrant tomato sauce and a generous layer of cheese, resulting in golden, crispy-edged pies that have anchored local family traditions for generations. Every visit feels like a nostalgic homecoming, offering a timeless slice of community centered around the simple, soul-warming joy of a perfectly baked crust.
• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza — Italian: The warm glow of the wood-fired oven serves as the heart of this lively gathering spot, where the comforting aroma of toasted focaccia and bubbling cheese fills the air. Friends linger over vibrant platters of glazed meatballs and creamy, oven-baked dips, pairing artisanal pizzas with crisp, garden-fresh salads that celebrate bold and zesty flavors. It is a place where casual comfort meets culinary craft, inviting guests to share a meal in a relaxed atmosphere defined by the flicker of the hearth and the joy of a perfectly charred crust.
• Zepeddie's Pizzeria — Italian. * Italian.: Flour-dusted counters and the comforting hum of a busy kitchen define this neighborhood staple, where the intoxicating aroma of toasted crust and savory herbs greets you at the door. Golden, hand-tossed pies emerge from the oven with perfectly charred edges, topped with vibrant sauces and molten cheese that stretch with every slice. Whether grabbing a quick slice on the go or settling into a booth for a communal feast, guests find a timeless slice of tradition served with warmth and a genuine passion for the craft.
• Bird Pizzeria — Italian: This neighborhood sanctuary hums with the warmth of a glowing oven, where the intoxicating aroma of blistered crusts and melting mozzarella draws a lively crowd into its intimate, inviting space. Each artisanal pie—from the minimalist Plain to the fiery kick of Calabrian chilies and savory sausage—showcases a mastery of texture and balance, perfectly paired with the bright, zesty crunch of a signature Kale Caesar. It is a place where tradition meets modern flair, offering a soulful dining experience that celebrates the communal spirit of sharing a slice in a setting that feels both effortless and refined.
• The Jimmy — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched and effortlessly chic, this neighborhood gem captures the spirit of a coastal European bistro where the clinking of glasses and lively conversation fill the airy, light-filled dining room. The kitchen turns out vibrant, seasonal plates that balance rustic charm with refined technique, from salt-dusted focaccia to delicate pastas that sing with the brightness of fresh herbs and citrus.
• Ciro's Italian Restaurant — Italian: Bathed in a soft, amber glow, Ciro’s captures the soul of a classic trattoria where the intoxicating fragrance of fresh basil and simmering marinara drifts from the bustling kitchen. Guests linger over plates of silken, hand-crafted pasta and tender braised meats, savoring an atmosphere that balances refined elegance with the spirited, welcoming energy of a cherished neighborhood gathering place.
• Mezzanotte — Italian: Mezzanotte invites diners into a sultry, candlelit sanctuary where the allure of the midnight hour is captured through deep velvet textures and the soft glow of amber lights. The air carries the intoxicating scent of slow-simmered ragù and toasted garlic, setting the stage for velvety handmade pastas and bold, rustic flavors that celebrate the heart of Italian tradition. It is a place where time seems to slow down over lingering pours of full-bodied red wine, offering an intimate escape that feels both timeless and deeply indulgent.
• Luisa's Brick Over Pizzeria — Italian: The golden glow of a roaring brick oven anchors this inviting neighborhood haunt, where the intoxicating scent of bubbling mozzarella and charred dough creates an immediate sense of home. Artisanal pizzas emerge from the flames with perfectly blistered crusts and vibrant toppings, offering a masterclass in the simple harmony of heat and high-quality ingredients. It is a space where the lively hum of conversation and the warmth of the hearth come together to turn a casual meal into a soulful, shared celebration.
• The Crust Pizza — Italian: Sunlight streams through large windows into a vibrant space where the rhythmic sound of dough being tossed sets a lively tempo for a casual yet spirited meal. Golden-brown crusts emerge from the oven with a signature char, topped with sun-ripened sauces and molten cheese that stretch with every satisfying bite. It is a neighborhood cornerstone where friends gather over shared pies and cold drinks, celebrating the simple, artisanal joy of a perfectly baked pizza.