Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Louisville | Upscale Italian Food

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

• The Slice — Italian · rated 5/5: The Slice captures the vibrant energy of the clubhouse, offering a spirited escape where the love of the game is celebrated through bold flavors and a lively, social atmosphere. Crispy Birdie Wings and golden Tee Time Taters pair perfectly with hearty, golf-inspired staples like the Big Stick, creating a playful dining experience that feels like a sunny afternoon on the greens. This welcoming retreat invites guests to linger over a Mulligan Medley or a celebratory Shotgun Start, ensuring every visit feels like a victory lap.
• Hop Atomica — Italian · rated 4/5: This vibrant neighborhood haunt pulses with creative energy, where the scent of charred wood-fired crusts mingles with the crisp, hop-forward aromas of experimental small-batch brews. Industrial-chic aesthetics and bold murals set the stage for a communal experience, inviting guests to linger over artisanal pizzas and house-distilled spirits in a space that feels both raw and refined. Every visit captures the spirit of local craft, blending a laid-back atmosphere with a sophisticated approach to fire-kissed flavors and inventive pours.
• Porcini — Italian · rated 4/5: Soft amber lighting and the rustic charm of polished wood create an intimate backdrop for a culinary journey rooted in the rich, savory depths of the forest. The air is thick with the intoxicating fragrance of wild herbs and simmering mushrooms, setting the stage for hand-crafted dishes that transform simple, earthy ingredients into an elegant symphony of umami and warmth.
• Perso — Italian · rated 3/5: Perso invites diners into an intimate, artisanal sanctuary where the air is rich with the savory perfume of expertly cured meats and the conviviality of shared plates. Masterfully crafted charcuterie boards take center stage, showcasing a tapestry of textures from velvety liver pâté and buttery pork rillettes to the delicate, salt-kissed ribbons of duck prosciutto and spicy sopressata. Each bite is balanced by dollops of fresh, creamy ricotta, creating a sophisticated yet soulful experience that celebrates the timeless tradition of the butcher’s craft.
• Payne Street Bakehouse — American · rated 3/5: Sunlight streams through the windows of this vibrant neighborhood hub, where the comforting aroma of toasted bagels and freshly brewed coffee creates an inviting morning sanctuary. Artfully arranged platters showcase everything from colorful seasonal fruit and creamy hummus to robust Italian-style sandwiches, offering a versatile spread that transitions seamlessly from light summer bites to hearty, meat-filled feasts. Whether you are tucking into a meticulously packed box lunch or sharing a generous breakfast spread with friends, the experience celebrates the simple, artisanal joy of a community bakehouse.
• Parlour — our" locations often serve pizza (: Enveloped in the warm glow of amber lights and the rich textures of leather and velvet, Parlour offers an intimate escape that feels both timelessly classic and vibrantly current. The space pulses with the rhythmic clink of crystal and the low hum of conversation as guests indulge in masterfully crafted cocktails and bold, seasonal plates that celebrate the art of refined simplicity.
• Caffe Classico — Italian: Caffe Classico transports guests to a sun-drenched European piazza, where the rich aroma of freshly ground espresso mingles with the buttery scent of golden pastries cooling on the counter. Polished marble surfaces and the gentle clink of porcelain create a timeless backdrop for lingering over artisanal paninis and vibrant salads that celebrate simple, high-quality ingredients. Whether for a brisk morning macchiato or a slow, indulgent afternoon treat, the space hums with an effortless elegance that turns every visit into a refined escape.
• Volare — Italian: Bathed in warm light and the melodic clinking of glasses, Volare captures the effortless elegance of a modern Italian escape where every meal feels like a spirited celebration. The kitchen transforms sun-ripened ingredients into vibrant, soulful plates that dance on the palate, inviting guests to linger over crisp wines and the convivial hum of a room in full flight.
• Boombozz Pizza and Taphouse — Italian: This energetic neighborhood hub pulses with a social buzz, where the golden glow of craft beer taps meets the irresistible aroma of award-winning pizzas emerging crisp from the oven. Creative toppings and artisanal crusts take center stage, inviting diners to linger over a cold pint in a space that seamlessly blends the warmth of a local hangout with a bold, modern culinary spirit.
• Ciao Ristorante — Italian: Ciao Ristorante captures the effortless charm of a Mediterranean escape, where candlelit tables and the hum of lively conversation set the stage for an evening of pure indulgence. The kitchen transforms humble ingredients into culinary poetry, from silken hand-rolled pastas to savory braised meats that melt away with every bite, all served with a spirit of genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel like family.
• Craft House Pizza — Italian: Sunlight streams into a vibrant, industrial-chic space where the rhythmic tossing of dough and the crackle of a high-heat oven set the stage for a soulful, communal meal. Each artisanal pie emerges with a perfectly blistered, leopard-spotted crust, topped with a thoughtful curation of fresh ingredients that elevate the humble pizza into a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
• ROC — Italian: Stepping into ROC feels like entering a polished sanctuary of Italian hospitality, where the soft clink of wine glasses and the rich aroma of slow-simmered ragu create an atmosphere of effortless sophistication. The sun-drenched dining room balances crisp white linens with a lively, cosmopolitan energy, serving as a vibrant backdrop for savoring silken handmade pastas and refined Mediterranean flavors.
• Pizza Lupo — Italian: Stepping into this vibrant haunt feels like discovering a hidden urban sanctuary where the crackle of a wood-burning oven sets the rhythm for the evening. Hand-stretched dough is transformed into charred, leopard-spotted masterpieces topped with seasonal treasures, creating a soulful dining experience that celebrates the raw beauty of fire and flour.
• Derby City Pizza — Italian: Step into a spirited neighborhood hub where the warmth of the ovens meets the lively chatter of a community gathered over shared slices. Golden, thin-crust pies arrive piled high with savory toppings and draped in molten cheese, capturing the essence of comfort food with every crisp, satisfying bite. It’s a place where the local spirit is as rich as the sauce, offering a welcoming retreat for families and friends to celebrate the simple joy of a classic pizza night.
• Legacy Pizza & Bakery — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the intoxicating aroma of slow-fermented dough define this sun-drenched neighborhood gem, where the rhythmic hum of the kitchen celebrates the timeless art of the bake. Golden, leopard-spotted pizzas emerge from the oven with a satisfying crunch, perfectly complemented by a glass-fronted display of buttery, flaky pastries and crusty artisanal loaves that invite lingering over a morning coffee or a communal dinner.
• Bella Roma — Italian: Bella Roma captures the soul of a sun-drenched Italian piazza, where the clinking of wine glasses and the aroma of toasted garlic create an atmosphere of effortless warmth. Hand-rolled pastas and vibrant, seasonal sauces take center stage, offering a sensory journey through Italy’s rich culinary heritage in a space that feels like a hidden neighborhood treasure.
• Martini Italian Bistro — Italian: The clink of chilled crystal meets the inviting aroma of slow-simmered sauces in this sophisticated retreat, where modern elegance blends seamlessly with the soulful warmth of a traditional Italian kitchen. Guests linger over artfully shaken martinis and plates of handcrafted pasta that burst with vibrant, Mediterranean flavors, all set within a stylish space designed for spirited conversation and shared moments.
• Osteria Italian Seafood — Italian: This sophisticated coastal retreat captures the essence of an Italian seaside escape, where the briny sweetness of fresh shellfish meets the comforting warmth of traditional handmade pasta. Sunlight dances across polished surfaces as diners savor vibrant seafood towers and salt-crusted branzino, creating a dining experience that feels both indulgent and timelessly Mediterranean.
• Sarino — Italian: Sarino welcomes guests into a sophisticated yet soulful space where the warm glow of the wood-fired oven and the rhythmic toss of handmade dough create a captivating culinary theater. The air is thick with the aroma of slow-simmered sauces and charred crusts, inviting diners to linger over artfully plated pastas and vibrant, seasonal antipasti that celebrate the heart of Italian tradition. It is a neighborhood sanctuary where every clink of a wine glass and shared plate of crudo feels like a celebration of refined, effortless hospitality.
• Boombozz — Italian: Step into a lively taphouse where the scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted crust fills the air, inviting guests to settle into a vibrant, social atmosphere. Artisanal dough serves as a canvas for inventive, globally-inspired toppings that pair seamlessly with a curated wall of craft taps, creating a spirited destination where every slice is a conversation starter.
• Pizzaville — Italian: Pizzaville hums with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood gathering spot, where the intoxicating scent of bubbling mozzarella and charred, hand-stretched dough fills the air. Golden, blistered crusts emerge from the heat to be shared across communal tables, bringing together friends over slices topped with vibrant sauces and artisanal ingredients. This lively, flour-dusted sanctuary celebrates the timeless craft of the perfect pie in an atmosphere of effortless warmth and local charm.
• Mac's at Mile Wide — Italian: Tucked inside the soaring, industrial-chic space of a local brewery, Mac’s at Mile Wide pulses with a social energy fueled by the irresistible aroma of bubbling mozzarella and charred dough. Oversized, New York-style slices arrive with a signature blistered crust and a satisfying crunch, creating the ultimate communal experience where craft beer and artisanal pizza collide in a vibrant, high-ceilinged sanctuary.
• Bearno's — Italian: Stepping into this local staple, guests are greeted by the irresistible aroma of baking dough and the lively hum of a bustling neighborhood gathering spot. The kitchen delivers legendary pizzas where a thin, sturdy crust groans under the weight of a staggering mountain of premium toppings, all blanketed in a rich, zesty tomato sauce and a thick layer of molten mozzarella. It is a place where the hearty, unapologetic portions and warm, casual atmosphere turn every meal into a celebratory feast of comfort and tradition.
• Luigi's Pizzeria — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the comforting aroma of simmering garlic and herbs define this neighborhood staple, where the rhythmic toss of dough sets the stage for a lively, communal meal. Golden, blistered crusts emerge from the intense heat of the oven, topped with molten cheese and garden-fresh ingredients that capture the soulful essence of a classic, hand-crafted pie.
• Jet's Pizza — Italian: This vibrant corner of Detroit-style tradition serves up signature square pizzas defined by a thick, pillowy center and a golden, caramelized cheese crust that crunches with every bite. The air carries the irresistible aroma of the "Turbo Crust," where garlic, butter, and parmesan meld to elevate each slice into a bold, savory indulgence. It is a haven for those seeking a hearty, flavor-forward experience where the art of the deep-dish is celebrated through premium toppings and a perfect, crispy finish.
• Mimo's Pizzeria — Italian: Golden light spills across flour-dusted counters at Mimo’s Pizzeria, where the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough and the crackle of a roaring oven set the stage for a soulful feast. Each pie emerges with a blistered, leopard-spotted crust and molten toppings that celebrate the timeless art of the perfect slice, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of toasted garlic and sweet basil. It is a vibrant neighborhood anchor that invites guests to linger over artisanal comfort in a space defined by warmth and the simple joy of a shared meal.
• Chuck E. Cheese — Italian: This high-energy family destination pulses with the neon glow of arcade screens and the rhythmic chime of winning tickets, creating a sensory playground where every corner sparks a sense of wonder. Between rounds of play, guests gather around golden-crusted pizzas draped in bubbling mozzarella, savoring a nostalgic experience where the joy of a shared meal is perfectly paired with the thrill of the game.
• BJ's — American: This lively brewhouse hums with a vibrant energy, where the gleam of copper brewing tanks and the clinking of chilled pint glasses create a spirited backdrop for social gatherings. Golden, deep-dish pizzas emerge from the oven with caramelized crusts and molten cheese, perfectly paired with house-crafted ales and the irresistible, gooey warmth of a signature oven-baked cookie sundae. The expansive space blends industrial-chic design with a welcoming atmosphere, offering a versatile destination where casual comfort meets a celebration of bold, classic flavors.
• Marco's Pizza — Italian: The air carries the irresistible scent of dough prepared fresh daily, drawing guests into a warm space where the craft of the perfect slice takes center stage. Each pie emerges from the oven with a golden, airy crust topped by a signature three-cheese blend and savory pepperoni that curls and crisps to perfection, delivering a timeless neighborhood pizzeria experience in every bite.
• The Old Spaghetti Factory — Italian: This grand, antique-filled destination transports diners to a bygone era, where velvet booths and a centerpiece vintage trolley car set the stage for a whimsical evening of Italian-American comfort. Guests gather over baskets of warm sourdough and plates of signature pasta tossed in browned butter and salty Mizithra cheese, finishing every nostalgic meal with a classic, cool swirl of tri-colored spumoni.