Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Richmond | Upscale Italian Food

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

• Europa Crust — Italian · rated 4/5: Europa Crust invites diners into a sun-drenched space where the comforting scent of toasted flour and bubbling cheese lingers in the air. Artisanal doughs are transformed into golden, blistered masterpieces, topped with vibrant seasonal ingredients that celebrate the diverse flavors of the continent. Whether sharing a crisp, hand-stretched flatbread or lingering over a glass of wine, guests find a refined yet soulful retreat that honors the timeless craft of the oven.
• Bombolini — Italian: This sun-drenched Italian gem envelops guests in the comforting scent of yeast and vanilla, where artisanal dough is transformed into golden, sugar-dusted treasures filled with velvety creams. Beyond the signature pastries, the kitchen turns out rustic, soul-warming plates that invite diners to linger over candlelight and conversation in a space that feels both timeless and vibrantly modern.
• Trevi's Grille — Italian: Bathed in a warm, golden glow, this inviting haven captures the essence of a modern bistro where the enticing aroma of wood-fired specialties and fresh herbs fills the air. The kitchen artfully balances charred, savory notes with bright, seasonal ingredients, creating a vibrant dining experience that feels both celebratory and intimately familiar.
• Bellos Lounge & Restaurant — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights and furnished with plush, velvet-clad alcoves, this sophisticated retreat offers an immediate escape into a world of refined comfort and modern elegance. The air vibrates with the rhythmic clink of artisanal cocktails being shaken at the sleek bar, while the kitchen sends out a parade of vibrant, globally-inspired dishes designed for lingering conversations and shared moments. It is a sanctuary where the energy of a spirited lounge seamlessly blends with the intimacy of a premier dining room, creating an enchanting backdrop for the night to unfold.
• Smokestack Pizza & Bar — Italian: The scent of burning hickory and bubbling mozzarella fills this vibrant, industrial-inspired space, where a roaring wood-fired oven turns out artisanal pizzas with beautifully charred, leopard-spotted crusts. Between bites of savory, hand-stretched pies, guests toast with creative cocktails and cold craft beers amidst an atmosphere that pulses with urban energy and neighborhood warmth.
• The Pizza Place — Italian: The air hums with the warmth of a roaring wood-fired oven, filling this vibrant neighborhood haunt with the irresistible aroma of toasted garlic and bubbling mozzarella. Hand-stretched dough is transformed into charred, blistered masterpieces topped with garden-fresh herbs and artisanal cheeses, offering a soulful celebration of the classic pie. It is a spirited sanctuary where the casual clink of glasses and the joy of a shared slice create an atmosphere of effortless, communal comfort.
• Christian's Pizza — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood hub pulses with the energy of a classic pizzeria, where the irresistible aroma of golden, bubbling cheese and savory herbs drifts from the glowing ovens. Each hand-stretched crust emerges with a perfect char, providing a crisp foundation for artisanal toppings that transform a simple slice into a soulful, shared feast.
• Zorba's Pizza — Greek: Stepping into Zorba’s Pizza feels like a warm embrace, where the aroma of toasted oregano and bubbling cheese wafts from the oven to greet every guest. The kitchen turns out hand-stretched pies with perfectly charred crusts, layering traditional favorites alongside bold Mediterranean-inspired toppings that sing with freshness. It is a lively neighborhood hub where the spirit of Greek hospitality transforms a simple pizza night into a vibrant, flavor-filled celebration.
• Sabatino's Convenience Store — Italian: Stepping into this unassuming neighborhood anchor, guests are greeted by the nostalgic hum of a deli slicer and the irresistible scent of crusty rolls being piled high with savory meats and tangy peppers. It is a place where the charm of a local corner store meets the soul of a traditional deli, crafting hearty, hand-built sandwiches that transform a quick daily stop into a flavorful celebration of community and craft.
• Birdie's — American: Sun-drenched and effortlessly chic, this neighborhood sanctuary hums with the energy of clinking wine glasses and vibrant shared plates enjoyed under the open sky. The kitchen transforms peak-season ingredients into elegant, soul-warming fare—from bright, citrus-kissed crudos to supple, hand-rolled pastas—creating a dining experience that feels like a perpetual golden hour shared among friends.
• JoJo's Pizza — Italian: The air at JoJo's Pizza is thick with the comforting scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted dough, drawing guests into a lively space where flour-dusted counters and the steady glow of the stone oven create a timeless neighborhood sanctuary. Each hand-stretched pie emerges with a perfectly blistered rim and a symphony of fresh, vibrant toppings, offering a soulful dining experience that balances artisanal craft with the unpretentious joy of a classic slice.
• Coppola's Deli — Italian: Stepping into Coppola’s Deli feels like a warm embrace from the old neighborhood, where the air is heavy with the savory perfume of aged balsamic and freshly sliced Italian meats. Masterfully stacked sandwiches arrive on crusty, flour-dusted bread, bursting with vibrant layers of crisp greens and zesty house-made spreads that celebrate the simple joy of a perfectly crafted deli classic.
• Nuccio's Express — Italian: Stepping into this vibrant neighborhood haunt, guests are greeted by the irresistible aroma of hand-stretched dough and slow-simmered sauces that evoke the warmth of a traditional Italian kitchen. It is a place where artisanal speed meets culinary heart, serving up crispy, cheese-laden slices and hearty sandwiches that turn a quick midday break into a savory, soul-warming retreat.
• Piccola Italy Pizza & Subs — Italian: The air inside this bustling neighborhood gem is thick with the comforting aroma of simmering marinara and freshly baked dough emerging golden and blistered from the oven. Guests tuck into oversized slices draped in molten cheese and hearth-baked subs packed with savory meats, all served in a casual, high-energy atmosphere that feels like a warm slice of old-school nostalgia.
• Mellow Mushroom — Italian: This kaleidoscopic retreat invites guests into a world of psychedelic art and whimsical decor, where a laid-back, counter-culture spirit infuses every corner. The kitchen turns out hand-tossed, stone-baked pizzas featuring a signature spring-water crust and creative toppings, paired perfectly with an ever-rotating tap of craft beers for a soulful, high-energy dining experience.
• Anthony's Pizza — Italian: The air at Anthony’s Pizza is thick with the irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted garlic, drawing guests into a space warmed by the constant, golden glow of the ovens. Hand-tossed dough meets vibrant, herb-flecked sauces to create pizzas with a signature charred crust, offering a comforting slice of tradition that turns a simple meal into a lively, flour-dusted celebration.
• Zorch Pizza — Italian: Zorch Pizza captures the high-energy spirit of a classic New York slice shop, where the air is thick with the irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted flour. Massive, foldable slices boast a signature thin crust that strikes the perfect balance between a satisfying charred crunch and a chewy pull, topped with everything from traditional favorites to bold, inventive combinations. Whether grabbing a quick bite at the counter or sharing a whole pie with friends, the vibrant atmosphere and retro charm make every visit feel like a celebration of the perfect urban slice.
• Mary Angela's Pizzeria — Italian: Stepping into Mary Angela’s feels like a warm neighborhood embrace, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of toasted garlic and bubbling mozzarella. Golden, hand-tossed crusts emerge from the oven with a perfect char, topped with vibrant tomato sauce and a generous layer of melted cheese that stretches with every savory slice. It’s a place where time slows down over shared pies and lively conversation, capturing the timeless, soulful spirit of a classic corner pizzeria.
• Christian's Pizza — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt hums with energy as the irresistible aroma of hand-tossed dough and bubbling mozzarella wafts from the glowing ovens. Golden, blistered crusts serve as the canvas for a symphony of fresh toppings, ranging from classic savory meats to inventive seasonal pairings that delight the palate. Whether grabbing a quick slice on the go or settling in for a communal feast, guests find a welcoming sanctuary where every bite celebrates the timeless joy of a perfectly baked pie.
• Chuck E. Cheese — Italian: A vibrant kaleidoscope of neon lights and rhythmic arcade chimes, this high-energy destination transforms a family meal into an immersive playground of pure childhood joy. The aroma of bubbling mozzarella and golden, toasted crust drifts through the air as families gather around bustling tables, celebrating milestones amidst a symphony of laughter and the triumphant clatter of winning tickets.
• Azzurro Restaurant — Italian: Stepping into Azzurro feels like a sun-drenched escape to the Mediterranean coast, where airy, light-filled interiors and soft blue accents set the stage for a vibrant culinary journey. The kitchen breathes life into the traditions of the seaside, sending out plates of delicate, hand-pulled pastas and salt-kissed seafood that sing with the brightness of lemon and cold-pressed olive oil. It is a sanctuary of effortless elegance, perfect for lingering over a crisp glass of wine while the world outside fades into a distant memory.
• Bar Solita — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched and vibrant, this Mediterranean-inspired escape pulses with energy, where floor-to-ceiling windows and lush greenery create a chic, airy backdrop for social gatherings. The air carries the smoky scent of wood-fired pizzas and charred octopus, while colorful tapas plates and botanical-infused cocktails bring a bright, coastal flair to the heart of the city. Whether sharing small plates under the glow of neon lights or lingering over a spirited dinner, guests find an atmosphere that feels like a perpetual summer holiday.
• Tarrant's Downtown — Seafood: Stepping into this beautifully restored historic drugstore feels like a journey back in time, where soaring ceilings, ornate gilded mirrors, and vintage charm create an atmosphere of grand urban nostalgia. The air hums with the lively energy of a classic brasserie as the kitchen sends out an eclectic parade of soul-warming comfort food, from golden-crisp seafood platters to decadent steaks and artisanal pizzas. Whether settling into a plush booth for a celebratory feast or sipping a craft cocktail at the polished bar, guests are wrapped in a timeless blend of Southern hospitality and downtown sophistication.
• Dinamo — Italian: This intimate neighborhood haunt hums with a lively, unpretentious energy, where chalkboard menus and narrow, warm-lit seating evoke the charm of a hidden European bistro. The kitchen masterfully bridges the worlds of Roman-Italian and Jewish soul food, turning out plates of silky cacio e pepe and savory brisket that celebrate bold, seasonal flavors with effortless sophistication. It is a soulful sanctuary where simple ingredients and a curated wine list invite guests to linger over a dining experience that feels both familiar and entirely unique.
• Belmont Pizzeria — Italian: Belmont Pizzeria serves as a warm neighborhood anchor where the intoxicating aroma of bubbling mozzarella and blistered crust draws guests into a space filled with the rhythmic sounds of a bustling kitchen. Hand-stretched dough meets vibrant, herb-infused sauces to create artisanal pies that balance crispy textures with molten, savory toppings, offering a quintessential slice of comfort in every bite. This lively spot invites diners to linger over shared plates in an atmosphere that feels both timeless and vibrantly local.
• Arianna's Italian Grill and Pizzeria — Italian: Arianna’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria welcomes guests with the comforting scent of bubbling mozzarella and the savory sizzle of the hearth, creating an atmosphere of rustic charm and effortless warmth. Hand-tossed pizzas with perfectly charred crusts take center stage alongside robust grilled specialties and pastas tossed in vibrant, herb-infused sauces. It is a neighborhood sanctuary where the simple pleasures of authentic flavors and a welcoming spirit turn every meal into a spirited celebration of Italian tradition.
• Pizza and Beer of Richmond — Italian: This vibrant social hub pulses with energy, drawing crowds with the irresistible aroma of hand-tossed dough crisping to a perfect char in high-heat ovens. Rows of gleaming tap handles pour a rotating selection of craft brews that perfectly complement inventive, molten-cheese-topped pizzas, creating a quintessential neighborhood hangout where the atmosphere is as bold and refreshing as the pints.
• Da Vinci Pizza — Italian: The air at Da Vinci Pizza is thick with the comforting aroma of wood-smoke and simmering tomato sauce, drawing guests into a space where culinary craftsmanship takes center stage. Hand-stretched dough is treated like a canvas for artisanal toppings, emerging from the blistering heat of the oven with a perfect char that balances crispy edges with a soft, soulful center.
• Joe's Inn Bon Air — Italian: Stepping into this beloved neighborhood landmark feels like a warm embrace, where wood-paneled booths and a nostalgic tavern glow set the stage for a timeless dining experience. The air is thick with the comforting scent of bubbling marinara and melted cheese as towering plates of signature baked spaghetti and hearty Greek-Italian classics arrive at tables meant for lingering. Whether it’s a slow morning over a stack of pancakes or a lively evening shared with friends, the bustling energy and generous spirit make every visit feel like coming home.
• Nuccio's Express — Italian: Stepping into Nuccio’s Express, guests are greeted by the comforting hum of a busy kitchen and the irresistible aroma of garlic-infused olive oil and hearth-baked dough. Golden-brown crusts snap with every bite while rich, herb-flecked sauces cling to al dente pasta, delivering a vibrant taste of old-world tradition in a fast-paced, modern setting.