Top Best Italian Restaurants in Lake Norman

"For classic red sauce Italian, head Mama Ricotta's, a Charlotte classic. Appetizers like the goat cheese and mascarpone dip topped with warm tomato basil sauce, New Haven-style thin-crust pizzas, and family-style pastas mean there isn't a wrong choice on the menu. If you're super famished, pick one of the massive entrees (meant to serve two to three) like standard chicken parmesan or veal marsala."

"I rarely post food photos on IG, but this penne alla vodka is every bit as good as the pasta I've eaten during two trips to Italy 😍. A photo posted by Ryan Holmgren (@ryanholmgren) on Oct 2, 2015 at 10:50am PDT. A long-time Charlotte favorite, the pasta sauces here are unique and tastier than even those straight from Italy."

"These meals feed 5 to 6 people so expect some leftovers for lunch. We found Penne Primavera for $47 or Mama’s Pasta for $41. Check out the full menu here."

"$$$ | Modern take on classic Italian dishes in an intimate Myers Park setting with an open kitchen. Stagioni’s pizza scissors get all the buzz — as they should, it’s fun — but Myers Park restaurant also should be celebrated for fresh pasta dishes and excellent slow-roasted meats, including the meatballs. After chef Andrew Dodd moved from Stagioni to another Bruce Moffett-owned restaurant, NC Red, chef Eric Ferguson stepped in, bringing along loads of experience in Italian restaurants around the world (including in Umbria, Italy)."

"We will have plenty of these for you to celebrate the occasion tonight #stagioni #stagioniclt #meatballs #housemade #cltfood #charlottecookstoo #eatclt #eatsofclt #eatdrinkclt. A photo posted by Stagioni (@stagioniclt) on Mar 9, 2016 at 7:15am PST. Chef Bruce Moffett strikes again with this cozy, high-end Italian restaurant."

"Luce is a known Italian restaurant that offers exquisite dishes that come at reasonable pricing. Next, this restaurant has a highly skilled chef who meticulously prepares the finest Italian dishes made with passion and skill. Also, they have a friendly staff that accommodates their clients professionally while manifesting the best possible customer service available."

"Taking a nod from the light, refreshing Tuscan cuisine of central Italy is Aria Tuscan Grill. Located in the heart of Charlotte’s city center, this up-and-coming restaurant specializes in the simplicity of Italian comfort food without compromising on an upscale atmosphere. Founded by Charlottean restaurateur Pierre Bader, Aria promises to deliver the refined authenticity of Tuscany with its caramelized gnocchi, wild mushroom pizza, hand-selected Italian wine, tenderized pork loin, and warm and inviting ambiance."

"Offering a mix of old-world cuisine and Italian favorites, Aria Tuscan Grill leaves customers feeling like they've just visited their Italian grandmothers' kitchens. Diners rave about the Caramelized Gnocchi as well as the Steamed Mussels, served in a hearty plum tomato and Sambuca sauce. Main dishes like Osso Buco and Grilled Quail remind native Italians of home, while the rest of us are beyond satisfied by specialties like the Wild Mushroom Ravioli and creamy tiramisu."

"Aria Tuscan Grill offers the best of Italy to Charlotte with the collaboration between Pierre Bader the owner, Alex Platt who’s the restaurant’s executive chef, and operations manager Briana Cohen. The restaurant offers the best flavors of Tuscany for Charlotte residents to experience firsthand. Aria Tuscan Grill authentically reproduces old-world comfort food in the restaurant’s interactive modern Italian atmosphere."

"Great atmosphere, really diverse pub/bar menu, great food, great prices. I probably wouldn't have normally come here, but I was with a friend who re..."

"Outfitted with an open kitchen and bar, this Italian dining room offers a delightfully authentic atmosphere. Delicately prepared risottos, pastas, fish and meat dishes, as well as pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven, have led Charlotte natives to proclaim this as one of the best places to satisfy Italian cravings. Browse the terrific list of Italian wines for a perfect pairing, and be sure to save room for the irresistible homemade panna cotta."

"They gave us some sorbet in between courses, which I have heard is the norm for them, to cleanse the palette.” See all Fiamma reviews"

"From the Venetian glass and marble floors to the delectable bounty from the kitchen, this European dining room offers luxury and old-world charm. Complimentary Italian bread and white beans in olive oil are served at the beginning of meal, as patrons select a bottle of wine and tackle the menu's tough choices. Among the selection of Northern Italian delicacies, the spinach and ricotta pasta pillows with mascarpone cream sauce comes highly recommended."

"Toscana’s seasonal menu featuring classic Northern Italian dishes and their well-curated wine list will insure you have a memorable first night out of quarantine. We recommend taking advantage of Toscana’s outdoor seating that is situated on a large courtyard with a view of a stunning fountain view. Better than the TV, right?"

"Toscana Ristorante, located in the specialty shops across from South Park Mall, is South Charlotte’s premier upscale Italian restaurant. It’s an ideal spot for lunch if you’re out ..."

"North Italia, located on Tryon Street in Charlotte, focuses on cooking delicious Italian food from scratch. It’s a popular lunch destination on the ground floor of the Railyard in ..."

"Bojangles' Famous Chicken & Biscuits 831 (374 George Liles Pkwy)"

"Something Classic offers a huge selection of entrees for their feeds 4 meal deal. Pick 2 entrees such as Lemon Chicken Piccata, Old-Fashioned Meatloaf & Mashers or Shrimp Penne Pasta Primavera and it comes with a salad for $39.95. They also offer gluten free and vegetarian options."

"Locations around Charlotte are open for pickup, though some have limited hours. Place an order using the Smoothie King app or call your order in. Some stores offer delivery via DoorDash."