Good thing the people love pizza and pasta because Charlotte saw a surge of Italian restaurants open in the city last month. The good news is you’ll find a unique experience at each one. The only question is which will you try first?
Indaco
Where: 2046 South Blvd.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 5:00-10:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5:00-11:00 p.m.; Sunday, 5:00-9:00p.m. Lunch hours will be released soon.
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Originally from Charleston, SC, Indaco is an upscale Italian restaurant serving antipasti, pastas, pizza, and entrees. It operates under Indigo Road, the group being O-Ku, Sukoshi, and Oak Steakhouse and is now open at Atherton in South End. While their wood-fired pizza is always a great option, you can also let the chef pick your menu for you and your crew for $45 per person. This family-style meal includes three courses, so come hungry.
Photo Credit: North Italia
North Italia
Where: 1414 S. Tryon Street, Suite 140
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
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Just down the road from Indaco, you’ll find North Italia at The RailYard. Originally from Arizona, this is the only North Italia location in North Carolina. Enjoy made-from-scratch entrees, pizzas, and small plates plus craft cocktails and weekend brunch. And make sure you check out the tallies on the wall for the “number of times pasta was a good idea.” A fun touch to a gorgeous restaurant.
Volo Ristorante
Where: 1039 Providence Road
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 4:30-11:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 4:30 p.m.- 2:00 a.m.
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If you venture over the Myers Park, another new Italian eatery will greet you: Volo. The whole operation from ownership to restaurant employees is comprised of Italians and Italian-Americans serving dishes like spaghetti alle vongole, branzino, and tiramisu in cialda. Similar to North Italia, you can order a “volo” (flight) and have the chef curate your dinner choices for you.
Cicchetti
Where: 100 N. Tryon Street
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 2:00-10:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 2:00 p.m.-midnight; Closed Sunday.
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Cicchetti opened in October, but it had to be mentioned. You won’t find pizza or pasta at this Uptown spot. Cicchetti serves Venetian-style small plates such as meatballs, sardines, scallops, and build-your-own bruschetta. Grab a group of friends and order a bunch to take advantage of these sharable dishes. And stock up on wine while you’re there. They sell over 400+ bottles and have wine clubs available, too.
