12 Best Italian Restaurants in Asheville, NC
If you’re in Asheville craving Italian cuisine, you’re in luck. Italian food has become a staple in the city’s culinary scene with its rich flavors and delicious dishes.
From traditional pasta dishes to wood-fired pizza, the options are endless. But with so many Italian restaurants in the city, deciding which one to visit can be challenging.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best Italian restaurants in Asheville based on our personal experiences and recommendations from our readers.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy date night spot or a casual place to grab a slice of pizza or pasta plate, we’ve got you covered.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the best Italian restaurants in Asheville.
Italian Restaurants in Asheville
Strada Italiano
Strada is in a reconstructed late Victorian building on Broadway Street in Asheville.
With knowledgeable and friendly staff, the restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy an evening with family or friends or dinner for lovers.
The extensive brunch and dinner menu showcases dishes from all regions of Italy, featuring Chef Anthony Cerrato’s traditional recipes.
The restaurant serves made-to-order savory pasta, hand-tossed pizza, seafood, traditional entrees, house-made desserts, and vegetarian options.
The drink selection features local brews on tap, naturally produced Italian wines, and cocktails.
If you plan to dine at this Strada, call or make an online reservation a few days ahead.
Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian
Vinnie’s offers a peaceful ambiance for a casual family outing or a romantic date night.
There are two Vinnie’s locations in Asheville: The Original Vinnie’s on Merrimon Ave and Vinnie’s South on Hendersonville Rd.
Start your meal with the famous Italian pasta options – Spaghetti Carbonara Garlic or Penne Bolognese – served individually or for the whole family to share.
Vinnie’s specialties include Meat Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, Caesar salad, etc. Be sure to save room for dessert and check out their weekly specials.
With friendly and attentive service, Vinnie’s is one of the best Italian restaurants in Ashville for a laid-back meal.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, try Vinnie’s for a comforting, quality Italian meal.
Modesto
If you’re searching for a creative Italian restaurant in Asheville, look no further than Modesto.
Chef Hector Diaz, renowned in the area, runs this trattoria in the historic Grove Arcade.
The menu includes wood-fired pizza, antipasti, risottos, and pasta made from locally-sourced and fresh ingredients.
To complete the ambiance, they worked alongside local craftspeople and woodworkers to create the restaurant’s unique look.
At the bar, guests can indulge in over 30 exclusive Italian wines and craft cocktails.
And to finish a sweet dessert, they serve homemade items, including the famous Tiramisu or Dark Chocolate Soufflé.
Finally, you can reserve your place by calling or checking out their website.
Cucina24
Cucina 24 has been combining the philosophies and traditions of Italian dishes with locally sourced ingredients since 2008.
The menu offers classic Italian dishes like brick oven pizza, handmade pasta, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Beef Agnolotti, and a variety of new Italian-inspired creations that change with the seasons.
Cucina 24 also offers a small but carefully curated selection of beers, wines, and ciders.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page to learn about special events, and don’t miss out on their Tiki Time event to enjoy local music.
Come and experience the Italian-inspired magic of Cucina 24 in the heart of downtown Asheville.
Pomodoros Greek & Italian Cafe
Pomodoros give an authentic Mediterranean dining experience located on Tunnel Road in Asheville.
Inspired by the countries of Italy and Greece, they tempt the palate with innovative and varied three-course separate menus using the finest and freshest ingredients.
Try signature dishes like Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich, Bruschetta, Ravioli, or Tuscan Chicken at a full-service restaurant.
They believe wine is essential to any meal, so they have curated a comprehensive list to satisfy every palate.
If you’re a wine lover, don’t miss out on wine lovers’ Wednesdays at Pomodoros.
Wine bottles of Pomodoros are half-price every Wednesday, allowing you to expand your food and wine pairing experience.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s is a chain featuring Italian-American cuisine near Asheville Mall in Asheville.
The restaurant offers an unforgettable Italian dining experience by combining traditional recipes with wood-fired grilling techniques.
For visitors, Carrabba’s provides a variety of serving styles, such as buffets, tastings, and family-style meals.
They offer a wide range of entrees, sides, salads, vegan and vegetarian options, and desserts, accompanied by bread with olive oil and herb mix to satisfy sophisticated and picky palates.
Visit Carrabba’s with your friends for a delicious and satisfying Italian experience on a trip to Ashville.
Del Vecchios
Del Vecchios has served the Asheville community as a family-owned restaurant with the freshest ingredients and authentic flavors since 1996.
Are you looking for one of the best pizza places in Asheville? Be sure to stop by Del Vecchios.
The pizza is made with local and fresh ingredients to guarantee you get a good taste every time.
Whether you’re craving a hot slice of pizza or classic paninis, you can choose from plenty of options.
Additionally, the menu presents various options, including fresh salads, desserts, pasta, sides, and more.
Visit Del Vecchios on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville to relish the warm, inviting ambiance and courteous customer service.
Gemelli
Gemelli, located at 70 Westgate Parkway in West Asheville next to Earth Fare, provides customers with an all-day Italian dining experience.
The restaurant offers a variety of menu options for breakfast and, brunch, lunch, including house-made Italian pastries, pasta, fresh salads, Sicilian-style pizza, fine coffees, and substantial offerings.
We suggest trying their main pasta plate, ‘ Gemelli,’ which includes paprika pasta, lamb sausage, broccolini, and lamb-anchovy butter.
You can try their delicious vegan lasagna if you are a vegan lover. Gemelli also features craft cocktails on draft and a carefully selected collection of Italian wine through bottle service.
Piazza
Piazza is situated at 4 Olde Eastwood Village Boulevard in Asheville and has served various Italian cuisine since 2009.
They use homemade sauces and locally sourced ingredients to generously top each pizza, which is then cooked in an authentic Italian pizza oven.
The restaurant also serves other Italian favorites, including chicken parmesan and meatball sub and a selection of pasta bowls and salads.
Dine indoors by the dancing flames of the restaurant’s massive pizza oven, or dine on their fabulous outdoor patio for fresh mountain air.
828 Family Pizzeria
828 Family Pizzeria has been specializing in New York-style pizza since 1933, becoming one of the best pizza providers in Asheville.
The restaurant offers more than just pizza: lasagna, hot sandwiches, antipasto, calamari, and many more.
Pizza comes in various sizes and is generously topped with full-sized kalamata olives, giant mushrooms, fresh spinach, and chunks of artichokes.
Select from classic and delicious specialty pizza, or create your own with a generous topping.
After your meal, enjoy a local craft beer and parmigiana in a dimly lit dining room decorated with charming holiday lights. Seating options include booths, tables, or the bar.
Bellagio Bistro
Located at 133 Weaverville Road in Asheville, Bellagio Bistro is charming, with a menu combining the best Italian and Greek cuisine.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in a delicious spinach lasagna or simply craving a salad or pizza, Bellagio Bistro has you covered.
Additionally, they have gluten-free options available for those with dietary restrictions.
Bellagio Bistro has a great selection of drinks to pair your meal. They offer soft drinks, coffee, wine, and a broad beer list.
Bellagio Bistro is perfect for all occasions, from dinner parties and receptions to office luncheons and all other events.
Grata Pizzeria
For a gluten-free pizza option, go to Grata Pizzeria – the final spot on our Asheville Italian restaurants list.
The restaurant on Haywood Road in West Asheville is full of colorful murals and outdoor and indoor seating.
If you sit in the back, you’ll feel like you’re not in a busy city but at a friend’s cooking.
They use locally sourced ingredients for the fresh artisan pies.
In addition to Italian pizza, Grata offers caesar and Caprese salad, beer-braised meatballs, cheese bread, etc.
Additionally, Grata Pizzeria hosts open mic nights and live performances periodically. Follow their Facebook page and visit to catch these events.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
