10 Best Italian Restaurants in Asheville
The ten best Italian restaurants in Asheville are Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian, Strada Italiano, Modesto Trattoria, Bargello, Luminosa, Crusco, Gemelli, Cucina 24, Contrada, and 828 Family Pizzeria. The city’s approach to Italian food is defined by a unique blend of Appalachian farm-to-table sourcing and classic technique. Upscale dining is found at Bargello, while Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian perfects the neighborhood red-sauce joint. The city also embraces specialized concepts like the authentic Neapolitan pizza at Modesto Trattoria.
These acclaimed eateries are found throughout the city's distinct neighborhoods, from North Asheville and the downtown core to West Asheville. The Italian restaurants Asheville offers are known for a range from chef-driven concepts that fuse mountain ingredients with Italian tradition to family-friendly pizzerias. The atmospheres are just as varied, spanning from the lively, no-reservations dining room at Vinnie's to the intimate, historic setting of Crusco. This collection of independent, personal establishments is a hallmark of the city's food culture. Food events and festivals like Asheville Restaurant Week show the city's collection of culinary establishments.
Italian cuisine plays a vital role in Asheville's dining identity, from casual pizzerias to refined tasting menus. Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian is the top choice for the best Italian restaurants in Asheville, valued for its classic comfort food, energetic atmosphere, and status as a beloved local institution. 828 Family Pizzeria is the most popular option for Italian casual dining and affordable meals, best known for its authentic New York-style pizza. The title for the best Italian in Asheville for fine dining goes to Cucina 24, which offers an innovative tasting menu rooted in Appalachian terroir.
10 Best Italian Restaurants in Asheville are listed below.
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1
BargelloBargello Restaurant showcases a Mediterranean-inspired menu in the heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The Bargello menu features dishes crafted...- Item Prices 19
- Average Item Price $13.64
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Mediterranean, Modern Italian
Signature Dishes:Lamb ShankSquid Ink CampanelleWhipped Feta
Location:7 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Special Feature:The restaurant's elegant, art-filled dining room and its location within a premier downtown hotel create a sophisticated and polished dining experience.
What Makes It Special:Bargello is known for its refined, ingredient-driven menu that combines the flavors of Italy with other Mediterranean influences, all prepared with a high level of culinary technique.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of an upscale, hotel setting with a menu that is both ambitious and rooted in Mediterranean traditions distinguishes Bargello as a top fine-dining destination.
Operating Hours:Wednesday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMMonday – Tuesday: Closed
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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2
GemelliGemelli is a dual-concept establishment in West Asheville that functions as a European-style cafe by day and an Italian restaurant by night. The daytime menu offers coffee, pastries, and lunch items, while the evening menu features handmade pastas, Sicilian street food, and small plates.- Item Prices 47
- Average Item Price $15.06
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian
Signature Dishes:AranciniCacio e PepeSeasonal Ravioli
Location:70 Westgate Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28806
Special Feature:The restaurant operates as a counter-service cafe during the day and transitions to a full-service restaurant for dinner, offering two distinct experiences in one space.
What Makes It Special:Gemelli is known for its authentic, from-scratch approach, from its house-roasted coffee and fresh pastries to its handmade pastas and sauces.
What Sets It Apart:The unique all-day, dual-concept model, combined with a focus on both Northern and Southern Italian specialties, makes Gemelli a versatile and popular neighborhood spot.
Operating Hours:Monday, Thursday, Friday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PMSaturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday – Wednesday: Closed
Price:$30 to $60 per person
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3
Vinnie's Neighborhood ItalianVinnie's Neighborhood Italian is a popular restaurant serving old-school, homestyle Italian-American cuisine. The atmosphere is lively and reminiscent of a classic East Coast red-sauce joint, with checkered tablecloths and a bustling, family-friendly environment. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian-American
Signature Dishes:Vinnie's Famous MeatballsVeal ParmigianaSunday Gravy
Location:641 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Special Feature:The restaurant is known for its "family-style" dining option, where large platters of food are shared at the table. A second location, "Vinnie's South," is located in South Asheville.
What Makes It Special:Vinnie's is celebrated for its generous portions of familiar, well-executed comfort food classics and its consistently energetic and welcoming atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:Its strict no-reservations policy and its reputation as the definitive neighborhood red-sauce institution make Vinnie's a quintessential and highly sought-after Asheville dining experience.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 4:30 PM – 9:30 PMFriday – Saturday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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4
Strada ItalianoStrada Italiano is a downtown restaurant offering traditional Italian dishes inspired by the owner's family recipes from the village of Potenza. The restaurant occupies a historic building and features a main dining room, a cozy downstairs lounge, and a rooftop patio with city views.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian
Signature Dishes:LasagnaFig and Goat Cheese PizzaScallops Risotto
Location:27 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801
Special Feature:The restaurant features a rooftop patio, offering guests an outdoor dining option with a view of the downtown Asheville skyline.
What Makes It Special:Strada Italiano is known for its multi-level dining experience, which provides different atmospheres, from the intimate lounge to the open-air rooftop.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of authentic, multi-generational family recipes with a prime downtown location and a rooftop patio makes Strada a versatile and popular destination.
Operating Hours:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PMFriday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: 2:00 PM – 9:30 PMWednesday: Closed
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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5
Modesto TrattoriaModesto Trattoria is an Italian restaurant located in the historic Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville. The menu is centered around wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas and handmade pastas, with a focus on simple preparations and high-quality ingredients.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian, Pizza
Signature Dishes:Margherita PizzaCacio e PepeBolognese
Location:1 Page Ave #138, Asheville, NC 28801
Special Feature:The restaurant's location within the architectural landmark of the Grove Arcade provides a unique and historic setting for dining, with both indoor and covered outdoor seating.
What Makes It Special:Modesto Trattoria is known for its authentic wood-fired pizzas and its commitment to fresh, house-made pasta in a bustling downtown environment.
What Sets It Apart:Its prime location in one of Asheville's most iconic buildings, combined with a focused menu of Italian staples, makes it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PMFriday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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6
LuminosaLuminosa is a restaurant and bar located within The Foundry Hotel, serving an Italian-inspired menu from acclaimed chef John Fleer. The cuisine focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with simple, rustic techniques, including dishes from a wood-fired oven. The restaurant is situated in a historic steel foundry complex.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Modern Italian
Signature Dishes:Wood-Fired PizzaSeasonal RisottoHouse-made Pasta
Location:20 Battery Park Avenue, Floor 1, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
Special Feature:The restaurant is part of a restored historic steel foundry, and its design incorporates industrial elements from the original building.
What Makes It Special:Luminosa is known for its connection to James Beard-nominated chef John Fleer, who brings his signature focus on Appalachian ingredients and refined cooking to an Italian-inspired menu.
What Sets It Apart:The unique setting in a historic industrial building, combined with a menu from a celebrated chef, creates a distinct and elevated dining experience.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMFriday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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7
CruscoCrusco is an intimate, family-owned restaurant offering a concise, rotating menu of Italian-inspired dishes. The restaurant is run by a husband-and-wife team and focuses on high-quality ingredients and from-scratch preparations in a cozy and personal setting.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Modern Italian
Signature Dishes:House-made Pasta (rotating)Seasonal GnocchiPork Belly
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Location:348 Depot Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Special Feature:The restaurant's small size and owner-operated model create a highly personal and intimate dining experience, with the chef and owner often interacting directly with guests.
What Makes It Special:Crusco is known for its thoughtful, carefully crafted dishes that change frequently based on ingredient availability and culinary inspiration.
What Sets It Apart:Its dedication to a small, curated menu and its intimate, owner-driven hospitality make Crusco a unique destination for a focused and personal fine-dining meal.
Operating Hours:Wednesday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMMonday – Tuesday: Closed
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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8
Cucina 24Cucina 24 is a chef-owned fine-dining restaurant in downtown Asheville that reinterprets Italian cuisine through the lens of local Appalachian ingredients. The menu is driven by seasonal availability from local farms and offers both a la carte options and a multi-course tasting menu.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Modern Italian, Appalachian-inspired
Signature Dishes:Tasting MenuHouse-made Pasta with Local IngredientsWood-Fired Meats and Vegetables
Location:24 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801
Special Feature:The restaurant offers a "Family Style" tasting menu, which provides a multi-course dining experience curated by the chef based on the best available local ingredients.
What Makes It Special:Cucina 24 is celebrated for its innovative and thoughtful approach to cooking, bridging the culinary traditions of Italy with the agricultural heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What Sets It Apart:Its deep commitment to local sourcing and its unique culinary philosophy of blending Italian techniques with Appalachian terroir make Cucina 24 a nationally recognized and distinctly Asheville restaurant.
Operating Hours:Permanently Closed
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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9
ContradaContrada is a neighborhood restaurant and wine bar in the Grovewood Village area, adjacent to the Grove Park Inn. The menu focuses on Italian-inspired small plates (cicchetti), handmade pastas, and entrees prepared with locally sourced ingredients.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Modern Italian
Signature Dishes:Whipped RicottaAgnolottiPork Milanese
Location:28 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801
Special Feature:The restaurant's location in the charming, historic Grovewood Village provides a unique, slightly secluded setting away from the downtown bustle.
What Makes It Special:Contrada is known for its relaxed yet refined atmosphere and a menu that encourages sharing and sampling a variety of small plates.
What Sets It Apart:Its specific focus on the Venetian tradition of cicchetti (small snacks), combined with its tranquil and artistic location, creates a distinct dining experience.
Operating hours:Permanently Closed
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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10
828 Family Pizzeria828 Family Pizzeria is a casual, family-owned restaurant serving New York-style pizza, classic Italian-American entrees, and sandwiches. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with a focus on providing straightforward, satisfying food for the local community.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian-American, Pizza
Signature Dishes:New York-Style PizzaChicken ParmesanGarlic Knots
Location:946 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Special Feature:The restaurant offers one of the largest pizza sizes in the area with its 20-inch pie, making it a popular choice for families and large groups.
What Makes It Special:828 Family Pizzeria is known for being a reliable, no-frills neighborhood spot that delivers consistent quality on classic pizzeria fare.
What Sets It Apart:Its specific focus on authentic New York-style pizza and its role as a true family-oriented neighborhood pizzeria distinguish it from more chef-driven or upscale Italian restaurants in Asheville.
Operating Hours:Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PMSunday – Monday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
What Makes Italian Restaurants in Asheville Famous?
Italian restaurants in Asheville are famous for a culinary philosophy that marries traditional Italian methods with the hyper-local ingredients of the Appalachian Mountains. This unique approach to Italian food Asheville is a significant draw for culinary tourism, offering a taste of place that is distinct from other regions. Chefs at establishments like Cucina 24 and Luminosa are known for crafting menus around seasonal produce from nearby farms, creating a style that is both authentically Italian in spirit and deeply rooted in Appalachian terroir. This commitment to local sourcing and reinterpretation of classics sets the city's Italian food culture apart.
What Type of Italian Restaurant is Commonly Found in Asheville?
Asheville's Italian dining landscape mirrors the city's independent and artistic spirit, with a strong presence of chef-owned establishments and cozy neighborhood spots. The collection of restaurants reflects a preference for unique, personal concepts over formulaic eateries.
- Neighborhood Italian-American Joints: These are lively, family-friendly restaurants that serve large portions of classic comfort food. Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian is the definitive example, known for its homestyle red-sauce dishes.
- Chef-Driven Appalachian-Italian: This category represents a unique Asheville style, where chefs apply fine-dining techniques to Italian concepts using hyper-local ingredients. Cucina 24 is a nationally recognized leader of this approach.
- Downtown Trattorias: The city center is home to several classic Italian eateries, many in historic buildings, that serve as reliable destinations for both locals and tourists. Strada Italiano and Modesto Trattoria are go-to spots for pasta and pizza.
- Upscale Hotel Restaurants: Reflecting the city's status as a travel destination, several high-end hotels house sophisticated restaurants with Italian and Mediterranean menus. Bargello and Luminosa are prime examples, offering elegant atmospheres and refined cuisine.
- All-Day Cafes: These are versatile establishments that transition from a daytime coffee-and-pastry spot to a full-service dinner restaurant. Gemelli in West Asheville exemplifies this model, serving the community from morning to night.
What are the Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown Asheville?
The best Italian restaurants downtown Asheville range from casual trattorias in historic buildings to upscale hotel dining rooms. The list below shows the top restaurants to try in Asheville's central downtown district, a hub for some of the finest Asheville Italian restaurants downtown.
- Strada Italiano: Located on Broadway Street, Strada Italiano is known for its multi-generational family recipes and a rooftop patio that offers city views.
- Cucina 24: On Wall Street, Cucina 24 is famous for its innovative tasting menu that blends Italian techniques with ingredients sourced from local Appalachian farms.
- Bargello: Situated in the Kimpton Hotel Arras, Bargello is a highly sought-after restaurant specializing in refined, Mediterranean-influenced dishes cooked on a wood-fired hearth.
- Modesto Trattoria: Found inside the historic Grove Arcade, Modesto Trattoria is a popular spot for authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza.
Does Asheville Have an Authentic Italian Restaurant?
Yes, Asheville has authentic Italian restaurants, including Strada Italiano, Modesto Trattoria, and Gemelli. Strada Italiano was founded on multi-generational family recipes from the village of Potenza in Southern Italy. Modesto Trattoria is dedicated to the craft of traditional wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, adhering to classic techniques. Gemelli offers an authentic experience with its focus on Sicilian street food like arancini and its from-scratch handmade pastas and pastries.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Italian Restaurants in Asheville?
The best Italian restaurants in Asheville are known for signature dishes like the classic Sunday Gravy at Vinnie's, the innovative Tasting Menu at Cucina 24, and the authentic wood-fired pizzas at Modesto Trattoria. The most notable signature dishes are listed below.
- Sunday Gravy: A classic Italian-American dish featuring a slow-simmered tomato sauce with various meats like meatballs, sausage, and braciole, served over pasta. This is a famous specialty at Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian.
- Vinnie's Famous Meatballs: Large, homestyle meatballs made with a blend of beef and pork, served in marinara sauce. This is a quintessential dish at Vinnie's.
- Appalachian-Italian Tasting Menu: A multi-course, chef-curated dining experience that changes with the seasons and highlights the best available ingredients from local farms. This is the signature offering at Cucina 24.
- Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizza: Authentic pizzas cooked quickly in a blistering-hot wood-fired oven, resulting in a soft, charred crust. This is the specialty at Modesto Trattoria, with the Margherita being a classic example.
- Arancini: Fried risotto balls, a traditional Sicilian street food. These are a popular and authentic small plate at Gemelli.
Does Asheville Enjoy Italian Food?
Yes, Asheville enjoys Italian food, a fact demonstrated by the consistent popularity and loyal following of its Italian establishments. The long lines at the no-reservations Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian are a testament to the city's love for classic comfort food. At the same time, the national acclaim and booked tables at fine-dining restaurants like Cucina 24 and Bargello show a strong appetite for more refined and innovative interpretations of the cuisine. The success of Italian restaurants across different neighborhoods and at various price points confirms that the cuisine is a beloved and essential part of the Asheville dining experience.
Are There Vegan Options in Italian Restaurants in Asheville?
Yes, vegan options are available at several Italian restaurants in Asheville, including Cucina 24, Contrada, Gemelli, and Modesto Trattoria. Cucina 24's vegetable-forward, farm-driven menu can easily accommodate vegan diners. Contrada offers a number of plant-based small plates, or cicchetti. Gemelli can prepare several of its pasta dishes with a vegan preparation, and Modesto Trattoria offers cheeseless pizzas like the classic Marinara or other vegetable-topped pies made without dairy.
Does an Italian Restaurant in Asheville Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Italian restaurants in Asheville offer gluten-free options, with Strada Italiano, Bargello, Cucina 24, and Contrada all providing accommodations. Strada Italiano offers gluten-free pasta substitutes for many of its dishes. The menus at upscale restaurants like Bargello and Cucina 24 feature numerous naturally gluten-free entrees, such as grilled meats, seafood, and risotto. Contrada also has a menu with many vegetable and protein-based small plates that are suitable for gluten-free guests.
What is the Average Meal Price for Italian Restaurants in Asheville?
The price for a meal at an Italian restaurant in Asheville ranges from under $20 for a casual slice to over $100 for a multi-course tasting menu. For an affordable meal at a neighborhood spot like 828 Family Pizzeria, the cost is between $10 and $30 per person. A mid-tier dinner at a popular full-service restaurant such as Vinnie's or Strada Italiano will cost between $30 and $60. A fine-dining experience at an upscale establishment like Bargello or Cucina 24 will have entrees starting around $40, with tasting menus exceeding $100 per person.
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