24 Best Italian Restaurants in Asheville

“Gemelli is a restaurant that offers an incredible dining experience. The service is exceptional, with attentive servers like Sarah who make special occasions even more memorable. The menu features delicious food, from appetizers to desserts, and includes several vegetarian options. It is also a kid-friendly establishment, with highchairs and kid menus available. The staff is friendly and interact with children, making it a pleasant experience for the whole family. Reasonably priced, Gemelli is a place that visitors from out of town, like those from the Boston area, would want to visit again. Overall, it is a highly recommended restaurant that delivers an excellent dining experience.“

“Cucina24 is a restaurant in Asheville that offers a mix of fine dining and casual dining experiences. The food is generally well-received, with fresh and high-quality ingredients used in the dishes. The service can be hit or miss, with some reports of excellent service and others noting room for improvement. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate various dietary restrictions, including nut allergies and halal preferences. While the focaccia may be a bit too salty for some, the ripassata is highly recommended. The restaurant is an ideal spot for a romantic evening, with a warm and intimate ambiance. Overall, Cucina24 provides a quality dining experience, though the value for the price point may be debated by some.“

“Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian South offers fantastic food, good service, and a welcoming environment. Dishes like lasagna, wedding soup, arancini, chicken parm, and cannoli are homemade and delicious. The staff is friendly and attentive, making the dining experience enjoyable. Customers praise the well drinks and express intentions to return when in the area.“

“Bargello offers exceptional service and delicious food in a modern and impressive setting. The staff is accommodating to dietary restrictions and goes above and beyond to prepare amazing meals. Popular dishes include the arugula and melon salad, grilled octopus, short rib pappardelle, pork tenderloin, and Cioppino. Enjoy half-price wine on Wednesdays and exceptional service from servers like Tyler and Chloe. A great spot for special occasions or a night out.“

“The Original Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian offers great chicken parmesan and delicious Bolognese. The shrimp scampi appetizer and tiramisu are excellent choices. Half-price wine and a fantastic pasta selection make for a wonderful dining experience. Service is top-notch, especially from server Dalton. The mozzarella marinara may be lacking, but overall, Vinnie's is a must-visit for Italian cuisine lovers.“

“Piazza is a restaurant known for its delicious vegetarian options, particularly the flavorful mushroom pizza and tasty salads. The cheesy breadsticks, sautéed garlic spinach, and Greek salad are popular starters. Entrees include options such as spaghetti bolognese with meatballs, lasagna, and a portobello burger, all of which have received positive feedback. Diners can also enjoy desserts like cannoli and ice cream sandwiches. The restaurant is accommodating for those with specific food texture preferences, and offers quick service even for larger groups. Prices are reported to be reasonable.“

“Luminosa offers a wonderful dining experience with good food and great service. The entrees may be a bit pricey, but the courteous and friendly staff, including attentive servers like Felix, make it worthwhile. The restaurant serves incredible food, including its exceptional gnocchi, and is a perfect spot for a special occasion or a casual night out. Don't miss the delicious bread!“

“Pomodoros Greek & Italian Café offers an amazing dining experience with its delicious lasagna, rivalling the best in Buffalo, NY. The clean and cozy atmosphere features comfortable booths and a great variety of menu options, including eggplant Parm and chicken parmigiana, all served with friendly and attentive staff.“

“Strada Italiano is a must-try restaurant in Asheville, especially for those with dietary restrictions. The menu boasts a wide range of gluten-free options, including pasta, pizza, and desserts. The food is outstanding, with fresh, homemade pasta and crispy-bottomed pizzas cooked to perfection. The chicken parmigiana is a highlight, with tender chicken and delicious breading. The service is generally excellent, with attentive and knowledgeable servers like Tharis, Shane, and Justine. The rooftop patio offers a nice view of the city and a great ambiance. While occasional missteps can occur, the restaurant's commitment to gluten-free options and delicious food makes it a standout. Be sure to try the Focaccia, Tiramisu, and gluten-free calamari, and don't forget to make a reservation!“

“Carrabba's Italian Grill offers an exceptional dining experience, with outstanding food and wonderful servers. The chefs are commended for their outstanding dishes, particularly the Shrimp & Scallop Pasta, which is highly recommended. The staff works seamlessly together, with every server being attentive and friendly, including Gretchen, who is praised for her exceptional service. The manager, Melissa, is credited with doing a great job in training the team, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. With its exceptional service and delicious food, Carrabba's Italian Grill is a must-visit destination.“

“Modesto Trattoria consistently impresses with its high-quality food, drinks, and ambiance. The staff provides exceptional hospitality, ensuring every meal is fantastic. The menu features fresh seafood, superb traditional Italian dishes, and exceptional steaks and chops. The pizza crust is particularly notable for its light and tender texture. With outstanding service, delicious martinis, and wonderful dishes, Modesto stands out as one of the best restaurants in Asheville.“

“Contrada is a small, family-friendly restaurant that serves exceptional artisan pizzas, including the popular pepperoni (americano) and basil (margarita) varieties. Customers praise the fresh, flavorful ingredients, crisp crust, and kind, welcoming service, making it a top pizza destination in Asheville.“

“828 Family Pizzeria offers a variety of delicious dishes, including the garden salad with fresh broccoli, perfectly baked wings with buffalo sauce, and a top-notch margherita pizza with a delightful crust. The classic cheese pizza comes with a unique presentation, and customers can also enjoy a New York style cheese pizza. The food is always yummy, and the staff provides great service, creating a welcoming atmosphere for a quality meal. This family-owned restaurant is a must-visit for those looking for a satisfying dining experience.“

“Olive Garden Italian Restaurant offers a mixed dining experience. While the food is generally excellent, the service can be inconsistent. Customers have experienced issues with freshness of dishes and attentiveness of servers, but the restaurant's management is responsive in addressing concerns. Overall, the restaurant provides a satisfactory dining experience that keeps customers returning.“

“Bellagio Bistro offers excellent food with huge portions and great prices. The restaurant is kid-friendly, with a lovely waterfall inside. The staff, including server Christi, provide pleasant service. The Supreme Pizza is highly recommended. Despite occasional service issues, the restaurant remains a favorite spot for many customers. With plenty of parking and wheelchair accessibility, Bellagio Bistro is a delightful and homey spot for a delicious meal.“

“Apollo Flame Bistro on Brevard Rd in Asheville is a popular spot, known for its generous portions and great taste. The menu features a variety of options, including Greek salads, chicken gyro platters, roast beef and bacon subs, and hummus appetizers. The salmon and Neapolitan desserts have also received positive reviews. The service is consistently described as friendly, attentive, and excellent. The restaurant has a comfortable and nicely decorated atmosphere, despite being busy. It has been a local staple for 24 years, appreciated for its American-Greek fusion cuisine. Prices are considered reasonable.“

“Apollo Flame Bistro - Hendersonville Rd offers great food at reasonable prices. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including gyro sandwiches, meatballs, pizza, and house salad. Customers praise the excellent quality of the food and the friendly, attentive service. The restaurant is family-friendly and provides a convenient dining option for visitors to the area.“

“Del Vecchios South is a top-notch eatery that impresses with its great food and above-average service. The menu features vegetarian options like salad and garlic knots, as well as gluten-free 10-inch pizzas. The staff is friendly, especially to kids, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible. Standout dishes include the Bolognese sauce, crispy cheese sticks, and perfectly crafted pizzas with fresh mushrooms. This hidden gem in a strip mall is a must-return destination.“

“Manicomio Pizza offers a great atmosphere, with a lovely outdoor seating area and a convenient downtown location. The service is friendly and prompt. The menu features a variety of options, including pizzas, with the option to order by the slice. Pizzas are cooked to perfection, with authentic toppings adding a unique flavor. The crust is thin and the sauce is sweet. While the interior may not be impressive, the food is delicious and worth visiting.“

“J&S Fresh Kitchen and Catering in Asheville, NC is a cafeteria-style restaurant located near interstate 40, known for its good food, diverse selection, and delicious flavors. It offers easy parking and wheelchair accessibility. Popular among locals and veterans, J&S provides military challenge coins and plenty of vegetarian options.“

“Twisted Laurel Downtown Asheville offers outstanding creative selections such as crab cakes, smashburger, and trout, prepared perfectly. The wait staff is attentive and knowledgeable, providing excellent service. The restaurant is conveniently located and reservations are recommended. The menu includes fabulous dishes like salmon, goat cheese tortellini, and gluten-free pizza. The focaccia bread with prosciutto, cantaloupe, and ricotta spread was a delightful surprise. The atmosphere is dog-friendly, with a nice selection of beer and mixed drinks. Accessibility for wheelchairs is available, making it a great choice for a delicious meal.“

“Del Vecchios serves up delicious East Coast-style pizza with a crunchy crust and generous toppings. The Italian sausage is a highlight, and the cheese is rich and flavorful. Beyond pizza, the restaurant offers a range of Italian-inspired dishes, including garlic knots, Italian subs, eggplant parmesan, and paninis. While the flavors may not be spectacular, the portions are generous and the service is efficient, making it a great value. The restaurant is also known for its flavorful marinara sauce and perfectly balanced cheese-to-sauce ratio on its pizzas. With higher prices than chain restaurants, Del Vecchios is a great choice for those looking to support a local business and enjoy a satisfying meal.“

“Leo's Italian Social is a top choice for a delicious meal in a great atmosphere. With outstanding service and a menu featuring dishes like lobster & shrimp fettuccine and grilled chicken salad, Leo's is a go-to spot for many. The signature cocktails are a hit, and the gooey butter cake is a must-try for dessert. Whether you're looking for a perfect night out or a post-theater dining option, Leo's is sure to impress with its attentive staff and fantastic food.“

“Pizza Hut is a popular restaurant with a great location. The staff is friendly and efficient, with orders ready quickly. The food can be inconsistent, but it's always good enough to eat. The pan pizza is a standout, and the service is usually good. Overall, Pizza Hut is a reliable choice for a quick and tasty meal, beating out some competitors like Domino's on Tunnel Rd.“