I am a long-time patron and was lost while Chef was closed for renovations. But the wait was worth it. The new decor is fabulous and now complements the food, bar program, and wine list. It speaks volumes that the entire front of house came back after such a long closure, in addition to a couple of new servers. I am very particular about who and where I support with my business, and the list is very short in Charlotte. Chef is outstanding, and he has an unparalleled supporting cast.
Kurt Waldthausen
Gabriele is the best Italian Chef in Charlotte - without a doubt. I have been enjoying their food with my children, friends and partner for about the last 10 years. I remember so many nights - in the early days - when following a 5 course meal Gabriele would join us for a Grappa to end many delightful evenings. Often we were the last guests in the restaurant. However since sometime last year there must have been changes in the kitchen because the food is not nearly as delicious now then it was before. Recently we had dinner at what used to be my fav restaurant in Charlotte which I want to comment on as follows: When the “baked puffs” arrived with the light tomato sauce I was very excited because I live the crisp savory puffs. But now they tasted like cornbread with a texture that was disappointing. I just had one when I would normally order an extra portion. A bad start. We shared the Fegatini which was as tasty as always. However the toast that came with it was not fresh. What a downer. Next I had the Spaghetti with Hawaiian shrimp. The pasta was excellent but the shrimps not so much. Hard and dry!!! My partner had the tortelli which were quite good, But for a “primi” we both felt the quantities were too large. Next, both of us had a Branzino. I love Branzino but this one had zero taste, the meat was too soft (kind of glibbery) and it cannot have been super fresh. Neither one of us finished it. We were not in the mood for desert. We spent $330 before a tip. A truly terrible value for money. We have to think long and hard if we ever go “to my fav restaurant in Charlotte” again. A very disappointed and sad customer. May be it is the increased size of the restaurant that impacted the quality. It is something different to run a small exquisite restaurant from one that has doubled in size with essentially the same size kitchen!
Natalie Grace Evero
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience in North Carolina, there is simply no better destination than Aqua e Vino in Charlotte. This is not just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to Italian tradition, elegance, and heart, led by one of the most quietly brilliant chefs working today: Chef Gabriele Grigolon!!
Chef Grigo’s resume reads like a tour of European culinary royalty. From Il Cortile in Paris under the legendary Alain Ducasse, to Aimo e Nadia in Milan, and Harry’s Bar and Sass Café in Monte Carlo, his international pedigree is unmatched. His excellence has even been honored by the Principality of Monaco with the prestigious Cordon d’Or for Chef de Cuisine. And yet, with all of this prestige, Chef Grigolon remains a remarkably humble, down-to-earth figure, focused purely on delivering a soulful, unforgettable meal. If you’re lucky, he’ll even come out and give you a hug!
What makes Aqua e Vino so special is its rare combination of sophistication and comfort. The staff—deeply knowledgeable about Italian cuisine—make it their mission to ensure every guest feels not only welcomed but celebrated. There’s no fancy dress code, no pretense, and no pressure—just genuine hospitality, a warm embrace of “la famiglia,” and a deep respect for the customer experience.
But let’s talk about the food.
Each dish is a revelation. From handmade pastas that transport you to the hills of Tuscany, to delicate seafood dishes that taste as if they came straight from the Amalfi coast, every bite is a masterclass in balance, flavor, and tradition. You can taste the decades of experience and world-class training in every plate—and yet, there’s something deeply personal about the food, like you’re being served a family recipe passed down for generations.
Complementing the cuisine are delicious hand-crafted cocktails by the most incredible bartenders to serve—thoughtfully created, balanced, and as refined as the food itself.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Aqua e Vino is a must-visit culinary destination. It’s not just the best Italian food in North Carolina—it might be one of the best meals you’ll have in your life.
Prepare to be moved, satisfied, and sincerely welcomed—because at Aqua e Vino, you’re not just a guest, you’re family.
Mala Sharma
Aqua e Vino is Chef owned and operated. Chef plans his menu and produces his delectable creations for his customers on a daily basis. Chef creates his menus and cooks specifically to each menu per night, no deviations.
I was last here with family August 15, 2024 for dinner. We had quite a delectable dinner fare from appetisers to mail course and finished with desert. The food was delectably exquisite and would send your taste buds into quite the tizzy.
Chef was kind enough to come out to check on us this evening and answered my questions on his authentic Sicilian cuisine with authmost pleasure. He was even gracious enough to pose for a few pictures with my group.
On Saturdays there’s a wonderful brunch which I’ll be sure not to miss the next time I’m in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. From this New Yorker foodie here, Chew blew me and my palate away with each of his culinary masterpieces, one after the other.
Anyone looking to try authentic, Sicilian cuisine, Chef’s restaurant, Aqua e Vino is the spot to be!
Frank Schultz
Another lovely evening at our favorite restaurant in town. The restaurant has been renovated recently and it turned into such a gem! Well done! The ladies and gentlemen who work with chef Gabriele are a wonderful, caring group. The authentic Italian food is the best you can find in Charlotte and I would say that it would only find a match if you travel to chef's birth land Italy!!
Natalia Vidal
Terrible service, food and atmosphere. Everything is a no doesn’t matter what you ask. We were a big group wanting to have a good time and since the beginning was a problem. Won’t recommend at all. Food was awful. And at the end of it all a bug walking in the table.
Juan Velazquez
This restaurant is embarrassing. Our waiter had attitude like she hated her job. Drinks were embarrassing as they were poorly made and served. Food was very bad. I would avoid this restaurant at all times.
Mike ANGEL
I went there last night with two friends and spent over $500 ordering through the menu. I very rarely leave a review and I had to with this experience. This was one of the most disappointing food experiences I’ve had in the city of Charlotte. The veal carpaccio was essentially cooked roast beef with cream of mushroom soup on top. The octopus was very over cooked. The focaccia in the bread basket was old. The sole was very over cooked. The veal chop was cooked well but over salted.
The only thing I found to be solid here was the wine list, the service team, and the atmosphere.
Alli Crockett
Incredible staff and delicious food - can’t wait to go back!
avscnz Altrubottle
Amazing food, and even more amazing service. Have been here several times and every time I continue to want to come back. But this particular one was the best of them all.
Wonderful experience! Delicious food and wine, great service and beautiful restaurant after the remodel!
JR
Food was excellent and the service was wonderful until the roach showed up- literally climbed the walls and sat next to us in the booth. When I killed it and gave the carcass to the waiter they were “generous” enough to comp dessert and never actually apologized. Never again!!!! Better call the Orkin man!
Evan D
After a short renovation (with a couple of delays), Aqua e Vino has officially reopened in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood and it’s absolutely worth a visit. The restaurant’s dim lighting and cozy atmosphere make it perfect for a romantic date night or quiet dinner.
A few things to know before you go: reservations are required by phone only, there’s a 2-hour dine-in limit, and OpenTable points aren’t happening here.
John, who served as both maitre d’ and waiter, brought great energy and made the evening smooth from start to finish.
To start, I was treated to a gift from the chef: savory beignets with tomato sauce. Fluffy, lightly fried, and gone in seconds.
I followed that with a daily special: tuna tartare over eggplant caponata. The tuna was tossed with pine nuts and cucumber, and paired with the sweet, smoky eggplant, it made for a perfect texture and flavor.
For my entree I ordered the eggplant parmigiana. Lightly fried then baked, it was served bubbling hot in a small baking dish. The eggplant was thinly sliced and layered perfectly like a lasagna with generous amounts of melted mozzarella and tomato sauce. Hands down one of the best I’ve had in Charlotte.
I wrapped it up with their house-made green apple sorbet. Think crisp Granny Smith, not sour candy. Clean, cool, and super refreshing.
Megan Fuller
If you want the best dirty martini in Charlotte, look no further. Service and food are impeccable.
Amber Boston
Just recently tried their breakfast on Saturdays- as always feels like I am back to Italy! Love this place!
I am a long-time patron and was lost while Chef was closed for renovations. But the wait was worth it. The new decor is fabulous and now complements the food, bar program, and wine list. It speaks volumes that the entire front of house came back after such a long closure, in addition to a couple of new servers. I am very particular about who and where I support with my business, and the list is very short in Charlotte. Chef is outstanding, and he has an unparalleled supporting cast.
Gabriele is the best Italian Chef in Charlotte - without a doubt. I have been enjoying their food with my children, friends and partner for about the last 10 years. I remember so many nights - in the early days - when following a 5 course meal Gabriele would join us for a Grappa to end many delightful evenings. Often we were the last guests in the restaurant.
However since sometime last year there must have been changes in the kitchen because the food is not nearly as delicious now then it was before. Recently we had dinner at what used to be my fav restaurant in Charlotte which I want to comment on as follows:
When the “baked puffs” arrived with the light tomato sauce I was very excited because I live the crisp savory puffs. But now they tasted like cornbread with a texture that was disappointing. I just had one when I would normally order an extra portion. A bad start.
We shared the Fegatini which was as tasty as always. However the toast that came with it was not fresh. What a downer.
Next I had the Spaghetti with Hawaiian shrimp. The pasta was excellent but the shrimps not so much. Hard and dry!!! My partner had the tortelli which were quite good, But for a “primi” we both felt the quantities were too large.
Next, both of us had a Branzino. I love Branzino but this one had zero taste, the meat was too soft (kind of glibbery) and it cannot have been super fresh. Neither one of us finished it.
We were not in the mood for desert. We spent $330 before a tip. A truly terrible value for money.
We have to think long and hard if we ever go “to my fav restaurant in Charlotte” again.
A very disappointed and sad customer.
May be it is the increased size of the restaurant that impacted the quality. It is something different to run a small exquisite restaurant from one that has doubled in size with essentially the same size kitchen!
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience in North Carolina, there is simply no better destination than Aqua e Vino in Charlotte. This is not just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to Italian tradition, elegance, and heart, led by one of the most quietly brilliant chefs working today: Chef Gabriele Grigolon!!
Chef Grigo’s resume reads like a tour of European culinary royalty. From Il Cortile in Paris under the legendary Alain Ducasse, to Aimo e Nadia in Milan, and Harry’s Bar and Sass Café in Monte Carlo, his international pedigree is unmatched. His excellence has even been honored by the Principality of Monaco with the prestigious Cordon d’Or for Chef de Cuisine. And yet, with all of this prestige, Chef Grigolon remains a remarkably humble, down-to-earth figure, focused purely on delivering a soulful, unforgettable meal. If you’re lucky, he’ll even come out and give you a hug!
What makes Aqua e Vino so special is its rare combination of sophistication and comfort. The staff—deeply knowledgeable about Italian cuisine—make it their mission to ensure every guest feels not only welcomed but celebrated. There’s no fancy dress code, no pretense, and no pressure—just genuine hospitality, a warm embrace of “la famiglia,” and a deep respect for the customer experience.
But let’s talk about the food.
Each dish is a revelation. From handmade pastas that transport you to the hills of Tuscany, to delicate seafood dishes that taste as if they came straight from the Amalfi coast, every bite is a masterclass in balance, flavor, and tradition. You can taste the decades of experience and world-class training in every plate—and yet, there’s something deeply personal about the food, like you’re being served a family recipe passed down for generations.
Complementing the cuisine are delicious hand-crafted cocktails by the most incredible bartenders to serve—thoughtfully created, balanced, and as refined as the food itself.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Aqua e Vino is a must-visit culinary destination. It’s not just the best Italian food in North Carolina—it might be one of the best meals you’ll have in your life.
Prepare to be moved, satisfied, and sincerely welcomed—because at Aqua e Vino, you’re not just a guest, you’re family.
Aqua e Vino is Chef owned and operated. Chef plans his menu and produces his delectable creations for his customers on a daily basis. Chef creates his menus and cooks specifically to each menu per night, no deviations.
I was last here with family August 15, 2024 for dinner. We had quite a delectable dinner fare from appetisers to mail course and finished with desert. The food was delectably exquisite and would send your taste buds into quite the tizzy.
Chef was kind enough to come out to check on us this evening and answered my questions on his authentic Sicilian cuisine with authmost pleasure. He was even gracious enough to pose for a few pictures with my group.
On Saturdays there’s a wonderful brunch which I’ll be sure not to miss the next time I’m in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. From this New Yorker foodie here, Chew blew me and my palate away with each of his culinary masterpieces, one after the other.
Anyone looking to try authentic, Sicilian cuisine, Chef’s restaurant, Aqua e Vino is the spot to be!
Another lovely evening at our favorite restaurant in town.
The restaurant has been renovated recently and it turned into such a gem! Well done!
The ladies and gentlemen who work with chef Gabriele are a wonderful, caring group.
The authentic Italian food is the best you can find in Charlotte and I would say that it would only find a match if you travel to chef's birth land Italy!!
Terrible service, food and atmosphere. Everything is a no doesn’t matter what you ask. We were a big group wanting to have a good time and since the beginning was a problem. Won’t recommend at all. Food was awful. And at the end of it all a bug walking in the table.
This restaurant is embarrassing. Our waiter had attitude like she hated her job. Drinks were embarrassing as they were poorly made and served. Food was very bad. I would avoid this restaurant at all times.
I went there last night with two friends and spent over $500 ordering through the menu. I very rarely leave a review and I had to with this experience. This was one of the most disappointing food experiences I’ve had in the city of Charlotte. The veal carpaccio was essentially cooked roast beef with cream of mushroom soup on top. The octopus was very over cooked. The focaccia in the bread basket was old. The sole was very over cooked. The veal chop was cooked well but over salted.
The only thing I found to be solid here was the wine list, the service team, and the atmosphere.
Incredible staff and delicious food - can’t wait to go back!
Amazing food, and even more amazing service. Have been here several times and every time I continue to want to come back. But this particular one was the best of them all.
Restaurantji Recommends
Wonderful experience!
Delicious food and wine, great service and beautiful restaurant after the remodel!
Food was excellent and the service was wonderful until the roach showed up- literally climbed the walls and sat next to us in the booth. When I killed it and gave the carcass to the waiter they were “generous” enough to comp dessert and never actually apologized. Never again!!!! Better call the Orkin man!
After a short renovation (with a couple of delays), Aqua e Vino has officially reopened in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood and it’s absolutely worth a visit. The restaurant’s dim lighting and cozy atmosphere make it perfect for a romantic date night or quiet dinner.
A few things to know before you go: reservations are required by phone only, there’s a 2-hour dine-in limit, and OpenTable points aren’t happening here.
John, who served as both maitre d’ and waiter, brought great energy and made the evening smooth from start to finish.
To start, I was treated to a gift from the chef: savory beignets with tomato sauce. Fluffy, lightly fried, and gone in seconds.
I followed that with a daily special: tuna tartare over eggplant caponata. The tuna was tossed with pine nuts and cucumber, and paired with the sweet, smoky eggplant, it made for a perfect texture and flavor.
For my entree I ordered the eggplant parmigiana. Lightly fried then baked, it was served bubbling hot in a small baking dish. The eggplant was thinly sliced and layered perfectly like a lasagna with generous amounts of melted mozzarella and tomato sauce. Hands down one of the best I’ve had in Charlotte.
I wrapped it up with their house-made green apple sorbet. Think crisp Granny Smith, not sour candy. Clean, cool, and super refreshing.
If you want the best dirty martini in Charlotte, look no further. Service and food are impeccable.
Just recently tried their breakfast on Saturdays- as always feels like I am back to Italy!
Love this place!
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