There’s just something about authentic Italian food! Especially when paired with a cozy dining experience (complete with white table cloths) and a nice bottle of Chianti. The Lake Norman area is bursting with many amazing restaurant concepts, and the Italian restaurant category is no exception. Cue the Sinatra! Here’s a list of our favorite Italian restaurants in the Lake Norman area.

Novanta 90 Pizzeria

Founded by the same people that brought you Brooklyn South Pizzeria and Brooklyn Boys Pizzeria, Novanta 90 Pizzeria Napoletana in an entirely new concept that brings fine Italian dining and Naples-style pizza to the Langtree area of Mooresville.

In addition to Novanta’s handmade Neapolitan pizzas, their menu offers fine homemade dishes from various regions of Italy. Wood-fired ovens are in full view of the modern and exquisitely appointed main dining area.

The bar offers natural wines, local craft beer, cocktails, and spirits.

90 Novanta Pizzeria
120 Langtree Village Drive
Mooresville, NC 28117
90novantapizzeria.com

Pomodoro’s Italian American Cafe

Pomodoro’s Italian American Cafe first opened its doors in Mooresville in 1991, and since then they’ve been serving up some of the best Italian dishes in the Lake Norman Area. The dining space at Pomodoro’s is casual and comfortable, with cozy booths and art deco covering the walls and vibrant colors used throughout.

The menu is described as Italian-American inspired. Portions are large, well-balanced, all of the succulent dishes are made from scratch by the talented Chefs. You’ll find several of your favorites are on the menu, along with pizza baked in stone hearth ovens, baked goods, and desserts. Pomodoro’s makes all of its own sauces, doughs, and desserts in-house daily from the best locally-sourced ingredients.

The bar is spacious and inviting, and offers premium wines, craft beers, cocktails, and spirits.

Pomodoro’s Italian American Cafe – Mooresville
168 Norman Station Blvd. Suite A
Mooresville, NC 28117

Pomodoro’s Italian American Cafe – Denver
7925 Natalie Commons Drive
Denver, NC 28037
pomodoros.com

Caruso’s

If authentic Italian food served in an upscale and romantic setting is what you’re searching for, look no further than Caruso’s Italian Restaurant in Mooresville, NC. Fine dining is what Caruso’s is all about. Traditional, classy, and intimate. Proper dress is required, and there is no children’s menu.

The menu, though rather limited, does offer some of the most delectable selections in the Lake Norman area. Pappardelle alla Vodka, Wagyu Pork Chop Giambotta, and Polenta Encrusted Chilean Sea Bass are just a few of the sumptuous choices on a very Chef-driven menu.

The finely curated wine list is extensive, as is the dessert menu. 

Caruso’s is fine Italian dining at its best. Reservations are recommended.

Caruso’s 
631 Brawley School Road
Suite 405
Mooresville, NC 28117
carusosfinedining.com

Antico Italian Restaurant

Antico Italian Restaurant is yet another authentic Italian dining establishment in the heart of the Lake Norman area. Antico offers Italian dishes that we know and love, including pasta, beef, veal, chicken, and seafood selections. The menu is vast, with numerous selections in each category. 

We like to think of Antico as a fine Italian dining experience in a casual atmosphere. They do offer a kid’s menu. Adults, however, need not despair. Antico also offers fine wines by the glass or bottle and a nice selection of local and imported beers.

Ask your server about the current selection of desserts, as the selection does vary based on the seasonal availability of the finest ingredients.

Antico Italian Restaurant
9719 Sam Furr Road
Unit C
Huntersville, NC 28078
anticoitalianrestaurant.com

Maola’s Pizzeria and Restaurant

Maola’s Pizzeria & Restaurant is located near the heart of Old Town Cornelius. Inside, you’ll find a modern and casual atmosphere. The menu is a blend of authentic old-world Italian dishes and specialty pizza pies. All of Maola’s dishes are prepared to order using the freshest ingredients available. Choose from classic seafood, veal, beef, and chicken dishes, all prepared in-house using authentic and original Italian recipes.

All of the menu items at Maola’s are carefully created and executed to provide their guests with an amazing dining experience. All of the sauces are homemade, and dishes are enhanced by fresh garlic, basil, and parsley. 

In addition to classic Italian dishes like Chicken Parmesan, Francese and Marsala, and homemade Lasagna, Maola’s is also one of the few restaurants in the Lake Norman area where you can order an authentic “Grandma Pie” pizza or a thick-crusted “Sicilian Pie.”

The dessert menu is second-to-none, and they also have a kid’s menu. And of course, beer & wine for the adults.

Maola’s Pizzeria and Restaurant
20129 North Main Street
Cornelius, NC 28031
maolas.com

Mi Amiche

Mi Amiche is an Italian-inspired restaurant concept in Mooresville that blends traditional recipes with unique and innovative menu offerings. Not only does Mi Amiche use only the freshest ingredients, but all of the ingredients in their dishes are locally grown and sourced!

Mi Amiche serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, they offer a kids menu, a dessert menu, and a catering menu. For dinner, you’ll find classics such as Pasta Marinara, Chicken Piccata, and Shrimp Scampi, PLUS house specialties such as Grilled Mi Amichi Chicken, Lemon Pepper Salmon, and Marsala Tips of Filet.

There are also burgers, grinders, and salads galore. As for the dessert menu, well, it’s a sight to behold.

Mi Amiche
350 Morrison Plantation Parkway
Mooresville, NC 28117
miamiche.com

Prosciutto’s Pizzeria & Pub

Ask anyone that has lived in Cornelius for longer than a few years what the best Italian place is in town, and you’re likely to hear the name Prosciutto’s Pizzeria & Pub. Owners Joel and Kelly Pfyffer opened Prosciutto’s back in 2005, and while they’re well known for an amazing New York Style brick oven pizza, Prosciutto’s also offers some equally delicious classic Italian dishes.

Plates of pasta are well-represented on the menu with spaghetti, tortellini, and penne. Sauces include white wine cream, marinara, and creamy alfredo, just to name a few. Cheese ravioli, baked ziti, and your choice of chicken or eggplant parmesan round out the selection of classic entrees.

Also on the menu, you’ll find a huge selection of salads, wings, grinders, calzones, and of course the house specialty pizzas!

There’s also a kids menu, dessert menu, and full bar. Speaking of the full bar – NFL Sunday Ticket can be found here.

Prosciutto’s Pizzeria & Pub
20920 Torrence Chapel Road
Cornelius, NC 28031
prosciuttos.com

IL BOSCO Ristorante

Just around the corner from Kindred Restaurant in Historic Downtown Davidson you’ll find another Chef-driven gem. This one is of the Italian variety, and its name is Il Bosco. Inside, you’ll find the culinary delights of Chef Joseph Herrman whose one goal is to share a lifelong passion for food, wine, and creativity with his guests.

The menu at Il Bosco changes throughout the seasons to reflect the availability of the freshest ingredients. The curated wine list is sure to please the most discerning connoisseur. The daily Chef curated menu can be found on their Facebook page if you’d like to take a peek before your arrival.

A few of the dishes that stood out on the current menu (as of this writing) are Vitello alla Marsala (veal scallopini, mixed mushrooms, in a marsala wine sauce) and Gnocchi alla Butera (house made gnocchi, ground sausage, tomato cream sauce, and parmesan cheese.)

The dining atmosphere at Il Bosco is intimate, and reservations are recommended.

Il Bosco Ristorante 
127 Depot Street
Davidson, NC 28036
ilboscoristorante.com

I Bambini Italian Restaurant

I Bambini Italian Restaurant is a comfortable trattoria in Mooresville, NC. Established over 20 years ago, I Bambini serves fine Italian dishes for both lunch and dinner. Inside the restaurant, and intimate and classic Italian dining atmosphere beckons. 

On the menu, you’ll find traditional Italian dishes and specialty pizzas. Create your own pasta dishes by selecting one of the eight homemade pastas and one of over thirty homemade sauces. Proteins include choices of beef, chicken, veal, and a variety of seafood.

I Bambini offers a great selection of to-go catering options for larger groups. There’s a kid’s menu, too.

For dessert, you’ll have your choice of ice cream, cheesecake, tiramisu, mousse, and cannolis. And, of course, a full bar.

I Bambini Italian Restaurant
2785 Charlotte Highway
Suite 9
Mooresville, NC 28117
ibambinirestaurant.com

Giovanni’s Pizza & Pasta

Well-known for their New York style and Sicilian pizza, Giovanni’s Pizza & Pasta in Denver also offers amazing classic Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. The dining room is casual, bright, and airy. A kid’s menu is also available.

Classic Italian dishes include Penne alla Vodka, Baked Ziti, Spaghetti, Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna, and more! Our favorite: Giovani’s Tour of Italy, which includes Eggplant Parmigiana, Italian Meatball, and Lasagna. 

Having a party? Giovanni’s can cater your next event! The catering menu is online, so have a look and message them with your request.

Giovanni’s Pizza & Pasta
3738 N. Highway 16
Denver, NC 28037
giovannispizzapasta.org

There’s the roundup of our favorite Italian restaurants in the Lake Norman area. Enjoy!