MomSkoop
North Carolina’s food scene offers incredible Italian dining options for pasta lovers across the state. From family-style eateries to upscale restaurants, these establishments serve up authentic flavors that transport you straight to Italy. Whether you’re craving classic spaghetti and meatballs or innovative pasta creations, these reliable chains consistently deliver delicious Italian cuisine that satisfies every time.
1. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Family recipes shine at this beloved chain where wood-fired cooking elevates every pasta dish to memorable heights. The Fettuccine Carrabba, featuring a rich Alfredo sauce with grilled chicken and mushrooms, remains a customer favorite year after year. With locations in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro, Carrabba’s warm atmosphere makes it perfect for date nights or family gatherings. The servers often recommend pairing your pasta with their signature house bread and herb oil. Fun fact: Many of Carrabba’s recipes come directly from founder Johnny Carrabba’s Sicilian grandmother, giving authentic heritage to each bite you enjoy.
2. North Italia
Handcrafted pasta takes center stage at this modern eatery where chefs prepare fresh noodles daily. The Strozzapreti pasta with chicken, roasted mushroom, spinach, and toasted pine nuts showcases their commitment to quality ingredients. Bright, airy spaces characterize their Charlotte locations in South End, Ballantyne, and Birkdale Village. The restaurant’s contemporary vibe attracts both business lunches and evening social gatherings. What sets North Italia apart is their seasonal approach to Italian cuisine, updating their menu regularly to incorporate the freshest local ingredients while maintaining their signature pasta excellence.
3. Brio Italian Grille
Tuscan-inspired elegance defines the dining experience at Brio, where pasta dishes receive the same careful attention as their premium steaks. Their Pasta Alla Vodka, featuring handmade pasta in a rich tomato cream sauce with crispy pancetta, exemplifies their refined approach to Italian classics. Strategically located in Raleigh’s Crabtree Valley Mall, Brio offers a sophisticated escape from shopping fatigue. High ceilings, marble columns, and white tablecloths create an upscale atmosphere without feeling stuffy. The restaurant’s bread service, featuring warm flatbread with herbed olive oil, primes your palate perfectly for the pasta delights to follow.
4. Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
Massive family-style portions create instant celebrations at this quirky Italian institution. Their Spaghetti with Meatballs arrives at your table with tennis ball-sized meatballs that have become legendary among pasta enthusiasts throughout North Carolina. Located in Pineville, the restaurant’s walls overflow with vintage Italian photographs and memorabilia, creating a lively, nostalgic atmosphere. The Pope’s Table, a special round table with a bust of the Pope as its centerpiece, offers a unique dining experience for larger groups. Every pasta dish serves 2-3 people, making Buca perfect for creating shared memories over generous plates of authentic Italian comfort food.
5. Piada Italian Street Food
Quick-service Italian reaches gourmet heights at this modern chain where pasta bowls receive chef-inspired attention. The Diavolo Pasta Bowl, featuring spicy tomato sauce, pepperoni, and fresh vegetables over angel hair pasta, delivers restaurant-quality flavor in fast-casual timing. Morrisville’s location attracts tech workers and families alike with its bright, contemporary design. The assembly-line style service allows complete customization of every pasta bowl, catering to picky eaters and adventurous palates equally well. Despite its quick-service format, Piada uses premium ingredients like cold-pressed olive oil and made-from-scratch sauces that elevate their pasta far beyond typical fast food fare.
6. Olive Garden
Unlimited breadsticks might get the glory, but the pasta keeps loyal customers returning to this familiar favorite across North Carolina. Their Tour of Italy, featuring three classic pasta preparations on one plate, satisfies indecisive diners who want to sample multiple flavors. With locations in nearly every major NC city, Olive Garden’s consistency makes it a reliable choice for Italian comfort food. The restaurant’s recent menu innovations, including the Giant Stuffed Shells, show they’re not resting on their breadstick laurels. Their famous Never Ending Pasta Bowl promotion, when available, draws pasta enthusiasts from Charlotte to Wilmington for unlimited pasta combinations that stretch both stomachs and value.
7. Maggiano’s Little Italy
Yesterday’s pasta becomes tomorrow’s gift at this generous chain where their famous “Today & Tomorrow” deal provides a second pasta dish to take home. The Rigatoni D, featuring herb-roasted chicken, mushrooms, and marsala cream sauce, has developed a cult following among North Carolina pasta aficionados. Charlotte’s SouthPark location recreates old-world Italian charm with dark wood paneling and vintage photographs. Family-style dining options make Maggiano’s perfect for celebrations, while intimate booths accommodate romantic dinners. Seasonal chef’s features showcase creative pasta preparations beyond their beloved classics, demonstrating the culinary team’s passion for authentic Italian innovation.
8. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Crayons on paper tablecloths invite artistic expression while waiting for masterfully crafted pasta at this family-friendly chain. Their Mama’s Trio, featuring three classic pasta dishes (lasagna, chicken cannelloni, and chicken parmesan), provides a perfect sampler of their signature offerings. Raleigh and Charlotte locations maintain the chain’s rustic Italian farmhouse aesthetic with stone accents and warm lighting. Open kitchens allow diners to watch pasta being prepared while enjoying the aromatic anticipation. The complimentary rosemary bread with olive oil starts every meal on a high note, perfectly complementing the robust flavors of their pasta dishes that follow.
9. Bravo! Italian Kitchen
“Roman ruins” architectural details create a distinctly upscale atmosphere at this refined Italian chain serving exceptional pasta. Their Pasta Woozie, featuring grilled chicken, fettuccine, and spinach in a rich parmesan cream sauce, remains their most requested dish for good reason. The Raleigh location at Brier Creek offers both intimate indoor dining and pleasant patio seating. Attentive service and thoughtful wine pairings elevate the pasta experience beyond casual dining expectations. Weekend brunch introduces creative Italian twists on morning classics, including breakfast pasta dishes that showcase the kitchen’s versatility and commitment to authentic Italian flavors throughout the day.
10. Vivace
Contemporary Italian cuisine meets Southern hospitality at this Charlotte gem that’s expanded to multiple locations. The Short Rib Agnolotti, featuring tender braised beef wrapped in handmade pasta with truffle butter sauce, showcases their commitment to elevated Italian dining. Floor-to-ceiling windows at their Charlotte Metropolitan location offer stunning urban views alongside your pasta experience. The restaurant’s sleek, modern aesthetic creates a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for special occasions or impressive business dinners. Seasonal ingredients from local North Carolina farms frequently appear in their pasta specials, creating unique regional interpretations of classic Italian dishes that connect Old World tradition with New World terroir.