Atlanta’s dining scene is known for its diversity, and Italian cuisine is no exception. From the aroma of freshly baked focaccia to the first twirl of handmade pasta, Atlanta’s Italian restaurants transport diners straight to Italy. The city offers thoughtfully prepared pastas, wood-fired pizzas, classic Italian dishes, and cozy, inviting dining spaces.
Atlanta’s Must-Try Italian Dining Spots
From cozy trattorias to upscale restaurants, Atlanta offers Italian spots with authentic dishes, homemade pasta, and inviting atmospheres. This list was carefully curated based on verified diner reviews, restaurant ratings from platforms like Google Reviews, OpenTable, and Yelp.
La Grotta Ristorante Italiano
Since 1978, La Grotta Ristorante Italiano has served the best in Northern and regional Italian cuisine. A Buckhead favorite, La Grotta pairs a vintage ambiance with attentive service.
Located in a small, residential location with a view of beautiful courtyard gardens, the restaurant is a warm, intimate place. The restaurant features famous dishes like veal chop, panna cotta, lobster pasta, and more such dishes. Diners recommend trying the burrata special, tortellini, and chicken parmesan at La Grotta.
La Grotta has earned Atlanta Magazine’s ‘Best of Atlanta’ awards since the 1980s, along with DiRONA and AAA Four Diamond accolades, cementing its status as a top Northern Italian dining destination.
- Where: 2637 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
- Website: www.lagrottaatlanta.com
La Tavola Trattoria
Located in the center of Virginia-Highland, La Tavola Trattoria provides a warm feel of an Italian trattoria. It has bare brick walls, stylish light fixtures, a flower-lined dining experience, and background jazz or soulful music.
The menu contains house-made pastas, focaccia, and curated wines, which makes it the ideal place to spend time in a relaxed manner.
Diners reviewed their traditional spaghetti Bolognese, tagliolini, or any of their specials of the season as the best options to explore. Its outdoor patio is perfect for evening dining during pleasant weather.
- Where: 992 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
- Website: www.latavolatrattoria.com
Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante
Storico Fresco is a restaurant that serves fresh pasta, sauces, and Italian products, with a well-established retail space, which makes it a hybrid between the dining and shopping experience.
Located in the heart of Buckhead, Storico Fresco serves traditional Italian dishes. According to diners’ reviews, Spinaci, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, and Rigatoni con Pesto with a modern twist are a must-try. The market-style concept of the restaurant enables taking some quality ingredients and making the flavors at home.
- Where: 3167 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
- Website: storicofresco.com
Pasta da Pulcinella
Pasta da Pulcinella offers a welcoming spot to enjoy Italian dining, drinks, and a glass of Chianti. The restaurant is situated in its own small yellow house that is surrounded by skyscrapers in Midtown, attracting couples, theatergoers, business travelers, and small groups, as well.
The restaurant features popular dishes, such as chicken cannelloni, Ravioli di Funghi, and chicken ravioli. Diners recommend Tortelli di Mele, linguine with garlic cream sauce, and added chicken and lobster ravioli as the best menu options.
The atmosphere is a mix of easy-going comfort and culinary elegance, and the gathering areas consist of a patio, two bars, and event rooms.
- Where: 1100 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
- Website: pastadapulcinella.com
Grana
Grana, under the leadership of Chef Pat Pascarella, focuses on the tastes of the South Italian cuisine, particularly of Calabria and Campania, made with imported Italian and local products.
Their menu includes wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, handmade pastas, meatball flights, and wood-fired steak, fish, and chicken. Diners highly recommend the epic meatballs and delicious pizza menu.
Grana offers a weekend brunch and aperitivo hours. The food is served in the family-friendly ambiance in the main room, mezzanine, and rooftop bar- all with a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere.
- Where:
- Piedmont: 1835 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA, 30324
- Dunwoody: 1210 Ashford Crossing, Atlanta, GA, 30338
- Roswell: 1035 Alpharetta St, Roswell, GA 30075
- Website: www.granaatl.com
A Mano
A Mano was established in 2017 and captures the essence of Italian cuisine well. Diners experience a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the restaurant on usual days and an energetic and lively ambiance during weekends.
The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking methods along with a dynamic beverage program. A Mano pasta club and weekly lunch specials draw regulars, and the restaurant hosts special events throughout the year.
The restaurant is famous for Parmesan chicken, carbonara, and delicious pastas. According to diner reviews and feedback, popular dishes include cacio e pepe, charred octopus, bucatini alla bolognese, fig salad, and more.
- Where: 587 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Website: www.amanoatl.com
BoccaLupo
BoccaLupo is a colorful Italian-American neighborhood restaurant that is the creation of Chef Bruce Logue. The kitchen focuses on the creativity and local production of handmade and extruded pasta.
The interior seats around 40 guests, complemented by an 18-seat patio, creating a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
BoccaLupo’s rotating menu includes black spaghetti with Calabrese sausage and shrimp, elevated antipasti, seasonal pasta dishes, and inventive cocktails. Dishes that are highly recommended by diners include shishito peppers, black pasta, smoked fromage bruschetta, and Basque cheesecake.
- Where: 753 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Website: boccalupoatl.com
From cozy trattorias to modern market-style eateries, Atlanta proves that Italian dining here is as varied as it is vibrant. Whether someone is looking for a laid-back Italian-themed dinner or a white-tablecloth polish, these restaurants offer it all.
