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10 Best Italian Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia

ByPaige Watts

Satisfy your cravings for pasta, pizza, and seafood at these delicious Italian restaurants in Atlanta. Whether you’re in the mood for an upscale ristorante, a cozy neighborhood trattoria, or a quick and easy pizza joint, these top Italian restaurants in Atlanta will hit the spot.

Three plates of pasta are arranged on a rustic table with garlic bread parsley and salt and pepper shakers. The dishes include red sauce rotini green pesto penne and creamy spaghetti topped with herbs and grated cheese.

Top Italian Restaurants in Atlanta

1. Sotto Sotto Restaurant

Thin slices of raw beef carpaccio are arranged on a white rectangular plate with capers shaved Parmesan and olive oil at Sotto Sotto Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. The dish is lightly seasoned with black pepper and served as a simple Italian appetizer.
A nest of thin pasta is tossed with a chunky tomato sauce and topped with grated cheese and wilted basil. Pieces of tomato and garlic are mixed throughout the pasta on a wide white plate at Sotto Sotto Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia.
A plate of thin pasta is tossed with chunky tomato sauce basil garlic and grated cheese on a white table at Sotto Sotto Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. Another pasta dish and glasses of water sit blurred in the background.
Wide ribbons of pasta are coated in a rich brown meat sauce and topped with finely grated cheese. Shredded pieces of slow cooked meat are mixed throughout the pasta on a large white plate at Sotto Sotto Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia.
Two cocktails sit on a restaurant table beside sliced bread and olive oil at Sotto Sotto Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. One is served in a martini glass with an amber color while the other is a tall clear drink over ice garnished with fresh mint.
A creamy chocolate colored cocktail is served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with fresh mint leaves at Sotto Sotto Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. A glass of water and another diner sit blurred in the background.
A single scoop of tan ice cream sits in a small white bowl on a light colored table Sotto Sotto Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. The ice cream has a smooth slightly melting surface with a few soft ridges from the scoop.

Sotto Sotto Restaurant has been an Atlanta Italian favorite in Inman Park since 1999. Their fresh and simple dishes are rooted in centuries of Italian tradition.

Kevin and I went here for our anniversary, and they made the evening feel special right from the start by bringing us complimentary glasses of sparkling wine. It was such a nice surprise!

We started with cocktails: I tried the Champion and Kevin had the Aviation. For an appetizer, we shared the Carpaccio di Manzo before moving on to our pasta dishes.

For our mains, we ordered the Tagliolini al Pomodoro Fresco and the Pappardelle al Sugo d’Anatra (duck ragù). I love that Sotto Sotto has more interesting pasta options alongside the Italian classics, so you can try something a little different for a special night out.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without dessert! We finished the evening with gelato and I got an After-Dinner Mint chocolate martini.

Between the anniversary surprise, cocktails, and multi-course Italian dinner, Sotto Sotto is definitely worth it for a romantic Italian restaurant in Atlanta. I’d especially recommend it for an anniversary or date night.

313 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307

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2. Amalfi Cucina & Mercato

Spaghetti in tomato sauce is topped with three meatballs, melted mozzarella, grated cheese, and fresh basil on a white plate at Amalfi Cucina & Mercato in Atlanta, Georgia. A partially visible pizza sits in the background.

Amalfi Cucina & Mercato is one of the best restaurants for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in Atlanta. They have two locations, one in Downtown and the other in Buckhead.

Kevin and I have eaten at both locations, and one thing I love is that both have the same cozy, authentic Italian vibe (plus the 6,000 pound wood-burning brick oven they bake their famous pizzas in).

We tend to stick to our favorites whenever we visit: the Calamari appetizer, Nonna’s Spaghetti and Meatballs, and the Carne Pizza. I love having the option to get both pizza and pasta because sometimes it’s impossible to choose between the two! For dessert, go for the Tre Mini Cannolis and Pistachio Tiramisu.

Having visited both locations, I’d recommend either one for a casual Italian dinner. I’d choose whichever is more convenient for your Atlanta plans, especially if you’re craving classic spaghetti and meatballs or a Neapolitan pizza.

Downtown: 17 Andrew Young International Blvd NE 2nd Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303

Buckhead: 3242 Peachtree Rd NE Ste A, Atlanta, GA 30305

3. il Giallo Osteria & Bar

il Giallo Osteria & Bar in Sandy Springs focuses on the foods and flavors found in Italy’s coastal villages, the hand-made pastas found in the mountains and plains, and the cured meats, cheeses, and olive oils from the north and south of Italy.

I went here for a holiday party with work once, and it was a great opportunity to try several dishes. We shared a bunch of different things, including the Frittura di Calamari, Polpette (Italian meatballs), and classic Spaghetti with Meatballs. It was fun getting to sample so much of the menu.

One of the things that makes il Giallo stand out is its focus on traditional Italian cooking and fresh, handmade pasta. You can even watch the pasta-making process in the open kitchen.

I’d recommend il Giallo for a group dinner or celebration, particularly if you’re going with people who enjoy ordering several dishes to share.

5920 Roswell Rd B-118, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

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4. Osteria Mattone

Osteria Mattone in Roswell’s historic district is a Rome-inspired Italian restaurant that’s a favorite of locals. The restaurant’s name comes from the Italian word “osteria”, referring to a place to enjoy great wine and simple food.

The wine list at Osteria Mattone has won awards every year since they opened in 2013, and their menu consists of simple Italian classics like spago pomodoro with tamato, basil garlic, and parmesan or a tagliolini Bolognese with beef ragu.

1095 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075

5. Double Zero

Double Zero is located on the outskirts of Emory University in Druid Hills. Since opening in 2011, this modern Italian restaurant has served up authentic cuisine inspired by southern Italy.

On the menu, you’ll find Neapolitan Pizza, fresh handmade pasta, and classic dishes reimagined as small plates. Their bar has one of the largest liquor collections in Atlanta and an extensive Italian wine selection to pair perfectly with your meal.

1577 N Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

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6. Campagnolo Restaurant + Bar

Campagnolo Restaurant + Bar in Midtown is a cozy and casual neighborhood trattoria with a large patio space, which opened in 2012 and quickly became a neighborhood favorite.

Their changing, seasonal menus offer classic Italian favorites with creative twists, like the pappardelle with duck confit, and the fettuccine capricciose with wild mushrooms and arugula topped with pecorino cheese.

980 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

7. Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante

Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante in Buckhead is part restaurant, part market, and part pasta company. In the market, you can shop unique imported and hand-crafted retail products. They offer pasta-making classes at their production facility and host chef’s tables in their restaurant.

In the restaurant, Storico offers a seasonal menu of freshly made pasta, a hand-crafted Italian wine list, and a covered patio that is open for dining year-round.

3167 Peachtree Rd NE Suite S, Atlanta, GA 30305

8. BoccaLupo

BoccaLupo is an intimate Italian restaurant located in Inman Park. They specialize in handmade pasta dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

From Chef Bruce Logue, BoccaLupo offers a menu of Italian-American cuisine that is full of flavor including pasta, fish, poultry, and meat dishes. They offer a tasting menu that gives you a chance to try several of their amazing dishes.

753 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

9. La Grotta Ristorante

La Grotta Ristorante in Buckhead has been an Atlanta tradition since 1978. This fine dining Italian restaurant overlooks a courtyard garden. They have a dress code of business casual to elegant attire.

Their award-winning menu features Northern Italian cuisine and wines from around the world. Their chefs can even create your favorite dishes that aren’t on the menu if they have the ingredients in house.

2637 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

10. La Tavola Trattoria

Located in Virginia-Highland, La Tavola Trattoria is a neighborhood restaurant for classic Italian comfort food housed in a cozy, exposed-brick space with a back patio. Chef Brian Moll’s menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients and time-honored culinary traditions.

On the menu, you’ll find fan favorites like the classic veal meatballs, a rich tagliatelle Bolognese, and seasonal specials that combine Italian flavors with local Southern ingredients.

992 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Atlanta Italian Restaurants Map

Ready for a delicious Italian meal? Find all the Italian restaurants in Atlanta listed in this post on the map below.

I hope you have an amazing night out with a fresh bowl of pasta or a hot, melty pizza!

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Cheers!

Paige

10 Best Italian Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia

What are your favorite Italian restaurants in Atlanta? Let me know in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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2 Comments

  1. The tastebuds of Food Explora is being washed with saliva from salivating over your beatiful presentation of dishes from GA Italian restaurants. The Mayor of Atlanta should make you an Ambassador of ATL, Georgia. Thanks for sharing another helpful food and restaurant exploration.

    Reply

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