Top Italian Restaurants To Try In Atlanta

Atlanta has become a surprising hotspot for authentic Italian cuisine, with restaurants serving everything from handmade pasta to wood-fired pizza. Whether you crave a cozy trattoria vibe or upscale dining with wine pairings, the city delivers flavors straight from Italy.

I’ve explored the best spots where chefs honor traditional recipes while adding their own creative touches. Get ready to discover Italian restaurants that will transport your taste buds across the Atlantic.

1. Antico Pizza Napoletana

Walking into this place feels like stepping into a bustling Naples pizzeria. The aroma of wood-fired dough and bubbling mozzarella hits you immediately.

Antico serves some of the most authentic Neapolitan pizza you’ll find outside Italy. Their San Gennaro pizza, loaded with sausage and peppers, has become legendary among locals.

Expect lines out the door, but trust me, the wait is absolutely worth it for these perfectly charred, chewy crusts.

2. BoccaLupo

Chef Bruce Logue brings Southern Italian traditions to life with seasonal ingredients and house-made everything. His grandmother’s recipes inspire many dishes here.

BoccaLupo means “wolf’s mouth” in Italian, and this cozy spot will have you devouring every bite. The ricotta gnocchi changes with the seasons, always featuring fresh, local produce.

I recommend making reservations because this Inman Park gem fills up fast, especially on weekends.

3. Storico Fresco

Buckhead’s answer to modern Italian dining combines innovation with respect for tradition. The open kitchen lets you watch chefs craft pasta by hand.

Storico Fresco translates to “fresh history,” which perfectly captures their philosophy of honoring old recipes with new techniques. Their truffle tagliatelle has won multiple awards and countless hearts.

The wine list features over 200 Italian selections, so sommelier guidance really helps navigate the impressive options available.

4. Osteria Mattone

Tucked in Grant Park, this neighborhood gem serves rustic Italian comfort food that feels like a warm hug. The brick oven dominates the dining room, pumping out incredible pizzas.

Osteria Mattone means “brick tavern,” and the name suits this casual yet sophisticated spot perfectly. Their carbonara follows the traditional Roman recipe without cream, just eggs and pecorino.

Sunday brunch here offers Italian twists on breakfast classics that you won’t find anywhere else.

5. Pricci

Since 1992, Pricci has been Buckhead’s go-to for sophisticated Northern Italian cuisine. The elegant atmosphere makes it perfect for special occasions or business dinners.

Their osso buco practically falls off the bone, served over creamy saffron risotto that dreams are made of. The extensive wine cellar houses rare Italian vintages you won’t see on most menus.

Dress code leans upscale here, so leave the sneakers at home and embrace the refined dining experience.

6. Varuni Napoli

This West Midtown hotspot brings certified Neapolitan pizza to Atlanta with imported Italian ingredients. The owner trained in Naples to perfect his craft.

Varuni Napoli uses a special flour blend and San Marzano tomatoes flown in from Italy weekly. Each pizza bakes in just 90 seconds at extremely high temperatures.

Happy hour offers fantastic deals on both pizzas and Italian craft beers, making it budget-friendly without sacrificing quality at all.

7. Campagnolo

Named after the Italian countryside, Campagnolo celebrates farm-fresh ingredients in every dish. The menu changes frequently based on what’s available from local farms.

Their house-made salumi and artisan cheeses make the perfect start to any meal here. The pappardelle with wild boar ragu transports you straight to Tuscany with each forkful.

Located in Dunwoody, this spot offers a quieter, more intimate dining experience away from downtown’s hustle and bustle.

8. Forza Storico

The sister restaurant to Storico Fresco brings the same commitment to quality with a more relaxed vibe. Located in Inman Park, it’s become a neighborhood favorite.

Forza means “strength” in Italian, and their bold flavors definitely deliver on that promise. The cacio e pepe is ridiculously simple yet impossibly delicious, showcasing true Italian technique.

Outdoor seating on the patio provides a lovely setting during Atlanta’s mild evenings, especially in spring and fall months.

9. Grana

Grana specializes in coastal Italian cuisine, emphasizing fresh seafood and lighter preparations. The bright, airy space mirrors the Mediterranean coastline beautifully.

Their branzino, cooked whole and filleted tableside, is a showstopper that tastes even better than it looks. The crudo selection changes daily based on the freshest catches available from sustainable sources.

Located in Buckhead, Grana offers both indoor and outdoor dining with a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere throughout.

10. Baldino’s Giant Jersey Subs

Not every Italian meal needs white tablecloths, and Baldino’s proves that point deliciously. These massive subs are stuffed with imported Italian meats and cheeses.

The owners brought authentic New Jersey Italian-American deli culture to Atlanta, complete with attitude and incredible sandwiches. Their Italian Special combines capicola, mortadella, prosciutto, and provolone on fresh-baked bread.

Multiple locations across Atlanta make it easy to grab a quick, satisfying Italian lunch without breaking the bank.

11. Baraonda

Baraonda translates to “hubbub” or “commotion,” perfectly describing this energetic Virginia Highland favorite. The atmosphere buzzes with conversation and laughter nightly.

Traditional Roman dishes dominate the menu, prepared exactly as they would be in the Eternal City itself. Their amatriciana sauce, made with guanciale and tomatoes, follows the time-honored recipe without shortcuts.

The outdoor patio becomes Atlanta’s version of a Roman piazza, especially during their popular weekend brunch service.

12. Tre Vele

Tre Vele brings refined Northern Italian cuisine to Buckhead with an emphasis on seafood and handmade pasta. The name means “three sails” in Italian.

Their tasting menu showcases the chef’s creativity while respecting traditional Italian culinary principles and seasonal ingredients. The lobster ravioli has become their signature dish, rich yet delicate in flavor and texture.

White-glove service and an extensive Italian wine program make this ideal for celebrating life’s special moments in style.