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    AQUA e VINO

    4.2 (150 reviews)
    PriceyItalian
    Open 12:00 pm - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    AQUA e VINO Photos

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    AQUA E VINO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Intimate
    Upscale
    Dressy

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    Recommended Reviews - AQUA e VINO

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    Margarita
    Marshal C.

    If I was rating this on the food alone, it would deserve 5 stars!! Where the stars fall short is with ambiance and professionalism. The art deco style makes me feel so comfy when eating here, but the wait staff could use a refresher on service standards. When we arrived at 5p for our reservation, we were the only customers at that moment. It was obvious that the wait staff were eager to get a full house of customers by the way they kept hovering back and forth between dining spaces. It's amazing to see people so eager and engaged to serve but the level of anxiety was palpable. So much so that the lady in the photo sat down at an empty dining table and started chatting loudly about traffic and the news and so many more topics while her counterparts surrounded her listening and participating. No matter if they had one table or 22 tables full of people, this lack of professionalism shouldn't happen. We came here once before and had a great time with cocktails and dinner but it was at a busier time of the evening when they all had something to do. This trip, I ordered a margarita and it was not the best. The cocktail tasted more batch made and less craft made despite my request for a higher shelf tequila. The beignets were amazing with the tomato sauce, the gnocchi were incredible and very full of flavor and texture, and the pasta was out of this world. Again, the food deserves a perfect score but the service at opening hour could use a little more focus and respect for the patrons. My husband made the comment, "it feels like we are in their break room right now." Not great!

    Branzino
    Elizabeth D.

    If I could give last night's dinner at Aqua e Vino 6 stars I would!!! My husband and I ate here a few years back for my birthday when it was still just seven or eight tables inside and loved it, so I was so excited to get to return for Queen's Feast with girlfriends. Start to finish, everything was exceptional. Our waiter, James, was friendly and attentive (he never let our water glasses get too empty and replaced our plates, silverware and serving utensils with each course! I'm not sure how the food possibly could have been better. The kitchen sent out some complimentary chickpea flour beignets with marinara sauce (light and fluffy and hot and fried and amazing) as well as a fresh bread basket (the focaccia was the star), then we shared all of our three courses from the restaurant week menu - we got two burratas (served with basil and EVOO on the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes) and a watermelon salad (showstopper), two homemade pastas (a pesto one and a gnocchi with red sauce - incredible) and the branzino (sea bass topped with the most gorgeous, thinly sliced zucchini and a light saffron sauce). For dessert, we shared the almond & apricot tart (flaky and yummy), tiramisu (loved the chocolate lady fingers in there!) and the lavender panna cotta with berries (this was the unexpected crowd favorite - the consistency was divine, and lavender flavor came through perfectly without being too floral/soapy). Aqua e Vino is such a hidden gem - truly perfect for anyone looking to experience true, authentic Italian cuisine in Charlotte!!!

    Special Alfredo with lobster tail, asparagus, shrimp, sun dried tomatoes
    Jamie P.

    Delicious! Very nice quiet setting. House pastas are such a delight!! Server Brandy was very good. Made a small mistake and went above and beyond to make sure we were happy before and after the slight error. Was fabulous!

    Exterior
    Evan D.

    After a short renovation (with a couple of delays), Aqua e Vino has officially reopened in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood and it's absolutely worth a visit. The restaurant's dim lighting and cozy atmosphere make it perfect for a romantic date night or quiet dinner. A few things to know before you go: reservations are required by phone only, there's a 2-hour dine-in limit, and OpenTable points aren't happening here. John, who served as both maitre d' and waiter, brought great energy and made the evening smooth from start to finish. To start, I was treated to a gift from the chef: savory beignets with tomato sauce. Fluffy, lightly fried, and gone in seconds. I followed that with a daily special: tuna tartare over eggplant caponata. The tuna was tossed with pine nuts and cucumber, and paired with the sweet, smoky eggplant, it made for a perfect texture and flavor. For my entree I ordered the eggplant parmigiana. Lightly fried then baked, it was served bubbling hot in a small baking dish. The eggplant was thinly sliced and layered perfectly like a lasagna with generous amounts of melted mozzarella and tomato sauce. Hands down one of the best I've had in Charlotte. I wrapped it up with their house-made green apple sorbet. Think crisp Granny Smith, not sour candy. Clean, cool, and super refreshing.

    Pillowy light gnocchi with the most melt in your mouth cheese,
    Zipporah P.

    Can I give an extra star??? Because YES my husband and I were WOWED last night!! Recommended to us by a friend we trust because we are HUGE foodies so I was excited but I DID NOT expect to be mind blown.. (because most people screw up Italian) but just wow. From the Handmade pasta and cheese, the imported wine and the chickpea beignets and oh I can go on about our dishes and experience. FINALLY a REAL Italian restaurant I will come back to monthly!!

    THE RESTAURANT CLOSED EARLY! My girlfriend and I were hoping to try Aque e Vino specifically due to their participation in Queen's Feast Charlotte Restaurant Week. On Friday June 18th at 8:50pm my girlfriend made a dinner reservation for Sunday, June 20th at 9:15pm for a party of 2 on RESY, their reservation/service app. According to Charlotte Restaurant week's website, Aque e Vino was supposed to be exclusively open from 5pm-10pm on Sundays for restaurant week as it appears they are not normally open on Sundays. To our surprise when we walked to Aqua e Vino 5 minutes before our reservation time (9:15pm) that we found the place closed up. Chairs were up flipped upside down on the tables, there was no one in the kitchen which is visible from the entrance and the service team was were all seated together to the left in the main dining room ready to leave. The host came to greet us and let us know they were closed but once we showed emails and text messages from RESY, proof of a reservation and confirmation that we would be there, we all were confused. The host showed us the IPad used to list reservations and ours popped up when he searched up my girlfriend's name. The host mentioned that he saw the reservation pop up when it was initially made. This led to even greater confusion. With the Kitchen closed and servers leaving, there was no hope in dining at Aqua e Vino . We left gracefully but are admittedly quite upset at how things turned out. We both worked earlier that day and were looking forward to enjoying a great meal and cocktails afterwards. Unfortunately we'll never know how good the food is and as things stand we have no intention of trying to find out again. It seems like either RESY didn't properly display our reservation to the staff of Aqua e Vino or someone tampered with the iPad that displayed the reservation list. I can't say what caused everything to go awry but it still equated in a disappointing night. Regardless if we had a reservation or not (which we did), the restaurant should not have closed before their listed hours of operation. 0 out of 10 by default.

    Dessert with Butta La Pasta
    Ellie M.

    Aqua e Vino is a small hidden gym in Strawberry Hill. We have been a few times and the authentic delicious Italian food is amazing. They have a great menu with great options and daily specials. On weeknights you can order the Butta La Pasta - 3 Antipasti, 3 primi pasta, a a dessert for $60pp! An amazing way to try multiple apps and pastas. I would recommend making a reservation! We will certainly be back to Aqua e Vino

    cauliflower flan
    Allison M.

    If you want a taste of Italy but you're in Charlotte, NC - you must try Aqua e Vino. It's a small restaurant so highly recommend reservations (& you'll need to call to make them). This was my 2nd time there and just as good as the first. This time I took my dad who is 100% Italian and all food got two thumbs up. What we ordered: Aperol spritz (for me, my parents aren't big drinkers - their wine is great too), cauliflower flan - this was unique and amazing flavor, ravioli with veal, butternut squash & shrimp risotto (not pictured), and we finished with a chocolate orange hazelnut tart & cappuccino (not pictured). They also bring out savory beignets with a marinara sauce and fresh bread to start - yum! For more of my CLT food recommendations, follow me on IG: alli_wantisfood

    Pasta Ragu special, tasty but small

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    6 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Definitely amazing! We had three courses meal for lunch, the same quality like we had in Europe!

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

    Very overrated, overpriced and mediocre food. Extremely disappointed after reading reviews.

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    6 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Exceptional service. Good quality food. We had the seafood risotto and chicken parm...very authentic. Nice wine list.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    The chef is an artist. I don't think I've ever had a bad bite here. Amazingly good food.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Excellent restaurant with top notch service. Small, intimate, and delicious. Always pleased with the specials.

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    North Italia - NORTH ITALIA - CHARLOTTE

    North Italia

    4.2(861 reviews)
    5.4 miSouth End, Dilworth
    $$

    Review for North Italia…read more has absolutely become one of my staples in Charlotte.** It's located in the heart of South End--a trendy, energetic neighborhood with beautiful outdoor dining--and one of the biggest perks here is easy parking, which, as any Charlotte diner knows, is always a win. Inside, the restaurant is gorgeous. Think large, comfortable booths, warm lighting, fresh flowers, and a lively but polished atmosphere. I always make a reservation through OpenTable--I'm too old to be waiting around to eat, and I might as well rack up some points and perks while I'm at it. One of the things I appreciate most about North Italia is their seasonal menu. It keeps the experience fresh and thoughtful, and you can tell the kitchen is paying attention to ingredients and timing. I usually start with a glass of wine-- a sparkling rosé or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc--something cold, clean, and refreshing. Bubbles are always a good option for me. They serve a delicious focaccia at the table, which I sometimes indulge in, but the dish that truly stands out--the one I still dream about--was a seasonal ravioli with butternut squash and crispy sage. It was beautifully balanced, comforting, and memorable in the best way. Other favorites: * The Caesar salad--perfectly dressed * The arancini and calamari--always solid starters * The pizzas, especially the cacio e pepe * And yes, the desserts are absolutely worth saving room for Brunch here is also a lovely experience. Sitting on the patio, eating alfresco on a sunny Sunday, reminds me so much of what I loved about California--being outdoors, enjoying great food, and taking your time. Thankfully, there's plenty of shade, so it's comfortable even on warm days. They do offer a happy hour. It's not the most extensive in town, but it's perfectly fine for drinks, a pizza, or a charcuterie board with friends after work. What keeps me coming back: * Consistently good service * Clean, beautiful space * Thoughtful seasonal dishes * Easy parking * Reliable quality Yes, it's a bit upscale--but it's approachable, welcoming, and dependable. And when a chef takes the time to create seasonal dishes that appeal to diners with curious palates, that deserves recognition. Bottom line: A polished, reliable favorite in South End that delivers great food, beautiful ambiance, and a consistently enjoyable dining experience.

    Terrible service!! I…read moremade a reservation for 3 to celebrate my mom's birthday at 6:15 Saturday. Busy but not crowded. Beautiful day so we opted to be seated outside. No server ever greeted us or brought water to the table. We watched the tables around us get cleared and cleaned and the server pick up checks from two other departing parties. I'm patient (used to work in hospitality), but when they brought out a bowl of water for the dog with a couple that was seated after us that was too much!! You served the dog before us?!?!? No thanks.

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    North Italia
    North Italia - NORTH ITALIA - CHARLOTTE BAR

    NORTH ITALIA - CHARLOTTE BAR

    North Italia

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    Little Mama's

    Little Mama's

    4.4(762 reviews)
    2.0 miSouthPark
    $$

    Took our immediate family members (7) to Little Mama's for an Easter Sunday lunch. Our server,…read moreJay, was fantastic. Sat upstairs at the Rea Farms location. the food is very good and plentiful, especially for lunch. Very reasonable prices. Even lunch portions are so generous, that several family members requested take out containers. Ambiance is great for a Saturday date night, love their olive oil with red peppers mixed in to dip your bread. This is not another Italian restaurant in Charlotte run by owners that have zero Italian heritage. You all know the places I am talking about. Even got to try their polenta which I loved as a child growing up in New York. I am 100% of Italian heritage. Eggplant and Chicken dishes are great, very nice wine selection at reasonable prices and good pours. There are other Charlotte restaurants that we used to frequent but stopped going because no matter how much you spent on the food, they cheated you on the wine pours. Very short-sided marketing strategy, We leave 25-30% tip for good service and good wine pours. Don't take this review lightly. I know good Italian food!

    WOW I am so impressed by Little Mamas. If you haven't been yet, then you are missing out! We went…read morehere for our anniversary, and the staff were so attentive they brought us out a cake and took our photos. You HAVE to get the peppadew peppers and whipped burratta appetizer - I think about it often. We've sat at the bar or at a table, and either is great. I would highly recommend coming back multiple times to try out different seating and food

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    Little Mama's
    Little Mama's
    Little Mama's

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    Mano Bella - SouthPark

    Mano Bella - SouthPark

    4.4(107 reviews)
    1.7 miSouthPark
    $$

    Mano Bella continues to be a nice Italian restaurant with great food and a cute and small market…read moreselling fresh pasta that gives it a nice vibe. I am a regular here and usually come for business lunch meetings. This time I went for an Arnold Palmer to drink and for food I ate the Amatriciana pasta (fresh bucatini, spicy tomato sauce, pancetta). It had a really nice texture, the sauce was tasty and the right level of rich, and the small pieces of pancetta were just my preferred size to get a not too meaty bite. I had no issue eating the entire serving. I ended with the affogato with stracciatella. EVERYTHING was DELICIOUS! As always, service is friendly and helpful. Looking forward to next time, Mano Bella!

    It was worth the try. To start you must get the house focaccia. We gobbled it up and ordered a…read moresecond serving for the table. The oil that you dip it in is also delicious. Forgot to take photos of the bread because I was too busy enjoying it. Oops! We ordered meatballs as an app, and I had the lasagna for my entree. Both were pretty good, though I wish the lasagna had a bit more of a "noodle-y" bite to it, if that makes sense. I felt like I was just eating a bowl of cheese and sauce. The ratio of noodles to cheese and sauce didn't feel balanced, and felt more like lasagna soup, but overall, it was decent. I think I'd try something different next time. My husband had the mussels and said they were okay- basically mussels and tomato sauce. As for the ambiance, it's casual Italian dining experience, and includes a market at the front of the store for take home breads and pastas.

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    Mano Bella - SouthPark - Interior

    Interior

    Mano Bella - SouthPark - Gnocchi al Tartufo

    Gnocchi al Tartufo

    Mano Bella - SouthPark - Mocktail

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    Mocktail

    Portofinos - Meatball and Pepperoni Pizza

    Portofinos

    4.4(31 reviews)
    5.6 miUptown, Fourth Ward

    There aren't a lot of places outside of work, home and the gym which I make part of my regular…read moreroutine. Starbucks comes to mind but only because the app makes buying Starbucks easier than making my own coffee. Since opening in uptown, Portifino has become one of those places. I hate to admit it, but there have been weeks where I have eaten at least one meal there every day. Sometimes twice.... Charlotte isn't known for its pizza. I moved here from up north 25 years ago and growing up I. The northeast sets the bar pretty high in terms of pizza. Portifino's is great. The sauce is sweet and portioned perfectly. The cheese is nice and salty, so you actually taste it. The toppings are flavorful, and again, well proportioned. My favorite is the Caprice which comes with tomato, fresh mozzarella, olive oil and fresh basil. It's amazing. The pasta dishes are excellent. I'd recommend the linguini with clam sauce and throw in some shrimp and broccoli for good measure. The Calzones are HUGE. I get mine with Mushroom, sausage, pepperoni and black olives. The But their subs are really what stands out. The chicken Philly has to be one of the best sandwiches in town. I could go on and on here because I've had almost everything on the menu here but no one has the time or attention spans for that. The service is excellent. It's a family run business and it FEELS like a family run business. They care about what they're doing. The person at the counter taking your order has a stake in your satisfaction. Don't get me wrong, we're not talking about Ritz Carlton Gold Standard. It's a pizza joint run by REAL people. But they're good people, and they actually care. That's better in so many ways. My best recommendation is to go get lunch with a friend, coworker, or even by yourself and sit in a booth by the window, watch the city do its thing and enjoy some real food made by real people. It's a great way to spend your 30 minute lunch.

    Portofinos is a local Charlotte chain with 5 locations throughout the city, and as far as I know…read morethis Uptown location is the newest one. While most of their locations seem to be more traditional sit down restaurants, the Uptown location is more catered to the fast paced lunch crowd. When you walk in you will be greeted by the large glass display showing all the different pizza options and yes you can order by the slice! They have traditional options like pepperoni and cheese, some crowd favorites like Buffalo chicken, and chicken bacon ranch, and even some square Sicilian slices including a vodka slice that I heard is quite good. While you order at the counter they will give you a number and bring your food to you. In addition to pizza they offer a variety of sandwiches and pastas. On my most recent visit I wanted to try their cheese steak, but I wasn't sure how large the sandwich would be so to be safe I order a slice of pizza as well. That was a mistake, the sandwich was quite large and came with chips, and their pizza slices are also quite large. It was good but I was stuffed afterwards so learn from me! I'm glad to have more options for pizza by the slice in Uptown, my one gripe is that the pizza is on the pricier side, $7.00 a slice. That's the Uptown surcharge for ya.

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    Portofinos
    Portofinos
    Portofinos - Inside

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    Inside

    Indaco - Pappardelle

    Indaco

    4.3(363 reviews)
    5.2 miSouth End, Dilworth
    $$

    I absolutely loved Indaco! We came here for dinner and it was an incredible date night spot. The…read moreambiance is modern with plenty of lighting and great seating; they have a downstairs section and an upstairs area that overlooks the dining room and kitchen. The service was spectacular, our server gave great recommendations and was constantly checking in to see if we needed anything, including keeping our water refilled. We started with the pesto roasted Brussels sprouts, which were delicious and served as a pretty large portion. For the main, we decided to split the Radiatori Nero. We had never tasted anything like it! The pasta has such a funky, fun texture that pairs perfectly with the sauce because it really holds onto it. The shrimp that came with it were amazing as well, a good size and cooked to perfection. We would hands down order this again! We also got the mushroom pizza, which came with plenty of truffle aioli and a crunchy crust with an incredible cheese pull. All the portions were generous; we actually ended up having enough to take home for another meal! Of course, we could not skip dessert. We got the tiramisu, which is a total must-order no matter how full you are! The cocktails were also great, I tried a blueberry drink, and they have an impressive wine selection as well. Definitely worth checking out and making it a regular spot for date night!

    I met a friend here for dinner. The ambience is amazing all of the outdoor seating is beautiful…read more I tried a cucumber drink with vodka which was tasty and I ordered th italian salad. I added shrimp which was 5 small shrimp. I think I was quite shocked when the bill came and my salad ended up being $35. Maybe next time I will try something such as the pizza. Overall the service was great just didn't think the price and servings matched for the dish I ordered.

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    Indaco - Upstairs

    Upstairs

    Indaco
    Indaco - Roman Dawn and Sole Serenade

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    Roman Dawn and Sole Serenade

    AQUA e VINO - italian - Updated May 2026

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