The Best Italian Restaurants in Atlanta

Atlanta has long been known as one of the major culinary hubs in the Southeast, and many people would be content with just the fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and other staples that make Southern food stand out. However, Atlanta’s home to much more than just the classics, and when it comes to Italian—this Peach State can cook. Everyone’s a critic when it comes to restaurants. So we dug into our data to unearth the real tastemakers—the diners we know are going to the best Italian restaurants in the area. Here’s where they’re dining now in Atlanta.

The OpenTable Team

13 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	no. 246, Antica Posta, Varasano's Pizzeria…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Italian…
Neighborhoods:	Decatur, Buckhead…

no. 246

$$$$

Italian

Decatur

4.9

2859 reviews

Located in the heart of Downtown Decatur and offering unique vintage décor and modern touches in an old school industrial interior, this eatery is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Atlanta. Foods are locally sourced, and the menu holds true to Italy’s belief that a few quality ingredients trump complex concoctions every time. Dishes ranging from eggplant involtino to margherita pizza are served, and guests can reserve the communal Black Sheep Table or enjoy a more intimate four-person experience at the Chef’s Counter.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Antica Posta

$$$$

Italian

Buckhead

4.8

1912 reviews

Unlike other restaurateurs that dabble in a variety of cuisine styles, the owners of Antica Posta have remained true to their humble beginnings in San Casciano, Italy — where their first restaurant is located. They uprooted that authentic Tuscan experience and placed it front and center in Atlanta’s entertainment district. The interior ambiance avoids the appeal of “fusion” décor in lieu of a real Italian experience. Wine connoisseurs have a seven-page list to choose their favorites from, and those who are more focused on what to eat will enjoy Tuscan chicken, roasted lamb racks, farfalle con pollo, and even an impressive selection of vegan dishes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Varasano's Pizzeria

$$$$

Italian

Buckhead

4.5

874 reviews

Accolades received by this local hot spot include “best pizza in Atlanta” and “best Neapolitan pizza” — on top of landing on top 10 lists of Atlanta’s best restaurants. Even The New York Times says the owner’s craft reaches an “abnormal level of compulsion.” There’s an impressive drink menu that includes everything from tropical IPA to Ca' Marcanda Promis Sangiovese from Tuscany. The restaurant prides itself on being one of the few American eateries that still makes its dough by fermenting natural sourdough yeasts for several days. Guests can enjoy a seat at the bar or sit closer to the piano for a taste of music from the old country.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Pasta da Pulcinella

$$$$

Italian

Midtown

4.8

3855 reviews

This independent eatery is on the small side, but it’s quintessentially Italian in every respect. It’s located in a small yellow house, and if you were on the opposite side of any of the nearby skyscrapers, it’s likely you’d never know this diamond in the rough existed. The interior exudes an air of sophistication with hanging lighting, cloth tablecloths and napkins, landscape paintings and vintage images lining the walls. The menu features bruschetta, linguini, tortelli di mele, and a selection of sandwiches that will make the mouth's Italian receptors explode.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Osteria Mattone

$$$$

Italian

Roswell

4.8

3257 reviews

Instead of generalizing every aspect of Italian cuisine into one eatery, Osteria Mattone focuses on traditional Roman fare. Fortunately for those whose taste buds change with the wind, Roman cuisine includes contorni, pizza, and a ton of pasta selections. And while there’s no Colosseum on-site, traditional Italian art, worn brick walls, and unique lighting have the distinct appearance of the old country. Anyone who likes to sleep in on the weekends will also enjoy Saturday and Sunday’s brunch menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante

$$$$

Italian

Buckhead

4.6

2597 reviews

This Buckhead staple started out as little more than a basement restaurant in Atlanta. Since that time, it’s become a true-to-life alimentary and ristorante (grocer and restaurant). Locally sourced ingredients are used to create Italian dishes that were all but lost to the American culinary scene. The massive display case allows guests to grab ingredients to make their own meals at home, but taking a seat on the basic wooden furniture is the best way to get a true taste of Italy. There’s a weekly pasta special to enjoy, plenty of unique dishes, and seasonal drink menus.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cibo E Beve

$$$$

Italian

Sandy Springs

4.8

1186 reviews

This eatery prides itself on offering authentic Italian fare while simultaneously abiding by the seasons through the use of local ingredients. The shutters separating the bar racks, overhead firewood holders, and vintage décor on the walls all harken back to a time in Italy predating next-day delivery and instant notifications. Culinary staples such as rucola e parmigiano and tuscan kale and bean soup are always delicious, but first-time patrons should try out the Cibo meatballs, antipasto misto, and la diavola pizza for something special.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Campagnolo

$$$$

Italian

Midtown

4.7

718 reviews

The paintings and dining sets in this eatery provide a modern contemporary appearance, but the cuisine easily maintains the traditional Italian flavor. This establishment has plenty to brag about when compared to other local options. Fridays and Saturdays, for instance, serve as live piano nights. Guests can also enjoy an early brunch on the weekends. Those who show up on Wednesday night will be privy to an extensive selection of half-priced wine. Some of the best oven-fired pizzas are also offered here, along with old-country staples like chicken picatta, orecchiette, and lasagna matta.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Valenza Restaurant

$$$$

Italian

Brookhaven

4.8

2790 reviews

Named for and crafted after a Northern Italian village, this upscale eatery resembles a quaint café plucked right out of the Piedmonte region. The ambiance is defined by antique European candle chandeliers, rustic oak and pinewoods, Venetian plastered walls, and turn-of-the-century architecture. Local seasonal ingredients are utilized in cooking methods that combine modern with classic. Their extensive wine list and simple menu with staples ranging from pappardelle to saltimbocca make for an Italian restaurant in Atlanta that cannot be missed.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Crispina Ristorante & Pizzeria

$$$$

Italian

Vinings

4.6

1538 reviews

When looking for the best Italian restaurant in Atlanta, it’s difficult to beat Crispina when it comes to authenticity. The décor is strictly Italian, and the large wall clock remains a great centerpiece even for young guests who prefer digital timekeeping. The kitchen is in full view of every patron, so it’s fun to put down the cell phone momentarily and watch the culinary experts run the woodburning oven. Pizza is offered along with traditional Italian dishes, and no one should overlook the homemade tiramisu, panna cotta, or lemon sorbet on the dessert menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sugo

$$$$

Italian

Johns Creek

4.8

3587 reviews

The family that owns this eatery has a mix of Italian and Greek origins, so patrons are treated to fine cuisine from both countries. The outside seating area is relaxing and has tabletop candles, but those who like to avoid the elements are treated to unique lighting, fancy curtains, and booth seating with additional cushions once inside. There’s even artwork and décor in the restrooms! The Food Network called the restaurant's Meatball al Sugo one of the best meatballs in America and the Atlanta Journal Constitution devoted a full page to their chicken cacciatore recipe.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

La Grotta

$$$$

Italian

Buckhead

4.9

2586 reviews

If accolades and experience dictated the best Italian restaurant in Atlanta — which they may — the La Grotta would no doubt come in first. They’ve been open since 1978, and the eatery has been receiving honors from DiRoNA, Atlanta Magazine and the AAA Four Diamond Awards since that time. The elegant seating and dining sets combine with spectacular lighting and artistry to create an aura of old-world charm. The menu changes throughout the year to keep up with freshness in local ingredients, but the availability of Northern Italian cuisine is always consistent.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

La Tavola Trattoria

$$$$

Italian

Virginia Highland

4.9

4082 reviews

The less formal version of a “ristorante” in Italy is known as a “trattoria,” and the dark wooden floors, rustic colors, and exposed brick allow this dining spot to fully live up to that title. The storefront provides a taste of class along the roadside area, but the overhead lighting and intimate setting inside are where things really light up. The eatery has its own loyalty program, and after trying the pork tenderloin, market fish, or brown butter focaccina, most patrons end up taking advantage of that program.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Best Italian Restaurants