Atlanta has long had a love affair with Italian cuisine. Classic red sauce joints, Neapolitan pizzerias, and swanky trattorias have all earned a place among the city’s favorite restaurants, and most have been around for a decade or more. Whether you’re in the mood for a big, twirlable bowl of pasta in Midtown or slow-braised osso buco up in Roswell, here’s where Atlanta does Italian best.
Valenza
Tuscan date night vibes are what you’ll find in the brick-lined, low-lit interiors of this Brookhaven favorite. Start with a bottle from the Italian-centric wine list and the fantastic bread service (the rosemary focaccia is not to be missed) before diving into any of chef Matt Swickerath’s housemade, seasonally inspired pastas. Save room for the white chocolate bread pudding crowned with a scoop of dark chocolate gelato. 1441 Dresden Dr. NE, Ste. 100, Brookhaven, valenzarestaurant.com
Novo Cucina
Housemade gelato might tempt you to start with dessert at this Dunwoody trattoria, but you’ll want to save room for the red sauce staples (all available with gluten-free pasta), risottos, fresh salads, and hearty homestyle mains like parchment-poached trout or lemon chicken and potatoes. Thanks to its spacious patio, airy sunroom, and dining room arranged around the open kitchen, there’s no bad seat in the house. 5592 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, novocucina.com
a mano
Cozy core with an Italian accent, a mano brings Old World charm to Old Fourth Ward in the form of a tight menu of hand-rolled pastas (including gluten-free options) and an equally thoughtful selection of natural and biodynamic wines. The intimate cottage is perfect for date nights and leisurely catch-up dinners over fritto misto and burrata, washed down with an amaro flight. 587 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE, Atlanta, amanoatl.com
La Tavola Trattoria
Simplicity is key at this Virginia-Highland neighborhood staple. Exposed brick walls and classic handmade pastas take center stage, as does warm family-style service that keeps regulars coming back for more. Book a table (reservations are a must) to dig into cacio e pepe, parsnip ravioli, and braised lamb cannelloni, best enjoyed on the breezy patio. 922 Virginia Ave. NE, Atlanta, latavolatrattoria.com
Yeppa & Co.
Newly opened in summer 2025, Yeppa & Co.’s Beltline address makes it a favorite stop for townies looking to escape the city for a night. Creamsicle-striped umbrellas and twinkling Italian lights transport you to the trattorias of Emilia-Romagna, as does an expansive yet thoughtfully curated cocktail list and a robust menu of regional fare. Come for the handmade pastas and stay for one of the best steaks in Atlanta. 667 Auburn Ave., Ste. 120, Atlanta, yeppaco.com/beltline
Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante
Part restaurant, part market, all rustic Italian vibes, Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante has been delighting Buckhead diners for more than a decade. Housemade pastas and sauces are the main draw—and the reason the restaurant earned a Michelin recommendation—but the casual atmosphere and exclusive wine list from Enio Ottaviani Winery in Italy’s San Clemente hills will turn you into a regular. 3167 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, storicofresco.com
BoccaLupo
Inman Park’s BoccaLupo has been a neighborhood favorite for chef-made pasta and a laid-back ambiance for years, and its recent Michelin recognition has thrust it back into the spotlight. Cozy up to the bar to savor a glass of wine and one of chef Bruce Logue’s creative interpretations of Italian-American cuisine, like 20-yolk tagliatelle, pappardelle bolognese with American Parm, or the house staple: black spaghetti with hot Calabrian sausage, rock shrimp, and scallions. 753 Edgewood Ave. NE, Atlanta, boccalupoatl.com
Lyla Lila
This Michelin-recommended Midtown gem, perched just minutes from the Fox Theatre, is the perfect pre-show dinner stop. Its Southern Mediterranean influence spans beyond salads and crudo to encompass a thoughtfully curated wine menu that showcases eco-conscious growers. For the ultimate carb-lover’s delight, opt for the pasta odyssey to dig into five courses of chef-owner Craig Richards’ housemade creations like crispy duck lasagna, sweet potato mezzaluna, or cavatelli bathed in Sicilian pork rib ragu. 693 Peachtree St. NE, Ste. 118, Atlanta, lylalilaatl.com
Gigi’s Italian Kitchen & Restaurant
This tiny Candler Park restaurant leaves a big impression with comforting Italian staples like Nonna used to make, only with a modern twist. Start with coal-roasted cabbage with caviar and grilled-to-order focaccia before digging into shared bowls of smoked beef cheek risotto and spicy rigatoni with pork ragu. The amaro list is the star, with three dozen bottles arranged by flavor profile so you can find your perfect pairing. 1660 McLendon Ave., Atlanta, gigisitaliankitchenatl.com
No. 246
Chef Ford Fry’s foray into Italian cuisine is a highlight of Downtown Decatur, with an intimate, moody dining room and hearty red sauce staples. On the menu, you’ll find cheesy garlic bread, mammoth meatballs, pizzas, pastas, and a rotating selection of weekly features. Book the chef’s table experience to get a taste of the greatest hits with a side of face time with the chef himself. 129 Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, no246.com
The Americano
This bold, contemporary Italian restaurant feels right at home inside Buckhead’s luxe InterContinental hotel. Helmed by Food Network personality and two-time James Beard Award winner Scott Conant, the kitchen’s newly revamped menu features handmade pastas (think gnocchi al pomodoro), prime steaks, and Mediterranean seafood (don’t miss the fennel-spiced grouper), complemented by inventive cocktails and an Italian-accented wine list. 3315 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, theamericanoatlanta.com
Sotto Sotto
An Inman Park institution since 1999, Sotto Sotto earns constant critical acclaim for its simple menu executed with precision. Restaurateur Riccardo Ullio’s cozy trattoria has hosted everyone from Julia Roberts to former presidents, all drawn in by old-school dishes like fettuccini alfredo, layered lasagna, and a 16th-century pasta recipe inspired by Michelangelo. Candlelit, unapologetically indulgent, and blissfully unconcerned with trends, it’s Italian comfort with celebrity cachet. 313 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, sottosottoatl.com
Il Premio
This Michelin-recommended Italian steakhouse inside Atlanta’s swanky Forth hotel is a textbook venue for impressing in-laws or picky out-of-towners. Executive chef Cristiano Andolfi dreams up refined plates like rigatoni with lobster, a grilled twist on Caesar salad, and a restrained, pitch-perfect risotto al funghi. The dining room echoes old-world elegance with a modern twist, with white tablecloths and a candlelit ambiance, but plenty of whimsy. 800 Rankin St. NE, Atlanta, ilpremioatlanta.com
Osteria Mattone
Outside the perimeter, this unfussy Bib Gourmand spot on Canton Street evokes classic Roman warmth with a touch of Southern charm. Exposed brick walls and iron fixtures meet white tablecloths, while a menu of Neopolitan-style pizzas and hearty pastas, like short rib-stuffed agnolotti, alongside an Italian-leaning wine list bridge the gap between comfort and elegance. Brunch is a particular favorite, best enjoyed with an espresso martini.v1095 Canton St., Roswell, www.osteriamattone.com
The White Bull
At this Downtown Decatur joint, chef Pat Pascarella channels Italy through a distinctly Atlanta lens. The open kitchen turns out a constantly changing menu of farm-inspired plates, like sweet potato-stuffed agnolotti in brown butter, fragrant trout Milanese, and pristine swordfish crudo. Anchored by a thoughtful Italian wine list and an easygoing dining room, the neighborhood staple earned a Michelin nod for its balance of craft, comfort, and restraint. 123 E. Court Sq., Decatur, thewhitebullatl.com
