Italian

Eddie Romanelli's $$
5400 Oleander Drive, Wilmington
(910) 799-7000
Eddie Romanelli's high-tone atmosphere is suffused with the richness of dark wood, red brick and comfortable banquette seating. The menu emphasizes American regional dishes, many with an Italian accent. Among the house specialties are an excellent crab dip and homemade 12-inch pizzas, some of which are unusual, such as the barbecued chicken pizza and Philly steak pizza. The menu offers a variety of appetizers (the pesto cheese toast is worth a try), sandwiches, salads with freshly made dressings and Italian baked specialties. Lunch and dinner menus are essentially the same, with dinner portions larger and served with a choice of soup or salad and a choice of potatoes or pasta. The popular bar adjoining the restaurant offers handsome sectional seating, and a late-night finger-food menu is served there. Menu and drink specials are offered every day. Eddie Romanelli's is open seven days a week, and a second location in Brunswick County's Waterford complex is open as well, serving dinner nightly and open for lunch on Sundays.

Nicola's - Italian with a Twist
5704 Oleander Drive, Wilmington
(910) 798-2205
If there's one thing Nick Pittari knows, it's Italian cuisine. Pittari made his reputation in Wilmington as the owner of downtown's Pizza Bistro and then moved on to own Incredible Pizza, perhaps the best pie in the southeast part of the state. Now Nick has turned his efforts to fine dining and his latest enterprise will knock your socks off. Nicola's features only fresh ingredients and authentic recipes, often coming from the cookbook of Nick's Sicilian mother, Nonna. The kitchen prepares five types of pasta every day, and the difference between this sublime ingredient and the boxed version is palatable. They also use only the freshest fish, beef, shellfish and vegetables and make each dish to order.
An amazing selection of fine wines is available, and your server will be more than happy to assist you in pairing the perfect wine with your dish. The interior of Nicola's is chic and unique, boasting vibrant colors and a metropolitan flair. You can even have the kitchen cater your own special dinner to be served at the location of your choice. Let's face it: Italian doesn't get any more authentic than the masterpieces coming out of Pittari's kitchen. Join him for a slice of the Cape Fear region's la dolce vita.

Fat Tony’s Italian Pub $$
250 Racine Drive, Wilmington
(910) 452-9000
Founded on the simple joys of a good beer and a hearty Italian meal, Fat Tony’s Italian Pub offers plenty of both. They have a selection of 24 draft beers, more than anywhere else downtown, and their menu is filled with generous helpings of fresh and flavorful Italian favorites. Begin your meal with any one of their yummy appetizers, including Pizza Chip Nachos topped with Spinach & Artichoke Hearts or Carolina Crab and Cheese, or try their lightly fried calamari. The huge, made-to-order pizza-dough breadsticks are stuffed with your choice of spinach and cheese, sun-dried tomato and goat cheese, or meatball and cheese. Craving New York–style pizza? Try any one of their specialty pizzas or calzones or select your own toppings. Or how about a pasta dish? Fat Tony’s beef lasagna has received rave reviews, and the Pasta Tony (artichoke hearts, mushrooms and ricotta cream sauce baked with angel hair pasta and topped with mozzarella cheese) is another excellent choice. There are also lighter options, for those of you who are counting; try the Tony’s Grilled Chicken Salad, Tortilla Pizza or Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad -- all tasty, complete meals. If through some miracle, or careful planning, you still have room for dessert, their homemade tiramisu is utterly divine. You can savor your meal in the comfortable indoor dining area or enjoy the coastal North Carolina breeze on one of the patios. The downtown location boasts a gorgeous view of the Cape Fear River. Fat Tony’s Italian Pub is open Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 2 AM (the late-night menu is served 11 PM to 2 AM) and Sundays noon to midnight. Plan to visit Fat Tony’s the first Saturday in November for their annual Chowdafest, with three types of incredible clam chowder. You can also try their new location on Racine between Eastwood and New Centre.

Gumby's Pizza $$
1414-E S. College Road, Wilmington
(910) 313-0072
Based on the cartoon character Gumby, who has the power to go inside books and become a part of the story, Gumby's Pizza will have you going inside this fun restaurant for more delicious pizza. Not only does this pizza feature fresh-made dough and the finest ingredients, but there are also Pokey sticks, pepperoni rolls, stromboli, calzones, wings, mozzarella sticks, cheese fries, salads, hot and cold sub sandwiches, rice bowls, low-carb melts, pastas and carry out specials. For all the local partiers, Gumby's is open until 2 AM Monday through Wednesday, until 3 AM on Thursday, until 4 AM Friday and Saturday and until 11 PM on Sundays.

Krazy's Pizza and Subs $
417 S. College Road, Wilmington
(910) 791-0598
Krazy's Pizza and Subs has been family-owned and operated since 1986. With a loyal customer following, it offers a variety of Italian delights in a casual atmosphere with prices that won't strain your wallet. Best known for its "kreate your own" pizza, Krazy's has a wide range of toppings sure to please any palate. Or you can choose from their six specialty pizzas. Krazy's also serves up wonderful salads, including a Greek dinner salad. Don't miss their own tasty homemade Italian dressing. Not in the mood for pizza? Try the delicious homemade lasagna, veal parmigiana or baked ziti with meat sauce, either as an entree or a la carte. Appetizers, stromboli, calzones and a large selection of subs round out the menu at Krazy's. For the bambinos, a children's menu is available, plus a clown provides free balloon entertainment every Friday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 PM.

Giorgio's Italian Restaurant $-$$
5226 S. College Road, Wilmington
(910) 790-9954
Tucked away in a small shopping center near the Monkey Junction area of S. College Road, this family-friendly Italian restaurant is a huge hit with Insiders, who suggest that you come hungry (even the lunch portions are huge). The atmosphere is cozy, with a friendly wait staff focused on making your dining experience a pleasure. Naturally, the food is the centerpiece, with a bountiful selection of salads, zuppas (that's soup for the uninitiated), appetizers and hearty pasta entrees with chicken, seafood, veal or sweet Italian sausage. Locals argue over their favorite dishes, but all are excellent choices. If you prefer something off the grill, try the Kansas rib eye or Roman pork tenderloin. The lunch menu offers slightly smaller versions of some dinner items plus a selection of create-your-own pasta dishes, a gourmet's choice of calzone entrees and Giorgio's signature sandwiches. Must-try sandwiches include the Italian sausage sub, Giorgio's muffaletta and the eggplant parmigiana sub. The restaurant's small lounge area with full bar service is a cozy place to wait when the dining room is full, and large parties of up to 70 can be accomodated in a private dining area. Giorgio's opens daily for lunch and dinner. While the portions are equally hearty at lunch, the price is very reasonable, as indicated by the dual price code listed above. Take-out services and party platters are available.

Terrazzo Pizzeria/Trattoria $$
1319 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington
(910) 509-9400
For a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, New York-style, Terrazzo is a must-visit. A cozy indoor atmosphere, outdoor patio seating, friendly service and a generous menu make dining here a pleasure. Terrazzo's delicious pizza menu offers a wide selection of toppings, including vegetarian, chicken, surf and turf choices, a white pizza and Terrazzo specialty pizzas. For a light snack, anything from the large selection of tasty appetizers is a good choice. Lunch options include a daily special or generously portioned salads that make a great meal when coupled with the homemade soup of the day. Terrazzo's subs come hot or cold and are truly awesome. The Italian Delight entree choices feature homemade pasta dishes with fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses in delicious sauces and served with Ciabatta bread. Nightly dinner specials often include fresh local seafood. The restaurant serves beer and a huge selection of imported and domestic wines and a full bar. Terrazzo is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Come early: This is a popular spot in the Wilmington-Wrightsville Beach area.

Brooklyn Pizza Co. $$
6932 Market Street, Wilmington
(910) 395-5558
Craving real New York pizza? You'll find it at Brooklyn Pizza Co. The owner's father ran a pizza parlor in Brooklyn for decades, and the secret to delicious New York pizza has apparently been passed down from father to son. Besides the ultimate in NY pizza and a complete selection of tasty heroes, Brooklyn Pizza's menu also includes several pasta dishes, including the ever-popular Penne with Vodka Sauce, which includes penne pasta with diced tomatoes, heavy cream, scallions and a dash of vodka. Chicken Marsala with Grilled Zucchini, Chicken Francese with Steamed Broccoli, and Fried Calamari are just a few of the entrees available. Brooklyn Pizza is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday.

Elizabeth's Pizza $$
4304 Market Street, Wilmington
(910) 251-1005
Elizabeth's Pizza is locally owned and operated. Their friendly staff and great pizza make them one of Wilmington's most popular pizza spots. Their pizza with its hand-tossed crust and all your favorite toppings is huge and always fresh. Sicilian style is also available. Elizabeth's has an extensive menu of sandwiches, pastas, strombolis and calzones. Elizabeth's is open every day for lunch and late dinner, until midnight.

Luigi's $$
6612 Market Street, Wilmington
(910) 798-0095
A little slice of Italy in an unlikely location, this bistro features authentic dishes with a little flair. Meals are prepared to order, so while they may take a little more time, it's comforting to know that your meal is coming to you fresh from the chef's hands. With fish, chicken, veal and pasta entrees that would delight any fan of Italian cuisine, this cafe brings checkered-tablecloth charm to Wilmington. Luigi's offers wine and beer, and no smoking is allowed. Luigi's serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday.

Romano's Macaroni Grill $$
1035 International Drive, Wilmington 28405
(910) 256-4550
The food is delicious! Take the family out to a fun dining experience that combines quality food yet wont drain your wallet.

Carrabba's Italian Grill $$
15 Van Campen Blvd., Wilmington 28403
(910) 794-9094
Ciao and welcome to Carrabba's where you can enjoy a casual dinner in a warm, festive atmosphere. Discover a variety of fresh, handmade Italian dishes cooked to order in the lively exhibition kitchen.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant $$
5307 Market Street, Wilmington 28405
(910) 791-1587
A casual dining American restaurant chain specializing in Italian food. It bills itself as a traditional family restaurant with Old World-inspired dishes.