14 Italian Restaurants In Virginia That Locals Love More Than The Big Chains
Virginia is bursting with Italian spots that locals swear by, places so good that big-name chains don’t stand a chance. Picture cozy trattorias where Nonna’s recipes still rule the kitchen, or pizzerias where the wood-fired ovens never seem to cool down.
These aren’t your cookie-cutter restaurants; they’re community favorites serving up flavors with heart. If you’re hungry for the real deal, these Italian gems scattered across the Commonwealth are worth every bite.
1. Thompson Italian: Where Handmade Pasta Dreams Come True
Tucked away in Falls Church and Old Town Alexandria, Thompson Italian has locals buzzing about their exceptional handmade pastas crafted with seasonal ingredients.
The restaurant’s warm, neighborhood vibe makes every visit feel special, whether you’re celebrating or just craving something delicious.
My family makes it a monthly tradition to visit, always ending with their heavenly desserts that somehow outshine even the stellar main courses.
Reservations are recommended for dinner service at both Virginia locations.
2. Osteria Marzano: Alexandria’s Modern Italian Haven
Alexandria locals flock to this modern osteria where the brick-oven aromas welcome you before you even open the menu. The granite bar becomes the neighborhood’s living room during happy hour.
Chef Marzano combines old-world techniques with contemporary flair, creating pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts and pastas that transport you straight to Italy.
The restaurant’s sleek interior balances sophistication with comfort, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions in the Kingstowne area.
3. Landini Brothers: Old Town’s Tuscan Time Machine
Step into Landini Brothers and you’re transported to Tuscany without leaving King Street. This Old Town institution has been serving robust Tuscan cuisine since 1979.
The walls, adorned with vintage Italian photographs, have witnessed countless anniversaries, proposals, and family celebrations.
I proposed to my wife here fifteen years ago, and they still remember us when we return for our anniversary dinners.
Their veal dishes remain legendary among locals, perfectly paired with selections from their impressive Tuscan wine collection.
4. Ristorante Bonaroti: Vienna’s Old-World Charm Master
Vienna residents have kept Ristorante Bonaroti their delicious secret for decades. The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between formal and comfortable.
Owner Sergio Domestici often visits tables personally, making recommendations from their extensive wine cellar that perfectly complement their renowned veal scaloppine.
The bar area buzzes with regulars who’ve been coming for years, swapping stories over expertly crafted cocktails and appetizers before moving to their tables for the main event.
5. Pupatella: Arlington’s Neapolitan Pizza Revolution
What began as a food truck has blossomed into Arlington’s authentic Neapolitan pizza destination. Pupatella proudly displays its VPN certification, guaranteeing pizzas made according to strict Neapolitan traditions.
The star of the show is their wood-fired oven, imported directly from Italy, which reaches the scorching temperatures needed for that perfect leopard-spotted crust.
While chain pizzerias focus on gimmicks, Pupatella concentrates on simplicity and quality, with their Margherita and Diavola pizzas showcasing just how extraordinary basic ingredients can be when handled with expertise.
6. Tavola: Charlottesville’s Intimate Pasta Paradise
Hidden in Charlottesville’s Belmont neighborhood, Tavola serves house-made pastas in an atmosphere so intimate you’ll feel like you’re dining in someone’s stylish home. The cicchetti bar offers the perfect perch for solo diners or couples.
The restaurant’s commitment to seasonal ingredients means the menu evolves constantly, though regulars know to always order the day’s pasta special.
Reservations fill quickly at this dinner-only gem where the staff remembers your preferences and the kitchen consistently delivers dishes that make you close your eyes with that first perfect bite.
7. Lampo: Charlottesville’s Neapolitan Pizza Virtuoso
Lampo has mastered the art of Neapolitan pizza in two distinct Charlottesville locations. The original Belmont spot buzzes with energy late into the evening, while Lampo2GO at IX Art Park caters to the takeout crowd.
The dough undergoes a meticulous 72-hour fermentation process, creating that distinctive chew and flavor that pizza aficionados crave. I once drove 45 minutes just for their Diavola pizza during a snowstorm, and it was completely worth it.
Beyond pizza, their seasonal salads showcase local produce with an Italian sensibility that perfectly balances their hearty pies.
8. Edo’s Squid: Richmond’s No-Frills Seafood Sanctuary
Richmond locals climb the nondescript staircase near VCU to reach Edo’s Squid, where unpretentious surroundings set the stage for extraordinary seafood pasta. The sparse decor keeps your focus where it belongs – on the food.
The kitchen treats seafood with reverence, allowing fresh ingredients to shine without unnecessary flourishes. Their squid ink pasta has developed a cult following among Virginia food enthusiasts.
The restaurant’s straightforward approach extends to service: efficient, knowledgeable, and refreshingly free of unnecessary formality.
9. Dinamo: Richmond’s Intimate Evening Retreat
From the same culinary minds behind Edo’s Squid comes Dinamo, a small, dinner-only gem on West Cary Street that Richmond pasta lovers reserve weeks in advance. The compact dining room creates an atmosphere of shared discovery among guests.
Their tightly curated menu changes frequently, focusing on perfecting a few dishes rather than offering endless options. The house-made pastas achieve that ideal balance between tender and toothsome.
Unlike chain restaurants with predictable offerings, Dinamo’s nightly specials reflect what’s fresh and inspiring to the chef that day.
10. Azzurro: Henrico’s Brick-Oven Masterpiece
West End residents consider Azzurro their sophisticated neighborhood Italian retreat. The restaurant’s brick oven serves as both a functional centerpiece and visual entertainment.
Their antipasti platters arrive with perfect balance, just enough variety without overwhelming. The wine program deserves special mention, with knowledgeable staff guiding guests through regional Italian selections.
Azzurro’s longevity in the competitive Richmond dining scene speaks volumes about their consistency, maintaining loyal customers who’ve been returning for special occasions and casual weeknight dinners for decades.
11. Sal’s by Victor: Williamsburg’s Family-Run Treasure
Williamsburg locals bypass tourist traps for Sal’s by Victor, where three generations of family members create authentic Italian cuisine daily. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere makes first-timers feel like regulars instantly.
Their pasta is made fresh each morning, with shapes and fillings changing seasonally. Every visit to Sal’s should conclude with something sweet from their pastry case, where Italian classics tempt even the most disciplined diners.
My grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary here, and the staff treated them like royalty, creating memories as delicious as the food.
12. Aldo’s Ristorante: Virginia Beach’s Wood-Grilled Wonder
Since 1988, Aldo’s has been Virginia Beach’s answer to high-end Italian dining without pretension. The restaurant’s wood-grilling technique imparts distinctive flavor to everything from vegetables to premium steaks.
Their award-winning wine bar attracts oenophiles from across Hampton Roads. The staff includes wine experts who guide guests through perfect pairings without a hint of snobbery.
Hilltop locals treat Aldo’s as their special occasion default, knowing the kitchen’s consistency ensures memorable celebrations every time.
13. Il Giardino Ristorante: Oceanfront’s Wood-Fired Legend
For over three decades, Il Giardino has been the Oceanfront’s answer to authentic Italian cuisine.
The restaurant’s wood-burning oven produces focaccia with perfectly crisp exteriors and pillowy centers that locals crave.
Tourists might flock to familiar chain logos, but Virginia Beach residents know this family-owned establishment delivers consistent quality that chains can’t match.
Their Pollo alla Parmigiana achieves the perfect balance of crispy coating and tender chicken.
The oceanfront location adds a distinctly Virginia Beach twist to traditional Italian dining.
14. Fortunato: Roanoke’s Cocktail-Forward Italian Gem
Downtown Roanoke’s Fortunato blends traditional Italian cuisine with modern cocktail culture. The bar program rivals the kitchen in creativity, featuring Italian classics and inventive new concoctions using house-infused spirits.
Their pasta makers work in full view of diners, transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes. The restaurant’s focused Italian wine list showcases small producers rarely found elsewhere in Virginia.
The intimate dining room fills quickly Tuesday through Saturday with locals who appreciate how Fortunato balances reverence for tradition with contemporary sensibilities.