Few things feel as effortlessly romantic as a slow afternoon in Italy: the hum of a Vespa on cobblestone, the scent of espresso, lemons, and rosemary, and the neatly-lined rows of cypress trees. A perfect Italian aperitivo: a shaded spot at the local café, Aperol Spritz in hand, watching the light shift on the warm terracotta rooftops. A moment in Italy is a moment stitched together by beauty, simplicity, and a reverence for the good things in life—food, wine, and connection.

While we may be miles from Rome or Ravello, Alabama offers its own version of la dolce vita—if you know where to look. Across the state, restaurants are channeling the soul of Italian cooking with handmade pasta, regional wines, slow-simmered sauces, and a deep love of gathering around the table. Whether tucked into a historic mansion or served with casual charm, these six Italian restaurants bring a taste of Italy to your plate.

North Alabama

Mazzara’s Vinoteca | Huntsville

Set in a historic downtown mansion, Mazzara’s offers a menu inspired by Italy’s wine country, beginning with tapas-style starters like tuna and salmon crudo or the fried stuffed eggplant parmesan. For entrees, savor the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe, fennel sausage, and pepperoncini, or the seafood cioppino—a hearty tomato broth brimming with lobster tail, shrimp, mussels, scallops, and clams. Seasonal ingredients and authentic Italian techniques shine throughout, perfectly paired with a thoughtfully curated wine list that invites you to linger and enjoy.

What to Order

Seafood Cioppino with a glass of Chianti

 

Luigi’s Italian Grill | Madison

At Luigi’s Italian Grill in Madison, Alabama, classic Italian dishes take center stage. Favorites include the pappardelle alla boscaiola, with its wide ribbons of pasta in a savory mushroom sauce; the chicken parmesan pasta, featuring breaded chicken topped with marinara and melted mozzarella; and the veal parmesan, served over house-made spaghetti with rich tomato sauce. For dessert, the Italian cream cake offers a rich and creamy finish to your meal. 

What to Order

Chicken Parmesan and a glass of Italian Sangiovese

 

Central Alabama

Gianmarco’s | Birmingham

In Birmingham’s Edgewood neighborhood, Gianmarco’s brings a true taste of Italy to the South, rooted in tradition and family heritage. The menu features house-made pastas rolled by hand, a pistachio and goat cheese-crusted rack of lamb, and fresh seafood like their pan-roasted branzino. Every dish honors regional Italian cooking, and the wine list is deeply intentional, featuring bottles from across Italy’s diverse growing regions. 

What to Order

Veal Scallopini Marsala with a glass of Barolo 

 

Ravello Ristorante | Montgomery

Named for the cliffside town on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello brings a touch of coastal Italian sophistication to Montgomery. The interiors are sleek and modern, and the flavors are bright and layered, featuring local ingredients. Freedom Run Farms lamb loin chops, hearth-grilled octopus with saffron aioli, and cloud-like tiramisu create an experience that invites you to slow down and savor each course.

What to Order

Squid Ink Fra Diavolo with a glass of Lambrusco

 

South Alabama

The Trellis Room | Mobile

Inside the historic Battle House Hotel, The Trellis Room delivers refined northern Italian cuisine in an elegant, Tiffany skylight dining room. The menu features house-made pastas, rich risottos, and thoughtfully prepared seafood and meat dishes rooted in tradition. Standouts include seared diver scallops, which were recognized as one of Alabama’s Top 100 dishes, short rib risotto, and classic bucatini with meatballs. With warm service and timeless ambiance, The Trellis Room is an ideal setting for a special night out or a relaxed, elevated meal.

What to Order

Seared Diver Scallops with Parmesan Risotto and a glass of Chardonnay

 

La Favorita | Dothan

At Dothan’s La Favorita, Italian comfort food takes center stage. Pasta lovers will appreciate generous servings of baked ziti, lasagna, and fettuccine Alfredo, all made with rich, house-made sauces. The red sauce is crafted in-house daily, and the warm, fresh bread is perfect for soaking it all up. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming–every table feels like a family gathering. Don’t forget to finish your evening with a slice of their Limoncello cake.

What to Order

Chicken Piccata with a Sauvignon Blanc

 

From the hills of North Alabama to the breezy Gulf shores, Italian flavor is alive and thriving across the state. These Italian restaurants may not be nestled in cobblestone villages, but they carry the essence of Italy in every detail—with passion, warmth, and a genuine love for the table.