Best Italian Restaurants in Norfolk VA

Italian cuisine is an essential element of the dining experience in the United States. Pastarias, osterias, pizzerias, and other nonna-operated establishments have all found a place in the American cultural landscape. There are regional styles, new twists on classics, and wood-fired magnificence in Norfolk, VA. Hence, the best Italian restaurants in Norfolk, VA, are the focus of this post. And for those who love a good steak, be sure to check out our list of The Best Steak to Try in Norfolk VA for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Italian Restaurants In Norfolk

Do you have a hankering for some pasta prepared by hand, a good bottle of Barolo, and maybe some tiramisu to round it all off? You are lucky because you do not have to travel all the way to Italy to indulge in some of this country’s world-renowned food. Norfolk, VA, is home to some of the world’s most wonderful Italian restaurants.

Luce

One of Norfolk’s top dining experiences. It’s the place to go for a refined Italian dining experience complete with Michelin-starred cuisine. There’s nothing to complain about on the menu. Everything will pique your interest. The pizzas are also excellent.

Luce restaurant norfolk
Luce

If you plan to dine earlier in the day, make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment. Despite its size, it feels like a private area. The restaurant has a small indoor waiting room on the side because there isn’t much space for guests to wait inside.

  • Address: 245 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23505.
  • Specialties: Wild Boar Ragu, Mushroom Toast and Rig, and Goose.

Leone’s Italian

This is a classy place to dine. And the costs are in line with what you’d expect to pay. As a result, a portion of the cost is for the experience of being in a setting like this.

This is a great place to eat and drink as the ambiance is sophisticated and welcoming. The inside is warm and inviting in the winter, but the rooftop bar is even better in the summer. One of the most breathtaking views in the city can be seen from the rooftop. Even a bit seductive, it’s sophisticated.

Leone's Italian
Leone’s Italian

Everything is top-notch, from the ambiance to the cuisine, the staff, the wine, and even the views. The main drawback to visiting here is that there is no parking on Granby Street.

  • Address: 455 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23510.
  • Specialties: Lobster Fettuccine, Caesar Salad, Veal Chop Saltimbocca, and Tiramisu.

Regino’s

One of the best Italian restaurants in Norfolk VA is Regino’s. It’s been managed by the same family for more than 60 years, despite having relocated three times. It’s a local myth.

When viewed from the outside, it seems like the building was formerly a Pizza Hut. However, don’t be fooled by the attractiveness of the book’s cover. It’s as though you’re dining with members of your own Italian family. Expect the food to take longer than 15 minutes. You may have to wait a little longer than usual because everything is prepared on demand, so be ready for that.

Regino's
Regino’s. @Bryan May

You can’t go wrong with their pizza! When it comes to the dough to toppings ratio, they nail it every time. Because of their high-quality mozzarella, there is no need for additional cheese.

  • Address: 3816 E Little Creek Rd Norfolk, VA 23518.
  • Specialties: Greek Salad, Lasagna, and Baked Ziti.

Razzo

The gold standard of Italian-American cuisine. This is like a Frank Sinatra ballad in that it’s both familiar and exceptional.

The restaurant on its own is charming and lovely. It’s located in a refurbished firehouse. It’s a great location. The ancient fire pole adds an intriguing and romantic touch to the design.

Razzo norfolk exterior
Razzo

The staff is kind and helpful, and the meal is served quickly. There is a respectable wine range available for consumption by the glass. With a diverse selection, there’s something for everyone.

Razzo is the place to go for a memorable dining experience.

  • Address: 1650 W Little Creek Rd Norfolk, VA 23505.
  • Specialties: Chicken Marsala, Penne Ricotta, and Stuffed Eggplant.

Varia

The New Hilton in Norfolk, VA, is where Varia is based. You’ll find this restaurant on the second floor between The Grain and Saltine. It’s a whole experience because of the décor and atmosphere. Mambo Italiano-themed songs are performed by an on-stage performer and a stunning red piano.

Varia norfolk vibe
Varia

At Varia, every single person you’ll encounter is friendly and helpful. Dining in a hotel restaurant with first-rate service and terrific food is always a treat.

Not to be overlooked is the delectable cuisine. To begin with, the wood-stove pizza and other Italian-inspired menu items are guaranteed to please any guests attending, making this bistro considered among the best Italian restaurants in Norfolk VA.

In addition to Varia, there are also many top lunch restaurants in Norfolk VA to choose from. From casual to upscale, there’s something for everyone in the list of the Top 33 Lunch Restaurants in Norfolk VA.

  • Address: 100 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States.
  • Specialties: Bone in Pork Chop, King Crab Pasta, and Veal Osso Bucco.

Del Vecchios

Del Vecchios in Norfolk, Virginia, is a favorite local pizzeria with a large menu. For a fairly affordable price, you can have a salad and a few slices of pizza for lunch every day. Located across the street from Old Dominion University, this is a popular destination for students and faculty alike.

Del Vecchios norfolk
Del Vecchios

Seating is available in a rear dining area but is quite restricted. To prove that the pizzas are cooked from scratch, it takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes to make them.

The best pizza in the Hampton Roads area is at this restaurant. Excellent selection of subs and sandwiches. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is helpful. Perfect for a quick bite to eat.

  • Address: 1080 W 47th St, Norfolk, VA 23508, United States.
  • Specialties: Chicken Ranch, Cannoli, and Cheese Steak.

Recommended Read: 34 Best Brunch Spots in Norfolk VA

Ynot Italian

Ynot is an Italian franchise restaurant serving fresh pizza, spaghetti, and classic dishes in a relaxed setting. For the past 27 years, Ynot Italian has been a Norfolk family favorite. Almost all of their products are made using the best components.

Ynot Italian

Italian food, NY-style pizza, sweets, craft beer, and drinks are all on the menu at Ynot Italian, a restaurant in New York City. This is a well-established chain in the area, and they make great pies and gelato. The rest of the Italian fare isn’t up to par, but this is a great choice for pizza and dessert.

Ynot’s service is usually excellent, and its workers are always friendly and helpful.

  • Address: 1517 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, United States.
  • Specialties: Garlic Rolls, White Pizza, and Marinara.

Fellini’s

As far back as the early nineties, Fellini’s is a classic and considered among the best Italian restaurants in Norfolk VA. As a whole, it’s a solid performance for Italian cuisine and modern Italian-style pizza.

The environment is warm and friendly, and the cuisine, although pricey, is outstanding. Dinner may be shared or taken home. These folks provide the ultimate eating experience.

Fellini’s

Try the pizza or the Pasta Romano with shrimp and chorizo while you’re there. On Mondays, you can get a big pizza for $10 off, regardless of what you order. End your meal with a sweet treat from our ever-changing dessert menu.

  • Address: 3910 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508, United States.
  • Greek Salad, Ziti Fellini, and Manicotti.

Mona Lisa’s Restaurant & Bar

Mona Lisa is Norfolk’s best restaurant. To find out why, get a slice of their pizza. Mona Lisa has been a Slice sponsor since 2018. Since then, they’ve been providing the greatest pizza in town.

Despite the fact that it’s a run-down joint, the meal is excellent, and the staff, especially the waitress, are kind and extremely helpful. Affordability is also a strong attribute of this place.

Mona Lisa's Restaurant Bar exterior
Mona Lisa’s Restaurant & Bar

It is one of those places where everybody knows each other and feels comfortable being themselves. Don’t be deterred by the building’s appearance; within, you’ll find anything from pizzas to steaks, all at a very fair price.

  • Address: 3574 N Military Hwy Ste C Norfolk, VA 23518.
  • Specialties: Alfredo, Stuffed Shells, and Lasagna.

Franco’s

It’s hard to beat Franco’s on a list of the best Italian restaurants in Norfolk VA. This establishment has an incredible atmosphere that is both pleasant and inviting. The food and service are always excellent.

This family-run restaurant serves enough cuisine at competitive costs. This is a great casual dining spot if you want good food, nice service, and a quiet ambiance.

Franco's norfolk italian cuisine
Franco’s

There was a good amount of variety on the menu, but it wasn’t overwhelming. No one, even the most voracious diner, will go home hungry after dining at this establishment.

The city offers a range of options for breakfast, from traditional diners to trendy cafes. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to start your day or a light bite to fuel up before exploring the city, Norfolk VA has something for everyone. Here’s a list of 35 of the best breakfast places in Norfolk VA that are worth checking out.

  • Address: 6200 N Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA 23518, United States.
  • Specialties: Toasted Almond Cream Cake, Stromboli, and Cheese Steak.

Capo Capo

Capo Capo’s food and atmosphere make it impossible to leave without wanting more. Northern Italian cuisine uses the best ingredients and time-honored traditions. Fresh local ingredients produce colorful and flavorful Italian cuisine combined with superb wines and unique cocktails.

Capo Capo italian steak house
Capo Capo

Capo Capo, a steakhouse inside the Marriott hotel, is billed as an Italian restaurant. You’ll fall in love with the vibe here. Excellent customer service, but the menu selections are limited.

You get what you pay for. No one would go hungry if they ate these portions. A must-have

  • Address:  235 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States.
  • Specialties: House-fried calamari, Meatballs, and Meiomi.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

There is something for everyone in their extensive menu of Italian favorites, including traditional and filled pasta as well as a wide range of meat and seafood dishes. They’re spotless, the service is excellent, and the setting is fantastic.

Each guest gets their own volume area and nice seating. It’s perfect for big or small groups. They provide kid-friendly food and free Wi-Fi.

italian classic pasta
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

There is no limit to the amount of dressing you can put on your salad. The Olive Garden’s waiters and waitresses go above and above to make you feel like a king or queen of the area with their attentive service.

  • Address: 5920 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502, United States.
  • Specialties: Chicken Alfredo, Spaghetti, and Shrimp Alfredo.

Antonio’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante

Customers in the Norfolk area can count on Antonio’s Italian Ristorante to provide them with food of the highest conceivable standard, outstanding client service, and prompt delivery at the most affordable prices. At Antonio’s Italian Ristorante, every dish is made from scratch using only the highest quality ingredients on a daily basis. Hence, it can be said that Antonio’s is one of the best Italian Restaurants in Norfolk VA.

Antonios Pizza and Italian Ristorante exterior
Antonios Pizza and Italian Ristorante

This is a cozy local hangout located in the middle of a busy commercial strip. Although it does not push any culinary limits in any way, this restaurant does provide solid renditions of traditional Italian dishes.

Because there is often just one waiter present at a time to manage dine-in clients and the call for delivery clients, service might be inconsistent depending on how busy the restaurant is. In general, this is a nice area to hang out in the neighborhood. Also, check out the best Chinese restaurants in the area if you’re looking for a change in cuisine.

  • Address: 1710 E Little Creek Rd #101, Norfolk, VA 23518, United States.
  • Specialties: Cheese Pizza, Caesar Salad, and Greek Salad.

Your Pie

You’ll enjoy the pizzas, and you can create your own for under ten dollars. There are a plethora of other toppings available, and the pricing is fantastic! Getting out of there will only take you around seven minutes tops. The perfect amount of thickness and excellent flavor are found in the crust.

pizza at Your Pie
Your Pie

Fast, courteous, and well-maintained. The tables are spotless, the service is excellent, and the meal is prepared promptly enough. There was some grease on the pizzas, but it was easily cleaned with a napkin.

Fresh, tasty, custom-made, and with a thin crust are just some of the reasons why it’s worth the price. A once-in-a-lifetime indulgence or a way to avoid overeating are both good reasons to pay for this service. Despite the fast-casual vibe, the outdoor terrace is pleasant.

  • Address: 7550 Granby St #90, Norfolk, VA 23505, United States.
  • Specialties: BBQ Chicken Pizzas, Buffalo Chicken Pizzas, and Southern Heat.

Franco’s By the Bay

Franco’s is one of the most popular places in the neighborhood for business lunches. The service is usually quite quick, and the quality of the meal is excellent.

Once you enter, you will see that it is a somewhat tiny room with roughly 17 tables. You are free to take a seat. In addition to soda, they provide wine, and if you’d like some music to accompany your meal, they have a pianist on staff.

Franco’s By The Bay

The spaghetti has a pretty wonderful flavor, but there isn’t a lot of sauce to go with it, which is a little bit disappointing. This restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine in a charming setting.

  • Address: 169 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503, United States.
  • Specialties: Lasagna, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Francese, and Eggplant Parm.

Conclusion

This comprehensive reference of the best Italian Restaurants in Norfolk VA has been put together. All of the laborious work has already been completed for you, which involves cutting through the chatter to give you just the top Italian eateries in Norfolk. You are free to choose.

Along with delicious Italian cuisine, Norfolk VA is also home to many great sushi restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for classic rolls or creative combinations, you’re sure to find something you love on the menu at one of these top 23 sushi spots in the city.

Sara Anwar
Sara Anwar is hopdes' US director and a globetrotter. She joined the Hopdes team in July 2022. She has done more than 300,000 miles back and forth. She's been to more than 80% of the world, and her passion for understanding different cultures has only grown stronger with time. A traveler at heart, she loves to experience new cultures and learn new languages. Sara's wealth of travel experience makes her the perfect person to oversee a travel website – after all, who knows better what travelers want and need than she does?