3 Hearty Italian Restaurants in Chesapeake, VA

What Is It?

Andiamo Ristorante & Pizza Napoletana is where authentic Italian dining meets the rich flavors of Neapolitan pizza. Located in Great Bridge, Chesapeake, this family-owned gem is celebrated for its delicious cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere. With special promotions like half-off select bottles on Wine Down Wednesdays and a fantastic happy hour, it's a perfect spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.

The Experience

You walk into Andiamo Ristorante & Pizza Napoletana, greeted by the comforting scent of freshly baked pizza and rich Italian spices wafting through the air. As you settle into your seat, the warm and inviting ambiance makes you feel at home right away. Your server, known for her amazing hospitality, comes by to introduce herself. She's the kind of person who makes you feel like an old friend, taking the time to explain the menu and suggest popular dishes like the Lasagna Pizza and the famous Burrata appetizer.

As you eagerly await your meal, it's hard to resist their delicious garlic bread that arrives at your table sizzling and golden brown. The food is served promptly, and you can't help but admire the generous portions presented beautifully. The first bite of Chicken Parmesan is nothing short of heavenly, with perfectly cooked chicken nestled in marinara sauce, and the pasta is on point. Each ingredient tastes fresh and the flavors transport you straight to Italy. Patrons rave about the pizzas too, with mention of the perfect crust and high-quality toppings leaving you feeling excited to try one.

While you're enjoying your meal, the owner walks around checking in with guests, adding to that cozy, family-run feel of the place. The service is attentive without feeling intrusive, allowing you to savor each bite while feeling well taken care of. As the evening unfolds, it’s hard to ignore the laughter and chatter of satisfied customers around you, clearly enjoying their own delightful meals.

After finishing up with a spectacular Espresso Martini – highly recommended by your friendly server – you end the night with a slice of their renowned Tiramisu, which perfectly complements the delicious food you’ve just enjoyed. As you leave, you can't help but think about your next visit, already plotting what to order next time.

When to Go

If you're looking to avoid the dinner rush at Andiamo, try visiting earlier in the week or later in the evening. Between 4 PM to 5 PM on weekdays seems to be a calmer time, as many guests prefer the main dinner hours. Plus, you can take advantage of their happy hour specials while enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere.

What Is It?

Carrabba's Italian Grill is a beloved chain in Chesapeake, VA, serving up delicious Italian cuisine in a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Offering dine-in, carryout, delivery, and catering, this restaurant brings authentic flavors straight to your table, making it a favorite spot for families and friends alike to enjoy a hearty meal.

The Experience

Walking into Carrabba's Italian Grill, you're greeted by the aroma of Italian spices mingling in the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that's hard to resist. As you settle into your seat, your server, often noted for their amazing service, stops by with a warm smile and a menu filled with mouthwatering options. You're tempted by the creamy lobster ravioli and the savory Chicken Bryan, two crowd favorites that promise to delight your taste buds. A friendly server attentively takes your order, making menu recommendations based on your cravings, ensuring that you feel taken care of right from the start.

The wait for your food seems minimal, and soon enough, your dishes arrive, beautifully plated and steaming hot. The Chicken Trio, despite a remark or two about it being a touch salty, carries that signature Italian flair that keeps guests coming back for more. Diners often rave about the top-notch bread dipped in their special herb oil—a true starter hit! Everything is served up with a jovial demeanor, making you feel like you're part of the Carrabba's family.

Throughout the meal, your server checks back regularly, refilling drinks and ensuring that you're enjoying the dining experience. Conversations flow easily, and you might just find yourself sharing laughs with your server, as many locals have commented on how engaging and friendly the staff can be. They’re quick to handle dietary restrictions too, showing attentiveness to guests with specific needs—something consistently highlighted by patrons.

As you indulge in delicious desserts, perhaps the irresistible cannoli cake catches your eye, completing the meal on a sweet note. Each bite is rich, flavorful, and a standout finish to an already delightful dining experience. You leave Carrabba's feeling satisfied, recalling not just the good food, but the great service that made your evening one to remember.

When to Go

To avoid the busiest crowds, it's best to swing by Carrabba's during the earlier part of the week or at non-peak hours like lunchtime. This timing allows for a more relaxed dining experience, where you'll likely enjoy quicker service and a quieter atmosphere.

What Is It?

Vino Italian + Bistro is a charming Italian restaurant that offers a mixt of traditional pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and hearty meat options all served in a cozy and inviting setting. Located in Chesapeake, VA, it makes for a perfect spot for date nights or family dinners, where patrons often rave about their delectable meals and the extensive wine selection.

The Experience

Walking into Vino Italian + Bistro, you’re greeted by the warm, dimly lit atmosphere, adorned with cozy decorations that instantly make you feel at home. As you settle into your seat, you can’t help but notice the delightful aroma wafting from the kitchen, hinting at the delicious Italian dishes about to be served. The friendly server approaches with a smile, presenting the menu laden with mouth-watering options. You decide to start with the frizzled calamari and the renowned arancini—both of which come highly recommended by other patrons. They arrive looking golden brown and inviting, kicking off your experience with a bang.

As the evening unfolds, you find yourself eagerly chatting while sipping on a lovely glass of their house red. For the main course, you opt for the Chicken Marsala, as it's featured prominently in many conversations among regulars. When the dish finally arrives, it’s beautifully plated and full of rich flavors, pairing perfectly with the delicate angel hair pasta that comes alongside. As each bite melts in your mouth, you take a moment to savor the experience, sharing snippets of your meal with your dining partner.

You can’t resist the sweet temptation of dessert and decide to end the evening with their famous tiramisu. Upon tasting it, you understand why it’s a crowd favorite—it’s the perfect balance of creamy and coffee-flavored goodness that leaves you wanting more. As you sit back in your chair, fully satisfied with the meal and the delightful ambiance, you can't help but smile, knowing you’ve discovered a gem in Chesapeake that you’ll be coming back to soon.

When to Go

For a quieter dining experience, it's best to visit Vino Italian + Bistro during the week, particularly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, before the evening rush. Parking and seating are often easier during these times, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy your meal without the hustle and bustle of peak weekend crowds.