Italian Restaurants Grand Rapids

Looking for a romantic restaurant for date night or just a great place to get Italian food in Grand Rapids? There are plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from that provide their own spin on classic Italian cuisine in a fun, unique atmosphere. If you’re looking for delicious food, any of the options below are a must-try!

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Downtown Grand Rapids

Palio’s

Named for the Italian horserace that is celebrated in Italy, this restaurant embodies the qualities the race has to offer. Providing a bold, vibrant, and robust menu and atmosphere this is a must-try in the downtown Grand Rapids area. Enjoy a colorful and animated style while dining on delicious Italian dishes including, pizzas made on a gas-fired stone pizza oven, lasagna, carbonara, and many other classics re-invented to create a unique flavor profile and experience.

Hours: M-F 4 pm to 10 pm; Sat. 12 pm to 10 pm; Sun. 12 pm to 8 pm

Bistro Bella Vista

With a modern, homey feel, this restaurant combines comfortable with amazing Italian comfort foods. Offering a variety of appetizers, pasta, pizzas, and delicious Italian entrees, everyone is sure to find something to enjoy at Bistro Bella Vista. Make sure to take a look at their extensive wine list to find the perfect pairing to go with your meal. Also, if you are a wine lover, join their wine club. With 2 different membership options, you can choose the option that is perfect for you.

Hours: T-Th 11am to 9pm; Fri. 11am- 10pm; Sat. 4pm-10pm; Sun. & Mon. CLOSED

Aperitivo

Located in the Downtown Market, this restaurant offers a delicious quick bite to eat or something to slowly munch on while you partake in great conversation. Enjoy their menu inside at the bar or on the days too beautiful to be inside, dine on their patio. Utilize the knowledge of the cheesemongers and charcuterie experts to enjoy your favorites in a new exciting way or find a new favorite. Pair your cheese plate with wine, beer, or cider to enhance your dining experience. Want a little more than a cheese plate? Enjoy one of their delicious sandwiches or starters and make sure to pick up some food to take home.

Hours: M-TH 11am-8pm; Fri & Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-7pm

Big O’ Café

Looking for a delicious slice of pizza while enjoying downtown Grand Rapids? Big O’ Café is the place to go. Serving the area of greater GR since 1996, beginning on the West Side and moving to the downtown location in 2006. Experience fun, relaxed dining with some of the best pizza in the area. Grab some pizza to go or sit and enjoy a cold brew or perfectly paired glass of wine.

Hours: Wed & TH 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 1pm-10pm

North Grand Rapids

Amore Trattona Italians

Head up to North Grand Rapids for a romantic dining experience at Amore Trattona Italians. Chef Jenna got her start in San Francisco at a 10-table restaurant run by two Italian women. She learned a lot about true Italian cuisine and met her husband who was from Milan. He helped her knowledge of authentic Italian cuisine grow even further. After years of perfecting her Italian recipes, she opened Amore Trattona Italians and has been serving the Grand Rapids area delicious Italian homemade dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Amore has won multiple awards including, Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, and more. Make sure to reserve your table and take a little trip to Italy right here in GR. 

Hours: Tues – Sat 4 pm-9 pm; Sun & Mon CLOSED

Blue Water

Part of the Gilmore Collection, this amazing restaurant brings high-quality dining with a down-to-earth approach and atmosphere. Using simple and wholesome ingredients, this menu delights the senses and offers meals everyone will enjoy. From Wood-Fired pizzas to pasta, fish, burgers, and desserts. Enjoy the delectable food in a beautiful setting with open spaces and giant glass walls framing the beautiful Versluis Lake. Don’t shy away in the winter, enjoy your meal by a roaring fire while the moon lights the water. Experience Blue Water in every season.

Hours: M 11am-9pm; T-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm

Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen

Featured on Food Network in 2012, this authentic Sicilian restaurant brings the mouth-watering tastes of Sicily right to Grand Rapids. The atmosphere is easy-going and airy, but the food is as serious as it comes. Whether you are looking for pizza, pasta, or an amazing entrée, you are sure to find plenty of food options, plus some. Don’t forget to take a look at their stunning wine list to find the perfect pair for your food.

Hours: M-TH 11am-9pm; Fri & Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 12pm-8pm

Salvatore’s

Serving Grand Rapids since 1976 with traditional family meals combining old and new flavors. This family-inspired restaurant brings you to Montelepre nestled in the mountains of Sicily. Begin your meal with a traditional appetizer including Bruschetta, mussels al vino, breaded calamari, and more. Then pick a classic entrée like chicken parmigiana, steak Nicolette, meatball parmigiana, and more. Dine-in inside their beautiful dining room or enjoy your meal in their wonderful outside seating area. Make sure to pair your meal with the perfect beverage and enjoy a quick trip through your taste buds to Italy.

Hours: M-TH 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 4pm-10pm; Sun 3pm-8pm

Wyoming

Monelli’s Italian Grill & Sports Bar

With its unique atmosphere, it is the perfect place to bring the family, meet a friend for a drink, or watch the big game. The restaurant opened in 2007 and has successfully created a fun, relaxed atmosphere with exceptional food and service. What else do they offer? Authentic Italian cuisine along with a variety of other menu options. From delicious appetizers, including Calamari Fritti, Arancini, and Boom Boom Shrimp, to entrees including, Salads, Pizzas, Pasta, Steak, and more. Finish your meal with a decadent dessert and pair your food with a top-notch beverage from the bar.

Hours: M-Su 11am-midnight

Pietro’s

Enjoy one of the top West Michigan pasta dishes, Fettuccine Michael, in this casual Italian restaurant. The authenticity of the restaurant is apparent from the moment you step through the hand-carved Tuscan doors, onto the authentic tile floors. Get comfy in the hand-carved booths and feel the family atmosphere with Pietro’s family photos throughout the restaurant. Enjoy large portions of affordably priced meals including steaks, pasta, and pizzas. Dine in the restaurant, plan your event in their party room or have their delicious menu brought to your home with their wonderful catering.

Hours: M-TH 4pm-9pm; Fri & Sat 4pm-10pm; Sun 12pm- 8pm

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