Strada Italiano — Restaurant in Asheville

Two things; 1. I wish I could have given this place 0 stars, 2. I wish I would have taken more pictures. So a friend and I came to Asheville to run a half marathon this weekend, so we wanted some Italian food for the night before race day. This place had a ton of reviews and overall 4.6 stars - not too bad. I also read they make their own pasta homemade. So of course I was sold immediately. We get there and the hostess was very nice and acted like she was checking some long list to see if they could squeeze us in. Then took us upstairs where there was an entire dining room that was almost empty - weird for a Friday night… so I order a glass of red wine and the pasta marinara. Literally the simplest dish on the menu. My friend ordered the grilled Florentine ravioli. The waitress didn’t ask us if we wanted appetizers or really say much at all while we ordered. The wine came, and it was fine. But then our main dishes come out and I took one bite of mine and I swear it tasted like mushy, floury, watery goo with some diced tomatoes on top. It looked gross too. My friends dish was better looking and she was fairly happy with it. I asked her to try mine and see if I was crazy, and she agreed that it was inedible. So I told the waitress I thought there was something wrong with it and she stated that it is homemade pasta and I must not be used to that texture. I assured her I have had many homemade pastas and none of them tasted this bad. And after I argued with her, she offered me another dish. I normally eat vegan so I ordered the vegan lasagna. It came many minutes later (after my friend was almost finished with her meal) and it was also rather gross looking (pictured above with some bites taken out). It had a slightly different watery tomato sauce TONS of vegan cheese that was flavorful but WAY too heavy, and I think some sort of gluten free pasta that was impossible to find in the vegan cheese mass. So In other words it was another glob of mushy unknown substance. It tasted mildly better though, so I forced down about 1/3 of it, and we went to another restaurant for dessert. But wait, it gets worse! The waitress charged me for the more expensive second dish, instead of the one I originally ordered when I didn’t like either of them. Needless to say, skip this place. It’s HORRIBLE, and the service...

Title: A Hidden Gem of Authentic Italian Cuisine in Asheville

If you’re looking for an extraordinary dining experience in Asheville, look no further than Strada Italiano located at 27 Broadway St. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a cozy Italian trattoria, complete with an inviting ambiance and warm, friendly staff that make you feel right at home.

The menu is a delightful journey through Italy, featuring an impressive selection of authentic dishes. The brick oven pizzas are nothing short of spectacular; the crust is perfectly crisp, and the toppings are fresh and flavorful. I highly recommend trying the margherita pizza, which is a perfect representation of simplicity and quality.

But the star of the show for me was the lasagna. This dish is a true masterpiece, layered with rich, hearty flavors that make every bite a comforting experience. It’s undoubtedly one of the best lasagnas I've ever tasted, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting.

Strada Italiano also boasts an extensive cocktail menu that complements the food beautifully. Each drink is crafted with care, and you'll find a wide variety of options to suit any palate. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Negroni or a creative mix, their talented bartenders won’t disappoint.

The service here is refreshingly fast and attentive, striking the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth. The staff genuinely cares about your experience and goes the extra mile to ensure you have everything you need.

For those looking to elevate their dining experience, I highly recommend making a reservation, especially if you want to snag the best seat by the window on the first floor. The rooftop seating is also a fantastic option, offering a lovely view of the city while you enjoy your meal.

With dinner specials that change regularly, there’s always something new to try, making each visit a unique experience. Strada Italiano is undoubtedly the best Italian restaurant in Western North Carolina and a must-visit for anyone in Asheville.

whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by Strada Italiano for an unforgettable meal filled with authentic flavors, a vast selection of cocktails, and impeccable service. You...

My friend and I ate here with reservations on the first night of my 2-night 'mini bachelorette' weekend, travelled from Middle TN. Don't get me wrong, the food tasted fine. However, she has Celiacs disease and this was disclosed when making the reservation, as well as directly to our server when we were seated. We were so excited to find a well-reviewed Italian-style restaurant that could accommodate this, even if it was a 5 hour drive! The staff assured us that the friers used for the restaurant did not come in contact with items containing gluten, and told us which menu items were completely gluten-free versus which could be modified (since most of the menu is marked as "gluten-free", but apparently there are some exceptions). She opted for fully gluten-free dishes, per restaurant advice. As each dish was set on the table, we were specifically assured that it was prepared gluten-free and away from gluten contaminates; it's important to note, our server never told us himself- she asked as each item came if it was prepared gluten-free to be sure, and he said yes each time. We went back to our rental right after dinner. Within an hour, she had gotten so sick she was shaking on the floor, throwing up, couldn't even keep water down, splitting headache and stomach cramps, it was both ends (IYKYK), for several hours. She has been hospitalized for this allergy in years before, and the onset timeframe & types of symptoms she was having were alarm bells for gluten she had inadvertently consumed at dinner. Whether this was through hefty cross-contamination or bad advice from the restaurant staff on what was and wasn't truly gluten-free, we aren't sure. But we know we won't be back due to lack of concern around food allergies, especially considering they market a large part of their menu as gluten-free and assured us multiple times throughout the process that they could safely serve a guest with Celiacs disease, and the fact that it quite literally put her...