ESO Artisanal Pasta — Restaurant in Charlotte

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ESO Artisanal Pasta – Charlotte, NC

I drove 2.5 hours from Raleigh just to try ESO Artisanal Pasta at Optimist Hall, and it was absolutely worth every mile. From the moment I walked up, I could feel the energy of a place that takes its craft seriously. The smell alone—fresh herbs, slow-simmered sauces, and warm bread—told me I was in for something special.

I ordered the Ricotta Gnocchi, and it was one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had. The gnocchi were light, pillowy, and full of delicate ricotta flavor, melting in my mouth with every bite. The sauce was balanced and rich without overpowering, and every element felt intentional—like it had been perfected over time. You could taste the quality in each ingredient.

What makes ESO stand out is their passion for authenticity. Everything is handcrafted, with ingredients sourced from both Italy and local partners. The atmosphere inside Optimist Hall adds to the experience—vibrant, welcoming, and full of life.

This wasn’t just a good meal; it was the kind of meal that stays with you, the kind you think about long after you’ve finished. If you’re anywhere near Charlotte—or even if you’re not—make the trip. Your taste buds...

I was really excited to try this place.

We went around 8pm. I ordered the Orecchiette with focaccia. My first two choices were out which was the penne allá vodka and another- I can’t recall. My boyfriend finished his food before I received mine as he ordered from another stall.

I was so excited about the food but when I received it, the flavor may have been better- but it had way too much oil in both the pasta and the focaccia. The foccacia was hot and couldn’t even be cut (with no utensils to do so) or touched due to the temp. When it cooled enough and when I squeezed it, oil was running out of the bread and that’s not supposed to happen. The pasta had no real good flavor to remember to want to go back to either.

I was excited about an Italian place where we wouldn’t have to wait so long compared to dine in, but I’d much rather go to a reputable dine in restaurant with better quality food. I have no desire to go...

Tried the Ligurian Pesto and Lumache Ragu Napoletano. I honestly didn’t have high expectations for this restaurant and was expecting your typical run of the mill pesto and red sauce kind of pasta. But this place was not it, the ingredients they used were qualityyy + the homemade pasta was also well made and cooked. We also ordered the large size for both pastas and wished we had ordered the smaller size afterwards, because we had leftovers for dinner. This restaurant is a gem and in my opinion will further raise the food scene of Charlotte. I hope you guys open a restaurant in...