Finale Pizza, created by the same owners of Inizio Pizza, opened this week in the Ballantyne area. When you walk in, you can either place an order at the counter for takeout or scan a QR code to join the waitlist if there’s a line. The dining area features a counter with two TVs where you can sit and enjoy your meal, along with a beverage selection that includes bottled Coca-Cola products, beer, and wine.
At lunch, the entire pizza menu is available by the slice, a great option for those wanting variety. However, during dinner, you can only order whole pies or plain slices, which streamlines the experience but may limit options for slice lovers. The menu has shareable sides, NY-style pizzas, pasta dishes, wings, and desserts.
One aspect worth noting is how orders are placed. Rather than being waited on, you scan a QR code assigned to your table, browse the digital menu, place your order, and make modifications directly on the ordering page. While this is undeniably convenient, I found myself missing the warmth of human interaction when dining in.
My Order:
Plain Slice: The plain slice arrived first, served piping hot. It had an excellent undercarriage with no char and just the right amount of golden-brown perfection. The crust was foldable with minimal flop, and the cheese-to-sauce ratio was spot on. Speaking of the sauce, it leaned towards the sweeter side, which is exactly how I like it. If you’re a fan of NY-style pizza, this slice ranks among my preferred pizza options in the Charlotte area.
Caesar Salad: Next came the side Caesar salad. The romaine lettuce was crisp and chopped finely. It was topped with crispy breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch and a cloud-like mound of finely shredded Parmesan cheese. The combination was crisp, fresh, and flavorful.
Side of Meatballs: The side of three meatballs were generously sized served with a red sauce. The flavor was rich and well-seasoned. Texture-wise, the meatballs were on the softer side of medium, which is a matter of personal preference, I usually prefer them a bit firmer. That said, these meatballs outshine many others I’ve tried in the area and are well worth ordering.
Baked Ziti: I didn’t get a chance to dig into the baked ziti yet, as I packed it up to enjoy as lunch the next day.
The pacing of the meal was a little odd. My plain slice came out first, followed by the Caesar salad. The side of meatballs and baked ziti arrived shortly after but were packed to-go as I had requested.
I’m looking forward to returning to try their wings and cannoli, two items that are high on my radar for next time. Finale Pizza is definitely worth a visit. While the lack of traditional table service might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the flavors more than...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Finale Pizza in Charlotte, NC, and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. This gem of an Italian restaurant not only serves superb food but also offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a genuine smile by the staff. Steve, the manager, went above and beyond to ensure we felt welcome, taking the time to check in with us throughout our meal and providing recommendations that truly elevated our dining experience. It’s clear that they prioritize customer satisfaction, and it truly made a difference for my family and me.
The ambiance at Finale Pizza is vibrant yet cozy, with a clean and inviting decor that perfectly complements the culinary experience. Whether you’re settling in for a family dinner or enjoying a casual night out, the restaurant’s layout and design create a relaxing environment that encourages you to linger a little longer.
Now, let's talk about the food! The menu is a delightful journey through Italian cuisine, featuring an impressive selection of pizzas, pastas, and appetizers. The crust is perfectly crispy and chewy, topped with fresh, high-quality ingredients that burst with flavor. Each bite was a celebration of authentic Italian fare.
We also indulged in some pasta dishes, and they did not disappoint. The creamy sauces combined with expertly cooked pasta made for a truly satisfying meal. And let’s not forget the desserts—each sweet ending was a glorious finish to an already wonderful dinner.
Overall, Finale Pizza is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together over delicious food and exceptional service. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a great dining spot in Charlotte. We left with full bellies and happy hearts, and we can't wait for our next visit! Thank you, Finale Pizza, for an evening to...
Read moreDecided to stop by Finale to give it a try after hearing some great reviews. I was born and raised in the PA/NY area, so I have been on the hunt to find quality New York style pizza in or around the Charlotte area.
To start, the atmosphere was great and the place was very clean on the inside. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by 2 friendly staff members who walked us through the menu & ordering process.
We started with two appetizers, the Buffalo Mild chicken wings and a side caesar salad. The caesar salad was excellent, and the buffalo wings were made with an in-house homemade buffalo sauce which was also very good. I personally prefer extra crispy wings, so I got mine well done.
Our server also told us all pasta was made fresh, so we ordered the spinach + chicken rigatoni alongside the pizza. The pasta was extremely fresh and the dish as a whole was very vibrant and light. It was served with 2 pieces of focaccia which was some of the softest bread I’ve ever had. This pasta dish alone is worth the trip, and I am confident the other pasta dishes offered would be delicious as well.
Lastly, we finished with a Large pizza. Most places around Charlotte tend to have very doughy bread, which can be hard to chew, however Finale pizza was fantastic! This was the closest i’ve found to a traditional new york style pizza in the area. Very crispy and light. We did a half & half Build Your Own with the specialty vodka on one half and a standard pepperoni on the other half. The Vodka stood out for me and was my personal favorite. Would highly recommend if you plan to visit.
Overall, this was a great dine-in experience. I will definitely be making a trip back in the future. If you are ever in the area and looking for some great pizza and authentic pasta,...
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