Kozi Italian Street Food Charlotte — Restaurant in Charlotte

We wanted Italian food after Hurricane Helene passed through Charlotte, North Carolina. We'd originally intended to hit one of the chains because they have the cheap additional entrées and we like to get more meals out of dining out.

Thanks to Helene, who put the power out in several parts of the city, the place we were going to had no power. My wife, who is a genuine food-whisperer, remembered the Italian Street Food place near us, so we ended up at KOZI Italian Street Food.

The interior is simple and genuinely a "street food" sort of establishment. Based on that, we weren't sure what we were in for... then we looked at the menu. We both immediately started ooh-ing and aah-ing. There was straight-forward Italian menu options--pizza, spaghetti, etc... but it went far beyond that. The menu read like what you'd find in a more upscale sit-down restaurant, and I have to say that the prices were comparable to that as well. All I could think is, there's no way Italian food like that could come out of a place like where we were standing.

My wife got the Chicken Parmesan (her litmus test for Italian restaurants) and I got the Picante Ko... something or other. I can't remember the exact name. I also got a side salad and we both got a piece of lemon cello cake to share.

The prep time took what you'd expect for a sit-down restaurant, but when they brought it, everything--and I mean EVERYTHING--blew our minds. The salad dressing they in-house was a light, seasoned vinaigrette knocked my socks off, and my wife loved it too.

We could have easily split either of the entrées they set down in front of us. Mine, was baked ziti pasta in a tangy and creamy marinara with sundried tomatoes, sausage, peppers, and capers beneath a perfectly baked crust of melted cheese. Hers was chicken-parm perfection with a healthy side of spaghetti.

Did I mention that we could have split either of the entrées. Kozi's restaurant prices basically mean they serve it up practically family style... which means we ended up spending less money on dinner, and I know I'm going to get THREE meals out of my entrée.

We raved about their food to any of the staff who would listen. I'm half-Italian and I cook Italian food at home from scratch with home-grown tomatoes of four varieties. I was raised on Italian food. The cook and/or whomever came up with their recipes is not only talented, they know how Italian food is supposed to taste.

Neither my wife nor I can recommend Kozi strongly enough. If you want fantastic Italian food with enough to take home for another meal or two, don't miss out on going to Kozi Italian Street Food in South Charlotte,...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this charming Italian street food restaurant, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pizzas, savory pastas, mouthwatering sandwiches, and irresistible desserts.

One of the standout features of this restaurant is its prime location, making it easily accessible and a perfect spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Whether you're grabbing a meal on the go or looking for a cozy place to dine with friends and family, this restaurant offers the ideal setting.

What truly sets this establishment apart, however, is its exceptional chef and staff. Every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, resulting in flavors that are nothing short of sublime. The pizzas are perfectly crisp with a generous topping of fresh ingredients, the pastas are al dente and bursting with flavor, and the sandwiches are hearty and satisfying. And let's not forget about the desserts – each one is a delectable treat that will leave you craving more.

In addition to the delicious food, I was impressed by the quick pick-up service, which allowed me to enjoy my meal without any unnecessary delays. The staff were friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was nothing short of exceptional.

Overall, I highly recommend this Italian street food restaurant to anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal. With its wide variety of options, great location, quick pick-up service, and wonderful chef and staff, it's sure to become a favorite dining destination for locals and...

After Helene we went looking for dinner. The power was out at the first two places we tried and then I remembered I wanted to try Kozi. I ordered the standard chicken parm but only because hubby ordered a pasta dish I wanted to try - he got to it first. They brought us garlic bread while we waited, which we enjoyed while sitting outside on the patio. The chicken parm was excellent - the chicken was tender and juicy with a really satisfying crunchy breading. I ordered the spaghetti for my side pasta. The red sauce was perfect: mild and savory, a perfect compliment to the chicken without competing for flavor. My husband's pasta was in a creamy red sauce with sundried tomatoes, capers, yellow peppers and sausage. Incredible. One of the staff came out to our table before we got our entrees and gave us a few chicken wings to thank us for waiting. Totally unnecessary since we were enjoying sitting outside, but my goodness I don't know what they do to their wings to make them some of the best I've had. The prices are good for the Ballantyne area, about $15-$18 an entree, but let me tell you the portions are no joke. We will be eating leftovers for days. We will probably split an entree next time. Hubs and I are foodies, and most especially favor small, local and hidden establishments. We are really wishing tons of success for Kozi because we seriously need this kind of food and service in our neighborhood. Skip the offerings down the street at the Bowl and get ready to tuck in to some really well prepared, casual Italian food. BTW, hubby is half Italian and gives his seal of approval too. We have a new...