Mano Bella - South Park — Restaurant in Charlotte

4.5 stars, rounding up. My husband and I tried Mano Bella one Saturday afternoon for an early dinner, and we are already thinking of going back very soon again!

You can either order with their staff at the counter, or use the QR codes placed at each table to scan for the menu and create your order via Toast. Some customizations and written instructions are available, which makes this a really easy ordering process. You can order alcoholic beverages, and even keep your tab open if you plan to order more throughout your meal.

We started with their homemade sourdough focaccia and ricotta. The four slices we received of the focaccia were moist, chewy, and absolutely delicious. Their homemade ricotta is more the consistency of cream cheese than the ricotta you buy in a store, and we loved the mild flavor. We only wish the ricotta had more olive oil in the bowl, but I bet we can add that to the instructions at our next visit.

For our entrees, I had a $13 build-your-own pasta bowl with radiatore, a combination of cream and pesto sauces (you can choose one or two sauces at no extra charge), spinach ($.35 extra), and shrimp ($5 extra). The pasta was chewy and paired really well with the flavorful sauces. I got four shrimp which were medium-to-large in size, and perfectly cooked. I only wish I had tried their garlic confit ($1 extra), but I’ll definitely add that the next time. I was on,y able to eat half my bowl, and took the rest home for another day.

My husband tried their $16 lasagne. This lasagne was the BEST we’ve had anywhere, and I’m still salivating thinking about it. There were many layers—five or six—of thick, chewy noodles with a delicious meat and cheese filling. Spread around the plate was their sauce, also very good. He ate EVERY bite (or at least those bites I didn’t snag myself), so no leftovers for him.

We also tried their drinks. My husband had a glass of Pinot noir ($10), and I had an Aperol spritz ($13). Both were generous pours, and we enjoyed them.

Their staff came around to check on us and remove plates, but were unobtrusive otherwise. The dining room is spacious, and I only wish the music had been turned down a bit, because some songs had vocals that were so loud it was hard to converse. We appreciated their choice of music, however—there was no pop here!

They also have a refrigerated section near the door with their homemade pastas and sauces to take home. We didn’t buy any, but may do so the next time. They also sell their pastas at the Matthews and Davidson farmers markets on Saturdays.

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Mano Bello in SouthPark, is the real deal for authentic Italian cuisine. Owned by Rafaele Patrizi, a native of Italy, every dish has that fatto a mano (handmade) touch. You can even watch the magic happen at their pasta-making station—there’s something mesmerizing about seeing fresh tortellini come to life right before your eyes.

The restaurant has a cozy, caffè-style atmosphere with some charming outdoor seating, perfect for a casual meal with friends or family. The staff, including Thien, Daniel, and Paula, were not only friendly but also super knowledgeable—pronouncing the names of pasta dishes with that perfect Italian accent. Grazie mille to them for making the experience special.

One thing I was particularly excited about was their lasagna, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This lasagna is layered with thick, fresh pasta sheets, a rich blend of beef and pork sausage, gooey mozzarella, and a tomato sauce that was so fresh and flavorful. You can absolutely tell the pasta is handmade—it had that perfect rustic texture, almost like Nonna made it right in her kitchen. The portion is generous too, enough to share between two for a hearty lunch. If you’re in SouthPark and in the mood for lasagna, this is where I’d go.

While they offer great 2-for-1 lunch salad and sandwich specials (pasta isn’t included, though), they have some fantastic seasonal pasta dishes that are worth trying. And if you’re dining with a group, I highly suggest ordering a variety of entrees and sharing them family style—you’ll get a true taste of Italy this way.

Just a heads up—the cell service isn’t great, and the WiFi is hit or miss, so it’s best to skip the QR code menu and just order at the counter. The staff will bring your meal right to you.

They also have a small Italian market inside, perfect for grabbing top-quality ingredients or take-and-bake entrees for when you want to recreate that Italian feast at home. While this location doesn’t have the famous ruota di pasta (pasta wheel), you can check that out at their 7th Street Market spot.

Overall, Mano Bello is a fantastic stop if you’re craving fresh, handmade Italian food....

Restaurant Review: Mano Bella - South Park

Nestled conveniently next to a parking garage in Southpark, Mano Bella offers an exceptionally accessible dining experience. The ease of parking makes it a breeze to get to, a convenience that sets the tone for the delightful experience awaiting inside.

Upon entering, you're greeted by a charming shopping area filled with high-quality, authentic homemade and local Italian foods, perfect for taking a piece of Italy home with you. The shopping experience adds a unique touch to the visit, making it more than just a dining outing.

The dining experience starts at a modern bar where you place your order and get your drinks prepared on the spot. With a number for your table in hand, you can choose from a fantastic variety of seating options. From low seating and cozy booths to hybrid booth-table setups and high top tables, there’s a perfect spot for every preference and group size. The outdoor patio is an inviting option as well, offering a pleasant ambiance for dining al fresco.

On our visit, my wife and I were pleasantly surprised by the lack of rush or wait, even on a bustling Friday night around 6:45 PM. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the service was prompt, enhancing our overall experience.

The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the handmade pasta. The effort and craftsmanship in every bite were evident, making it a standout feature of the menu. The authenticity and flavor were exceptional, solidifying Mano Bella as a top choice for Italian cuisine in the area.

Overall, we had a fantastic experience at Mano Bella - South Park. The combination of accessible parking, a unique shopping experience, diverse seating options, and exquisite handmade pasta makes it a must-visit. We’re thrilled with our visit and look forward to...