Caruso's — Restaurant in Mooresville

Updated: Once again, we stopped by without reservations on a busy Saturday night and were able to grab a seat for 4 (two adults, two well behaved older kids). We waited almost 2 hours for dinner but to be honest, we didnt care. We were passing through the area, and enjoyed sitting and talking after a long day of traveling. This place takes care to make sure that the food is properly executed, it's obvious. They would rather make you wait longer for properly done food vs rushing and making mistakes to get you out of there faster. I wish more places would be like that. As far as pricing, I see no problem with the prices here. I saw some reviews complaining that it was too pricey for what you get. No way. If anything I could see them increase the prices. Thanks again Caruso's, hope to see you in another 6 months.

Old review. Thank you for seating us w/ 50 minutes before closing on a Friday night. We were traveling from Orlando to Pittsburgh, and stopped at Mooresville for an overnight break w/ family. I did a quick search for something to eat, and found that Caruso's was open until 11! I checked into our hotel and quickly ran back out to get there before we would be turned away. I had my comfortable driving clothes on and didn't even have a moment to change into something more representative of this restaurant and it's elegance. I know Italian food and am pretty much disappointed everywhere I go that is not near a heavy Italian population. IE, EVERYWHERE south of the mason/dixon line w/ some very rare exceptions. This place is legit. The Bolognese was good. It had the right amount of liquidy goodness w/ the right amount of chunk and the right amount of different ingredients. The linguini was good. It could have been fresh or they may have used a trick I learned about to make boxed noodles seem fresh, either way, great cook on the noodle. I had some entertainment as well, looking at the groups around me and listening to them talk. Eclectic group of people that I would undoubtably disagree w/ about just about every topic I overheard, except the good food/service/ambiance at this restaurant. Id highly recommend this place. A couple of glasses wine later, and I was tipping my hat to this great place as I left, that I hope to remember for many years to come.

There is no kids menu, but mine are picky - they enjoyed the Bolognese (split between them). And the bread of course.

The waiter here was super awesome and down to earth to talk to. I felt like I could sit with him and exchange stories for hours.

This place does not break the bank. Half the price of a steak dinner yet you probably will leave twice as fulfilled and feeling warm inside when you leave (Italian food has a way of doing...

4 -stars, no place is perfect...

Where to start...

It's in a strip mall, don't let it fool you, place is outstanding, very comfortable, warm and inviting, owners paintings adorn the walls, he is also the chef (sometimes), booths and tables are available and comfortable, but with any Italian joint always sit facing the inside.

Reviews say it is quiet...it is not, it is usually packed and noisy, eat later and the place empties out around nine, and calms down.

Service- awesome my man Omar is the best, from Brooklyn, knows his stuff, will guide you through if you need, and most need. The rest of the staff is great also, friendly helpful whatever you need, just don't try to rush them, they are not into that, take a deep breathe and head to the bar and have a drink.

Food- the food is great, but once again is it ever perfect? The pastas are fresh and they have gluten free if you are into that, seafood is fresh daily, last night I had shrimp and scallops with penne a la vodka and was awesome. We also had the sea bass which was about as good as I have ever had. We had Mozzarella en Carozza, which is Italian for grilled cheese! Very well done, Caesar salad was on point.

Desert, well like I said dinner is never perfect, three layer chocolate mousse cake was ok, still trying to get them to make tartufo instead of profiteroles (thats a NYC thing) but to know avail.

Overall, make reservations early, don't wait or you may be disappointed. Don't bring your kids under, they wont seat you. Go chill, have a great meal, rinse and repeat...oh and ask for Omar, tell him Mikey from Westchester sent you, he'll...

Been giving this place business for 15 years sometimes buying food for 14 people at a time for takeout. Not only that, we give them tons of business via drug reps that take our team out to dine there for business meetings. Between my office staff, my wife, and myself we called them three times today to verify we can bring our three kids celebrate my wife’s birthday only to show up and have them deny us at the door saying our daughter was too young (despite the fact that my daughter could answer the phone and provide superior customer service than the adults we spoke to today). they stated they didn’t know the age of my daughter, but that is simply hard to believe after calling 3 times to notify them. Three times!! I verified myself 30 minutes before arriving and was told not a problem because my wife called to verify being skeptical and someone who had difficulty with English said no. My call 5 minutes later with Joe/John? said “no problem come on in, we have your table ready right up front for you mr family”. When we arrived, he acted like he had no idea about the age of my daughter. If you don’t want kids in your restaurant that’s fine, but you need to get your act together so families don’t make celebratory birthday plans only to get there and be turned away. Thankful another fine dining restaurant down the street offered to seat us right away. I find it a shame to discontinue being able to give this place further business after giving them so much support over the past 15 years. I enjoyed their food, but what happened tonight is...