Traverse City is home to a variety of Italian restaurants that cater to all tastes. From romantic dinners offering fine wines served on cozy outdoor patios to family-friendly establishments providing pizza, pasta, and more, our diverse Italian restaurants feature fresh ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. Read on to discover your new favorite Italian restaurant in Traverse City today.
Most Romantic
PepeNero
700 Cottageview Dr, Ste 100, Traverse City, MI 49684
PepeNero is an upscale Italian restaurant that sources fresh, seasonal ingredients from local markets and products imported from Italy. Sicilian-inspired dishes feature fresh pasta, sauces, and ragu that pair perfectly with a glass of Italian wine or limoncello. In warmer months, enjoy your dinner on the charming patio.
Trattoria Stella
830 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
Reservations are highly encouraged at this vintage-inspired trattoria, where the menu changes daily. Fans of fresh seafood, house-made pasta, and hearty soups alike will easily find plenty to enjoy at the romantic restaurant, which features ingredients sourced from local farms. The restaurant also offers an expansive wine list and craft cocktails for all styles and tastes.
Sorrelina
250 E Front St, Ste 110, Traverse City, MI 49684
Located in downtown Traverse City, Sorrelina features authentic Italian dining with an elevated twist. This trendy eatery boasts a sizable menu with a variety of meat and seafood dishes, such as the veal saltimbocca, along with hearty pastas like linguini topped with lemony, pan-seared chicken piccata and perfectly-whipped tiramisu.
Best for Families
Common Good
1115 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49684
In the evenings, this daytime bakery transforms into a family-friendly Italian dining experience with a variety of pizza, pasta, and salads. Choose from a total of six red pies and six white pies that span everything from traditional Margherita to a sweet-and-savory fig jam and prosciutto pizza. On the pasta side, you’ll also find creamy carbonara, pesto, and classic tomato dishes.
Nittolo’s Little Italy
155 Garland St, Suite 101, Traverse City, MI 49684
This father-and-son-run restaurant offers a taste of New York Italian cuisine right in the heart of Traverse City. Bold flavors and an inviting atmosphere keep visitors coming back time and time again, as well as the value prices and generous servings. Try a traditional cacio e pepe, or split a refreshing heirloom tomato bruschetta. Nittolo’s Little Italy also offers kid-sized portions.
Best Value
The Flying Noodle
136 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
The Flying Noodle serves up creative Italian food in Traverse City that features seasonal, local ingredients. From made-in-house fettuccine tossed with buttery littleneck clams to one of the best Italian chop salads in town, foodies can’t go wrong with any of the carefully curated menu choices. Don’t forget to grab a $6 glass of house red or white wine to sip alongside your meal. And for happy hour, grab snacks like meatballs, calamari or a one-topping pizza for $6 each as well!