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Zinicola, Charlotte, NC

Zinicola

4.7 (1211)
$31 to $50
Italian
14835 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte, NC 28277

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 11 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
  • Charming
Zinicola is located in Ballantyne Village across from Ballantyne hotel. Stop by and enjoy our modern Italian food by Chef and owner Richard Cranmer.
We make our pastas from scratch, just like my Nonna.

Our menu changes seasonally

www.zinicolaitalian.com


Zinicola also has a full bar, great wine and cocktail list. Located in front of the restaurant, a new patio with its own bar lends more seating.

Zinicola is great for large groups, meeting, parties, and private dining.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Wine Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Mon 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (980) 299-2979
  • Website
    http://Zinicolaitalian.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Richard Cranmer
  • Private party facilities
    Zinicola offers private rooms for 12 to 60 guests with special menu options. You can also book the whole restaurant for personal or business lunch or dinner which can accommodate up to 150 guests.
  • Location
    14835 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte, NC 28277
  • Neighborhood
    Ballantyne
  • Cross street
    The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
  • Parking details
    Public lot is free & Ballantyne Village provides free valet service Thursday through Saturday.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Menu

Zinicola's menu was last updated on 5/22/2024.

Appetizers

  • Antipasto Platter$24.00

    Cured Meats, Assorted Cheese, Marinated Olives, Roasted & Pickled Vegetables

    • Arancini$12.00

      Peas, Taleggio Cheese, Calabrian Chili's

      • Buffalo Mozzarella Caprese $14.00

        Roasted Tomatoes, Basil Pesto, Balsamic Reduction, Roasted Peppers

        • Fried Calamari$16.00

          Paprika Mayo, Spicy Tomato Sauce

          • House Meatballs$12.00

            Beef, Veal, Tomato Sauce, Parmesan

            • Mussels$16.00

              Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, Calabrian Chili's, Red Sauce

              • Grilled Octopus$18.00

                Fingerling Potatoes, Black Tomato Sauce, Pancetta

                Salads

                • Fig & Gorganzola $12.00

                  Mixed Greens, Prosciutto, Balasmic Vinaigrette, Walnuts

                  • Caesar$10.00

                    Baby Romaine, Parmesan, White Anchovy, Bread Crisp

                    • Arugula & Beets$10.00

                      Fried Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese, Gold & Red Beets, Pickled Onions, Toasted Pine Nuts, Sherry Vinaigrette

                      • Heart of Palm & Artichoke $12.00

                        spring mix, Olives, Red onion, Tomato, Ricotta salata, Red wine vinaigrette

                        Pizza

                        • Margherita$16.00

                          Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil

                          • Prosciutto$18.00

                            Tomato, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Arugula

                            • Sausage & Broccoli Rabe$20.00

                              Tomato, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Garlic, Parmesan

                              • Wild Mushroom Pizza

                                Mushroom Pesto, Fontina, Ricotta, Balasmic Reduction, Truffle Oil

                                • Artichoke & Olive Pizza$16.00

                                  Pasta & Risotto

                                  • Gnocchi $24.00

                                    Roasted Butternut Squash, Goranzola, Sage, Walnuts

                                    • Porcini Mushroom Risotto$24.00

                                      Mushroom Puree, Parmesan

                                      • Eggplant Lasagna$16.00

                                        Eggplant, Tomato Sauce, Ricotta Cheese

                                        • Pappardelle Bolognese$25.00

                                          Veal, Beef, Tomato Sauce

                                          • Pasticcio al Forno$22.00

                                            Bolognese, Bechamel, Penne, Parmesan

                                            • Seafood Rigatoni$28.00

                                              Shrimp, Calamari, Crab Meat, Scallops, Garlic, Shallots, Broccoli, Tomato Sauce

                                              • Spaghetti Marinara$16.00

                                                Tomato, Basil, Parmesan

                                                • Fettucini Duck Ragu $26.00

                                                  Duck Confit, White WIne, Crispy Duck Skin

                                                  • Black Capellini Shrimp Scampi $28.00

                                                    White WIne, Garlic, Lemon, Chili Flakes

                                                    • Gnocchi Primavera $22.00

                                                      Zuchchini, Tomato, eggplant caponata, Pesto

                                                      Entrees

                                                      • Pan Seared Scallops $38.00

                                                        Roasted Cauliflower & Pureed Cauliflower, Peperonata, Pancetta

                                                        • Branzino$34.00

                                                          Braised Fennel & Tomato, Capers, Olives, Lemon Butter Sauce

                                                          • Chicken Parmesan$22.00

                                                            Served With Spaghetti

                                                            • Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops*$48.00

                                                              Hierloom Carrots, Brussel sprouts, Pesto, Red wine Demi

                                                              • Braised Short Ribs $32.00

                                                                Celery Root Puree, Swiss Chard, Trumpet Mushrooms, Red Wine Demi

                                                                Last updated: May 22, 2024

                                                                What 1,211 people are saying

                                                                Zinicola reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                4.7
                                                                4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                                • 4.7Food
                                                                • 4.8Service
                                                                • 4.6Ambience
                                                                • 4.5Value

                                                                Noise • Moderate

                                                                Loved For

                                                                • Charlotte

                                                                  Italian

                                                                • Charlotte

                                                                  Italian

                                                                Review summary

                                                                AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                Zinicola is a standout Italian restaurant in Charlotte, praised for "excellent service" and "fantastic food." Guests love the "impeccable service" and the "best bread in Charlotte." The atmosphere is welcoming and elegant, perfect for both special occasions and casual dining. Many appreciate the "fresh pasta" and extensive wine list.
                                                                1,211 Reviews

                                                                1. Doug VIP

                                                                  Charlotte200 reviews

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined 2 days ago

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  We had another great meal at Zinicola (lamb chops and crab stuffed Salmon)!

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                                                                2. Joan

                                                                  Charlotte1 review

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined 3 days ago

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  Benjamin was excellent. Clearly described the specials & regular menu items.The chef did himself/herself proud! Will definitely return.

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                                                                3. Paul

                                                                  Charlotte1 review

                                                                  4.0

                                                                  Dined 4 days ago

                                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                                  2. Food 4
                                                                  3. Service 4
                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                  This is a very good quality restaurant in the Ballantyne area of south Charlotte, NC. The service was very attentive and the food did not disappoint. We went last night with another couple and will keep Zinicola in mind when we consider our next outing. I would certainly recommend it to folks traveling to the area (instead of heading over to "the Bowl") and of course for those who live in the area, as well.

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                                                                4. Linda

                                                                  Charlotte4 reviews

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined 7 days ago

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  One of our fav places. Never feel rushed, service is impeccable and food is always fantastic.

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                                                                5. Diwakar VIP

                                                                  New York City20 reviews

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined on July 9, 2025

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  Service was excellent, food was great. I would always come back for business and personal dinner

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                                                                6. Gary

                                                                  Orange County2 reviews

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined on July 1, 2025

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  Always a great meal! Best Bread in Charlotte! Alway will come back!

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                                                                7. Grace

                                                                  Indiana1 review

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined on June 28, 2025

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  Such a great Italian restaurant! Our server, Jalen, was very helpful and welcoming. The food was excellent, and we 100% recommend!!

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                                                                8. Larry

                                                                  New York City2 reviews

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined on June 28, 2025

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  The place is very comfortable, not to noisy, staff was very attentive. The manager and chef/owner came by to say hello. The food was excellent. Grilled octopus was grilled to perfection and very tender which is very hard to find and other restaurants!! Everything we order was great. We will be back!! Thank you!

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                                                                9. Mark VIP

                                                                  Charlotte3 reviews

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined on June 27, 2025

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  I have to start this review with a confession that this was our first trip to Zinicola and that is a shame on me. I normally pride myself on being able to find fine dining that does not involve the arduous trip to Uptown Charlotte. We were planning to attend a retiree gathering nearby and I wasn’t wanting bar food so I did a nearby search and found this gem that will now most definitely be on our return list. We arrived on time for our reservation and were immediately greeted and seated. We chose some bar style seating with a firsthand view of all the kitchen activity. Our server (Layla) greeted us promptly and set about getting drink orders. Layla was in training (her 3rd night) and she worked along side her trainer (Benjamin) to be sure we were taken care of. You would never know Layla was a trainee other than some guidance she was getting on the order system, etc. She was outstanding and I think it showed how careful they are in their hiring because everyone we spoke with was extremely professional. She is a great find for them. Now to the food. We started with the calamari appetizer which I can say was as tender and tasty as any I have ever had. It came with two dipping sauces, both which were great. We both followed the appetizer up with Caesar salads. Normally, I have to ask if they have anchovies for a Caesar salad but not here. Just part of the dish as it should be. My wife is not a fan so I got hers as well. BONUS! My main course was the Pappardelle Bolognese and my wife had a ravioli stuffed with scallops dish. The ravioli was black because of the squid ink addition and it added its own from the sea taste. She was lucky to get her order in as they alerted us when they were reviewing the dishes that they only had one available. Both dishes were outstanding. We finished with a wonderful Tiramisu and were thoroughly stuffed. To Layla, Benjamin, Anya and Rich; thanks for a great dinner and wonderful evening. We will be back soon.

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                                                                10. Teresa VIP

                                                                  Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint5 reviews

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined on June 26, 2025

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  I had the Branzino, and it was fabulous! Highly recommend

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                                                                FAQs

                                                                Zinicola offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (980) 299-2979.

                                                                Zinicola is rated 4.7 stars by 1211 OpenTable diners.

                                                                Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                1. Home
                                                                2. United States
                                                                3. Charlotte
                                                                4. Charlotte
                                                                5. Ballantyne

                                                                Make a reservation

                                                                2 people
                                                                7:00 PM
                                                                Booked 11 times today
                                                                Google Map for Zinicola

                                                                14835 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte, NC 28277

                                                                Additional information

                                                                • Cross street
                                                                  The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
                                                                • Neighborhood
                                                                  Ballantyne
                                                                • Hours of operation
                                                                  Mon 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
                                                                • Price
                                                                  $31 to $50
                                                                • Cuisines
                                                                  Italian, Seafood, Wine Bar
                                                                • Dining style
                                                                  Casual Dining
                                                                • Dress code
                                                                  Business Casual
                                                                • Parking details
                                                                  Public lot is free & Ballantyne Village provides free valet service Thursday through Saturday.
                                                                • Payment options
                                                                  AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                • Executive chef
                                                                  Richard Cranmer
                                                                • Additional
                                                                  Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                • Website
                                                                  http://Zinicolaitalian.com/
                                                                • Phone number
                                                                  (980) 299-2979
                                                                • Private party facilities
                                                                  Zinicola offers private rooms for 12 to 60 guests with special menu options. You can also book the whole restaurant for personal or business lunch or dinner which can accommodate up to 150 guests.
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