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Strada ItalianoB+Worth Trying

Name: Strada Italiano
Address: 27 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801, Asheville, United States
Rating: 4.4

27 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801 · Italian restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (2695 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Popular downtown Italian spot with house-made pasta, strong gluten-free options, lively rooftop, and good cocktails, but service speed and surcharge policies can frustrate.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Strada Italiano delivers reliable neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by house-made pasta and classic sauces that earn consistent praise. However, inconsistent execution between visits and variable service speed on peak nights prevent higher performance. The appealing rooftop setting and friendly service make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though it lacks the distinction of premier local destinations.

Restaurant Summary

Set in downtown Asheville, Strada Italiano hums with warm rooftop energy and a cozy dining room where servers often guide guests through house-made pastas and cocktails. One diner summed it up: "The ravioli and drinks made our night," though others noted crowded walkways and slow ticket times on busy evenings. Expect a lively scene with friendly service most nights. The cooking leans classic Italian with house-made pasta, rich ragus, and well-loved tiramisu rather than showy fusion. Highlights like short rib bolognese and spaghetti alla burrata draw raves, while items like calamari or duck can fluctuate. It suits diners who appreciate comforting flavors with occasional elevated touches more than avant-garde plates. For families, simple pastas work well and many guests mention kids enjoying spaghetti, but there is no explicit kids menu. Long waits can be tough on little ones, and portion sizes feel modest to some. Consider earlier reservations and the rooftop only if your crew handles stairs and bustle comfortably.

At a Glance

House-made pasta and classic sauces earn frequent praise
Strong gluten-free program with dedicated options, including GF focaccia and desserts
Service delays and temperature issues on peak nights
Kitchen appreciation and card fees irritate some diners
Rooftop seating adds atmosphere and views

What Sets It Apart

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downtown_rooftop_patio
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What People Love

Cozy rooftop ambiance
Rich bolognese and satisfying pastas
Thoughtful gluten-free choices including bread and tiramisu
Personable servers who offer useful recommendations
Classic desserts that finish the meal right

Points of Concern

Ticket times can stretch 45-90 minutes during rush; some mains arrive cool
Surcharges (kitchen appreciation, card fee) feel sneaky to some even if removable
Quality swings between sections/nights; a few dishes divide opinion (calamari, duck, marsala)
Large parties report coordination and billing issues upstairs

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$45-$62 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose a pasta (Bolognese or Burrata), share an antipasto (Arancini), finish with Tiramisu; add one cocktail each for a balanced $65-$80 per person evening

Perfect For

Date night with pasta and cocktails
Gluten-free diners seeking real options
Small groups celebrating birthdays or anniversaries
Solo bite at the bar before a show

Location Insights

Area: Bustling downtown district with artsy vibe, bars, indie shops, and tourist foot traffic; popular with locals and visitors.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked at night; typical downtown crowds and parking hassles.

Nearby: Near bars, music venues, boutique hotels, and galleries; rooftop views mentioned in reviews.

Downtown AshevilleDowntown Asheville offers a dynamic dining environment with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and cafes. The area is known for its craft breweries, farm-to-table eateries, and rooftop venues, creating a social and energetic atmosphere popular for both casual and upscale dining.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday16:00–21:30 Tuesday16:00–21:30 Wednesday Thursday16:00–21:30 Friday15:00–22:00 Saturday15:00–22:00 Sunday15:00–21:30

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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