Zinicola

4.6

1148 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 1, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 26 times today

Great for fine wines
Good for special occasions
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

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
Neighbourhood
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

Popular dishes

Antipasto PlatterUS$24.00
Cured Meats, Assorted Cheese, Marinated Olives, Roasted & Pickled Vegetables
AranciniUS$12.00
Peas, Taleggio Cheese, Calabrian Chili's
Buffalo Mozzarella Caprese US$14.00
Roasted Tomatoes, Basil Pesto, Balsamic Reduction, Roasted Peppers
Fried CalamariUS$16.00
Paprika Mayo, Spicy Tomato Sauce
House MeatballsUS$12.00
Beef, Veal, Tomato Sauce, Parmesan
MusselsUS$16.00
Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, Calabrian Chili's, Red Sauce
Grilled OctopusUS$18.00
Fingerling Potatoes, Black Tomato Sauce, Pancetta

Salads

Fig & Gorganzola US$12.00
Mixed Greens, Prosciutto, Balasmic Vinaigrette, Walnuts
CaesarUS$10.00
Baby Romaine, Parmesan, White Anchovy, Bread Crisp
Arugula & BeetsUS$10.00
Fried Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese, Gold & Red Beets, Pickled Onions, Toasted Pine Nuts, Sherry Vinaigrette
Heart of Palm & Artichoke US$12.00
spring mix, Olives, Red onion, Tomato, Ricotta salata, Red wine vinaigrette

Pizza

MargheritaUS$16.00
Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil
ProsciuttoUS$18.00
Tomato, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Arugula
Sausage & Broccoli RabeUS$20.00
Tomato, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Garlic, Parmesan
Wild Mushroom Pizza
Mushroom Pesto, Fontina, Ricotta, Balasmic Reduction, Truffle Oil
Artichoke & Olive PizzaUS$16.00

Pasta & Risotto

Gnocchi US$24.00
Roasted Butternut Squash, Goranzola, Sage, Walnuts
Porcini Mushroom RisottoUS$24.00
Mushroom Puree, Parmesan
Eggplant LasagnaUS$16.00
Eggplant, Tomato Sauce, Ricotta Cheese
Pappardelle BologneseUS$25.00
Veal, Beef, Tomato Sauce
Pasticcio al FornoUS$22.00
Bolognese, Bechamel, Penne, Parmesan
Seafood RigatoniUS$28.00
Shrimp, Calamari, Crab Meat, Scallops, Garlic, Shallots, Broccoli, Tomato Sauce
Spaghetti MarinaraUS$16.00
Tomato, Basil, Parmesan
Fettucini Duck Ragu US$26.00
Duck Confit, White WIne, Crispy Duck Skin
Black Capellini Shrimp Scampi US$28.00
White WIne, Garlic, Lemon, Chili Flakes
Gnocchi Primavera US$22.00
Zuchchini, Tomato, eggplant caponata, Pesto

Entrees

Pan Seared Scallops US$38.00
Roasted Cauliflower & Pureed Cauliflower, Peperonata, Pancetta
BranzinoUS$34.00
Braised Fennel & Tomato, Capers, Olives, Lemon Butter Sauce
Chicken ParmesanUS$22.00
Served With Spaghetti
Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops*US$48.00
Hierloom Carrots, Brussel sprouts, Pesto, Red wine Demi
Braised Short Ribs US$32.00
Celery Root Puree, Swiss Chard, Trumpet Mushrooms, Red Wine Demi

What 1,148 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Charlotte
Great for fine wines
Charlotte
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Zinicola impresses with "excellent food and service," making it a neighborhood gem in Charlotte. Diners rave about "possibly the best meatballs" and standout dishes like "sweet potato gnocchi." Though occasionally busy, the atmosphere remains delightful. Attentive staff and delectable desserts like the "Nutella crème brûlée" ensure a memorable dining experience.

1,148 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Two friends and I celebrate a birthday here at least once a year. We love it! Everything today seems expensive but the food and desserts are wonderful so we splurge a little! 😀
Is this helpful?
M
Mary Ann
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another wonderful dinner at Zinicola. Their wine dinners are fantastic! Creative menu expertly paired with wine offerings. Can’t wait for the next dinner there!
Is this helpful?
C
Chandra
Charlotte
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was really good. Everyone we encountered were nice and responsive.
Is this helpful?
B
Bryce
Charlotte
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Date night for Valentines didn’t go as planned, Waitress seemed uninterested, felt rushed out, not the experience expected from a fine dining restaurant.
Is this helpful?
C
Christopher
Charlotte
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed our meal very much. The service was great. The only complaint we had was when the bill came and they ran our card, they ran it for hire than the check. And then explained to us after the fact that they charge 4% to use a credit card. We have never had that happen at any other restaurant in Charlotte, nor were we notified in any way prior. When we inquired about it, the manager explained that it was something new and that this was the first night they were implementing it. But she was very kind and refunded us the difference. Paying a higher fee to use a credit card is just great business, and I am a small business owner. The fees we pay to process cards are part of the cost of doing business and should be be passed on to the consumer, as they are tax deductible anyway. Outside of this, our meal and experience was great.
1 person found this helpful
W
William
Charlotte
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
I made a reservation weeks ahead and was seated in the middle of the restaurant by the kitchen, a constant swirl of traffic and chair bumps. I asked for medium rare steak at $70 that was well done and a staff that was too busy to notice or ask. The wine menu should specify when it's a full bottle or half bottles. We will not be returning. More should be provided for a meal that was over $250.
Is this helpful?
E
Eric
Charlotte
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food great service great lighting. Possibly the best meatballs I’ve ever had in my life. Definitely gonna come back for the meatball hoagie that our waiter was talking about. Love the place actually
Is this helpful?
s
sal
Philadelphia
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food wasn’t that good and the portions were very small . You don’t mind if the food was delicious small portions are ok .
Is this helpful?
w
william
VIP
Minneapolis
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. Some of the best octopus we have ever had. All entrees were very good. Our first visit and we will be back!! Our server was very attentive and very charming.
Is this helpful?
J
John
VIP
Raleigh
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Very good food, great service, its just a loud busy place. Tables for two tend to be in an aisle with people walking on both sides so it is not very peaceful, but will return as it is a good place to eat.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Zinicola does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates. Zinicola also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (980) 299-2979.

Zinicola is rated 4.6 stars by 1148 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 1, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

14835 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte, NC 28277

Additional information

Cross Street
The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Neighbourhood
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.

Zinicola

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

House Meatballs

Gnocchi

Chicken Parmesan

Appetizers

Antipasto PlatterUS$24.00

AranciniUS$12.00

Buffalo Mozzarella Caprese US$14.00

Fried CalamariUS$16.00

House MeatballsUS$12.00

MusselsUS$16.00

Grilled OctopusUS$18.00

Salads

Fig & Gorganzola US$12.00

CaesarUS$10.00

Arugula & BeetsUS$10.00

Heart of Palm & Artichoke US$12.00

Pizza

MargheritaUS$16.00

ProsciuttoUS$18.00

Sausage & Broccoli RabeUS$20.00

Wild Mushroom Pizza

Artichoke & Olive PizzaUS$16.00

Pasta & Risotto

Gnocchi US$24.00

Porcini Mushroom RisottoUS$24.00

Eggplant LasagnaUS$16.00

Pappardelle BologneseUS$25.00

Pasticcio al FornoUS$22.00

Seafood RigatoniUS$28.00

Spaghetti MarinaraUS$16.00

Fettucini Duck Ragu US$26.00

Black Capellini Shrimp Scampi US$28.00

Gnocchi Primavera US$22.00

Entrees

Pan Seared Scallops US$38.00

BranzinoUS$34.00

Chicken ParmesanUS$22.00

Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops*US$48.00

Braised Short Ribs US$32.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Zinicola offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Zinicola restaurant rated?

Is Zinicola currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information