Feeling hungry and searching for tasty dinner options around town? Then, we invite you to check out Tony’s Pizza. Our customers claim we have some of the best Italian food in Hickory and the Charlotte area. We don’t take that compliment lightly. Moreover, we work diligently daily to make it so.

So, if you’re craving some of the best authentic Italian food near you – or any food for that matter since we have lots of other options – drop by Tony’s Pizza today. In the meantime, check out our menu and some of the reasons we feel that we have the best dinner and lunch nearby.

What is the Most Popular Italian Food?

First, check out our list of Italian favorites and some of the most popular Italian food that Americans eat.

1. Lasagna

This tender and wavy pasta has a tasty Italian history along with a warm spot in American’s hearts. First found in the Naples area, different versions spread throughout Italy. Typically, since it took so long to make (and the expense of meat), cooks reserved it for special occasions. Luckily, once this Italian delight hit America, the dish was easier and less expensive to create.

Nowadays, our team at Tony’s uses Italian family recipes handed down through generations to make our hearty lasagna and bake it to cheesy goodness.

2. Ravioli

Surprisingly, this Italian dinner did not originally contain tomatoes. Traditionally, broth was the base because tomatoes weren’t around in the 1500s. From there, the recipes evolved into the delightful ravioli that we serve to our fellow Hickory and Charlotte residents. In fact, we took it a step further. In addition to serving an Italian ravioli baked with a zesty tomato sauce and cheese, we also serve it fried as an appetizer.

3. Parmigiana

Likewise, another small surprise about Italian food. Parmigiana didn’t originally come from Italy! Who knew? Actually, it derives from Asia and was a dish of layered veggies (often eggplant). Now, we serve the version that it evolved to today which includes tomatoes, cheeses and decadent happiness.

Choose from eggplant and chicken parmigiana as Italian entrees. Or, try one of our meatball, chicken or sausage parmigiana subs.

4. Italian Subs

Speaking of subs, our list of favorite Italian food would be lacking without adding an American lunch and dinner favorite – the Italian sub. While many diners are very particular on what they consider a true Italian sub, we’ll stay out of that debate.

Fortuitously, we DO know how to make one of the best subs around and it starts with finding a bread that won’t get soggy. From there, we consider the fillings. Typically, cured meats, cheeses and a few veggies topped with oil and vinegar are the fillings in this masterpiece. At Tony’s, we start our Italian sub sandwiches with a comforting loaf of Italian bread (8 or 12 inches). Next, we layer ham, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and banana peppers inside our loaves. Finally, we spread on mayonnaise and drizzle oil and vinegar atop this tasty sandwich.

5. Baked Ziti

Okay, at this point, you may not feel surprise to find out…baked ziti isn’t the same as it used to be! Notably, some versions contained scrambled eggs. You read that right, scrambled eggs! Now, if you’re looking for that variation, you won’t find it at Tony’s. However, we’re sure it’s likely delicious too. Fortunately, you can find the now Italian-American version with layers of fresh pasta, sauce and loads of cheese!

6. NY-Style Pizza

We know, NY-style pizza isn’t completely and authentically Italian either. Although, it definitely originates from Italy in a round about way. Italian immigrants opened the first pizzeria in Manhattan in the early 1900s and NY-style pizza as we know it came to be. Our owners actually lived in Brooklyn and brought their tasty pizza down to North Carolina in the 80s. If you haven’t tried it yet, drop by and grab a slice.

Best Italian Food in Hickory FAQs

Still wondering about some of the best Italian food in Hickory or Charlotte? Below, we have some frequent queries from our customers. (With answers, of course!)

What Italian Dinners Do You Have?

As mentioned above, we have multiple traditional Italian dishes. We also have entrees including spaghetti and meatballs. Moreover, we have mouth-watering appetizers from garlic knots, cheese sticks and toasted ravioli to more American fare such as wings and fries. Likewise, we have other subs, salads, calzones and stromboli. Plus, don’t forget to add a delectable Italian dessert such as tiramisu, cannoli or cheesecake!

Where is Tony’s Pizza in Hickory?

In Hickory we are at:

  • 1832 Catawba Valley Blvd SE

We also have restaurants in the Charlotte area:

Huntersville – 9548 Mt. Holly-Huntersville RD

Mooresville – 688 Bluefield Rd

Charlotte we’re located on:

  • 1530 Overland Park Ln
  • 1605 Galleria Blvd
  • 14027 Conlan Circle

Who Serves the Best Food in Hickory?

As we mentioned, our customers say it best when determining who serves the best Italian food in Hickory. Check out a couple of our kind 5-star reviews below. Then, drop by Tony’s to see for yourself!

I normally don’t give 5 stars because there is always room for improvement but this place has done its job. I’m happiest because when I ask for onions, peppers and mushrooms on my pizza they’re not precooked. Most places out here give you grilled veggies on your pizza. So thank you for standing out. Also, it’s really nice to have someone come out and ask “How’s everything?” Even in NY you don’t get this courtesy. It takes me 25 Minutes to get here. There is a pizza joint 8 minutes from my home , thank you but I’d rather take the 25 minutes drive. See you next week. 😊 – Evelyn B.

Being from New England, finding comparable pizza in NC can be difficult. Tony’s pizza was very good. Their calzone was also excellent. Can’t wait to try more of their menu items. This will be my go to place for food that tastes like home. – Michelle P.

Where Can I Find Dinner Deals?

On our website, we offer daily specials. Check the menu page above and select the locations nearest you to view them. Likewise, we announce special deals on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Follow Tony’s Pizza so you never miss a great deal or fun contest!

Still hungry for lunch or dinner? We’re practically down the street so come see us today for a great meal!

Looking for an Italian restaurant menu to sate your appetite? Luckily, Tony’s pizza has a delicious authentic Italian restaurant menu. You can view it from this webpage. Simply, click on the top right corner. Then, select menu and the location nearest you. Or, click on Start Takeout Order (the green button above) and click on your location. There, you can see prices as well.

What’s Typically on an Italian Restaurant Menu

Truthfully, when folks think of authentic Italian in the United States, the results tend to be a tad skewed. After all, Italian as we know it evolved a bit over the years.

Generally, the most favorite Italian entrees that have changed a bit since Italian immigrants reached our shores include:

  • Spaghetti and Meatballs – Immigrants in America adapted traditional meatball recipes by increasing meat proportions and reducing bread ratios due to the abundant meat availability. Canned tomatoes and spaghetti, being affordable and widespread, led to the creation of this popular dish.
  • Garlic Bread – Originally inspired by Italian bruschetta, garlic bread emerged when olive oil was scarce. Thus, butter became a suitable substitute.
  • Veal or Chicken Parmigiana – American immigrants substituted eggplant with more affordable veal and chicken for the traditional Italian eggplant parmigiana.
  • Lasagna – The Americanized version of Italian lasagna evolved to streamline the lengthy Italian preparation. This masterpiece results in layers of tomato meat sauce, noodles, and cheese.
  • Pizza – America’s beloved comfort food with gooey melted cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and a crispy yet chewy crust, pizza is versatile and satisfying.
  • Stromboli and Calzone – These folded and rolled delights are a close relative of pizza. Although, the toppings are inside rather than out. Plus, calzone comes with a side of sauce for dunking. Conversely, we cook the sauce right inside stromboli. Either way, it’s pure yumminess!

Fortunately, our Italian restaurant menu includes all of these based on family recipes passed down straight from Calabria, Italy.

Our NY-Style Pizza

Speaking of pizza, we’d be amiss at talking about Tony’s menu without focusing on our namesake a bit. We serve NY-style pizza which originated in the Brooklyn area. In fact, our owners, Tony, Mario and Vinny grew up there and perfected their recipes until moving to the Carolinas in the early 80s.

Order our authentic NY-style pizza by the slice or a whole pie. Sizes range from 10”- 24”. Likewise, we have 40 plus toppings to personalize pizza for nearly any tastebud. If you’re not in the mood to decide on a topping, try one of our specialty pizzas. We’ve already blended the flavors for you!

  • 5 Boroughs – loaded with meat including beef, pepperoni, bacon, ham and sausage
  • Greenhouse – great way to get your veggies including tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives and spinach
  • The Worx – a little bit of the above
  • Pizza Bianco – our tasty take on white pizza with mozzarella, fresh garlic and ricotta
  • Spicy Buffalo Chicken – Red onions and a little heat with your chicken

Moreover, we realize that some of our diners have dietary restrictions. Therefore, we offer cauliflower and gluten-free crusts as well as vegan cheese. Keep in mind, flour flies around our kitchen so our gluten-free pizza is not certified as such.

More Italian Menu Items

Likewise, while Italian entrees and pizza are the most common Italian restaurant menu items, many local Italian restaurants also serve other fabulous food such as appetizers, subs, salads and Italian desserts. Below, are some of our other favorite menu items.

First, lead your Italian meal with one of our irresistible appetizers such as:
  • Italian sausage
  • Garlic knots
  • Boneless wings
  • Garlic bread (with or without cheese)
  • Bone-in wings
  • Toasted ravioli
  • Onion rings
  • Mozzarella sticks
  • Jalapeno poppers
  • Italian meatballs
  • French fries
  • Fried mushrooms
  • Homemade hot chips
Or, go for an Italian sub or another sandwich:
  • Steak Sub
  • Grilled Chicken
  • Chick O Philly
  • Sausage, Chicken, Meatball or Eggplant Parmigiana
  • Sausage, Peppers and Onions
  • Italian Sub (of course!)
  • Turkey Sub
  • Veggie Sub

Choose your sub Tony’s Way with: cheese, banana peppers, onions, mayo, lettuce, tomato, oil and vinegar. Or, pick Philly style with: cheese, bell peppers, mushrooms and onions.

If you want to keep it light or wish for an accompaniment to your meal, order a salad or add a side salad. In fact, all of our Italian entrees come with a side salad. Moreover, we also serve decadent desserts. Choose from: cheesecake, cannoli, tiramisu or limoncello mascarpone cake. If you don’t think you’ll have room for it, order it anyway and save it for later!

Tony’s Italian Restaurant Menu FAQs

As we mentioned, ordering from Tony’s Italian Restaurant menu is simple. Just select the appropriate buttons above. If you have more questions, feel free to give us a call or check out our FAQs below.

What Do Customers Say About Tony’s Pizza?

Ultimately, we can talk all we want about our food. However, our customers often say it best. Below, are some of our favorite customer reviews:

I discovered this restaurant from work because, we can not leave from work for lunch… EVERYTHING from this place is delicious. My favorite is the homemade lasagna which I have ordered several times… – Greta M.

I’ve tried many pizza places in Charlotte, from the chains, to the new fad pizzas and it comes down to this: You can’t get a better pie than a straight up cheese pizza at Tony’s. The crust is delightfully thin, with crunchy edges, and the sauce is heaven (but a tad on the light side, you might ask for more). – Micheal L.

Best pizza! Tastes just like home ( since I’m originally from Brooklyn NY). – Valeria S.

You definitely get your money’s worth! The pizza is delicious & a great experience for kids cause what kid don’t like pizza so a giant pizza always amazes them, Tony’s is a great family restaurant or even good for a date, you can’t loose, I love the place & the food even more! – Whitney S.

Where is Tony’s Pizza?

Our restaurants are located throughout the Charlotte and Hickory area:

  • 688 Bluefield Road, Mooresville
  • 9548 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville
  • 1530 Overland Park Lane, Charlotte
  • 1605 Galleria Boulevard, Charlotte
  • 14027 Conlan Circle, Charlotte
  • 1832 Catawba Valley Boulevard SE, Hickory

Similarly, if you’re in the triad area, our sister restaurant, Mario’s Pizza, is there. You can find them in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Clemmons and High Point at:

  • 4215 Wendover Avenue, Greensboro
  • 3354 W. Friendly Ave. Suite 142 Greensboro
  • 5824 Samet Drive, High Point
  • 2645 North Main Street, High Point
  • 1066 Hanes Mall Boulevard, Winston-Salem
  • 2205 Cloverdale Avenue, Winston-Salem
  • 266 Harvey Street, Winston-Salem
  • 1575 New Garden Road, Greensboro
  • 1469 River Ridge Dr., Clemmons

Do You Have Deals or Coupons?

Absolutely! As a family-owned restaurant, we get the need to save a little money. In fact, if you have kids, all of our kids’ meals are currently priced at $5 and under and include a drink. Likewise, if you follow us on social media, we’ll let you know when we’re doing a free kid’s meal deal. Plus, we post about deals for adults as well.

Better yet, we have daily lunch specials and a special deal for every day of the week. Click on Specials on our menu to see current offerings.

Now that you know a little more about our Italian restaurant menu, drop by, order online or give us a call and we’ll get your lunch or dinner ready for you! If you’d rather eat at home, we offer takeout or delivery via Doordash as well.