italian food greensboro nc

Searching For the Best Italian Food Greensboro NC Offers

The Piedmont Triad area is a mecca for ethnic restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese, Greek, Mexican, Indian, or Italian, you’ll find an eatery serving up your favorites. Italian food is popular for its simplicity, affordability, and taste. When searching for authentic Italian food Greensboro NC offers, stop by Mario’s Pizza.

A Brief History Of Italian Cuisine In America

In the late 1800s to early 1900s, many Italians left their country to resettle in America. Some 4 million immigrants arrived, taking up residence in New York City and other urban areas. While they brought family recipes with them, many of the ingredients weren’t available in their new home. Thus, they created new dishes using ingredients on hand.

At first, only the Italians enjoyed these new recipes. However, that changed after WWII. While fighting in Europe, returning soldiers had grown fond of pasta and other Italian food. To meet the new demand, immigrants began opening restaurants serving Americanized dishes using Italian family recipes.

Top Italian/American Foods

Some of the best Italian food Greensboro NC offers are also the same Italian foods we love here in America. Although, they have transformed a bit from the original. Most of the time, this was due to the availability of ingredients. Below, you’ll find our top 5 Italian/American foods.

1. Pizza

Legend credits an Italian immigrant living in Manhattan in 1905 with opening the first pizzeria in America. Back then, pizza provided an affordable and portable meal for the urban population. Today, it’s an all-time favorite with Americans consuming an average of 40 pizzas per year. Although you’ll find many versions across America, the NY style pizza is the most popular.

2. Lasagna

Lasagna first appeared in Naples during the Middle Ages. As it spread throughout Italy, each region developed a different version. In those days, this dish took many hours, sometimes days to prepare. In Italy, families saved this dish for special occasions because of the time commitment and the expense of meat.

Upon arriving in America, immigrants discovered meat was plentiful and cheap. Moreover, as lasagna became more popular, American cooks simplified the dish. For example, instead of using fresh pasta, cooks used dried versions.

3. Baked Ziti

Another popular dish, pasta al forno, has roots tracing back to the Renaissance. Nobles enjoyed this ancestor to America’s baked ziti at special ceremonies and celebrations. The Italian version could contain meatballs, scrambled eggs, bechamel sauce, or vegetables depending on the area. Most Americanized versions usually use just pasta, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

4. Ravioli

Italians have been cooking up this stuffed pasta since the 16th century. At that time, families simmered ravioli in a broth. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that Italians began cultivating and using tomatoes in recipes.

Then, in the 1950s, the ravioli underwent a transformation. Although historians disagree on the inventor, one chef began serving toasted ravioli. Smothered in tomato sauce or toasted, don’t forget to enjoy a plateful on National Ravioli Day, March 20th.

5. Parmigiana

The earliest form of parmigiana used vegetables layered in a casserole. Although there is a reference to zucchini, the main ingredient was usually eggplant. Native to India and China, traveling Arabs introduced eggplant to the Italians in the 15th century.

When Italians arrived in America, eggplant wasn’t widely available. Many Americans were suspicious of this vegetable because it is a member of the nightshade family. Plants belonging to this family contain compounds that can be poisonous in high concentrations. However, proteins like chicken were widely available and inexpensive. Thus, cooks began cooking up versions of chicken parmigiana.

FAQs About Finding the Best Italian Food Greensboro NC Offers

When searching for Piedmont Triad restaurants, how do you find the best Italian food Greensboro NC has to offer? Of course, we are a bit biased about our food at Mario’s Pizza. If you haven’t tried our food, you’re missing out on some delicious cuisine! Below, we answer a few of our most frequently asked questions.

Which Italian Dishes Do You Serve?

While we are known for our NY style pizza, we also serve strombolis and calzones. Our entrees include pasta dishes like baked ziti and ravioli, lasagna, and spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce. We also serve both chicken and eggplant parmigiana.

You’ll also find both hot and cold submarine sandwiches. For a lighter meal, you can choose from one of several salads. Plus, we have over a dozen appetizers including toasted ravioli. Finally, you can finish off your meal by indulging in one of our delicious Italian desserts.

Where Can I Find Mario’s Pizza?

You’ll find our restaurants at the following locations:

  • 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
  • 1469 River Ridge Dr. Clemmons
  • 4215 Wendover Avenue, Greensboro
  • 1575 New Garden Road, Greensboro
  • 3354 W. Friendly Ave Suite 412 Greensboro (Friendly Center)

Thus, we’re not far if you live in one of Greensboro’s surrounding communities:

  • Lindley Park
  • Colfax
  • Oak Ridge
  • Pleasant Garden
  • Summerfield
  • Browns Summit
  • McLeansville

Does Mario’s Pizza Serve The Best Italian Food Greensboro NC Offers?

Many of our customers seem to think so and we believe you will too. Our customers love our NY style pizza and extra-large slices. Furthermore, our patrons praise our other menu items for their fresh taste and deliciousness.

Plus, Mario’s Pizza has a generous loyalty program. It’s free to join and you earn points every time you eat at any of our locations. Moreover, we’ll give you a slice of our tasty pizza just for joining. You can become a member by downloading our app or asking a team member the next time you visit.