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.

Given the popularity of Italian food, particularly pizza and pasta, it wouldn’t be a big surprise if you were searching for Italian restaurants Winston Salem. In fact, if you are looking for authentic and delicious Italian food, then look no further than Mario’s Pizza. Best of all, we have eight locations in the Piedmont Triad, including three located in Winston-Salem!

Are you ready to learn more about Italian food and all Mario’s Pizza has to offer?

Top Italian Dishes

Notably, Italians are known for making some of the best pizza and pasta dishes in the world. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that those two foods are rated two of the top Italian dishes.

What are some other popular Italian foods? Below are seven other popular Italian foods people can’t get enough of.

  1. Risotto
  2. Gnocchi
  3. Gelato
  4. Cured meat, such as Parma Ham
  5. Minestrone
  6. Tiramisù
  7. Cannoli

Now that you know what Italian food is the best, we want to share how Mario’s ranks up in its Italian food offerings!

Mario’s Pizza – More Than Just Pizza!

We consider ourselves one of the best Italian restaurants Winston Salem has to offer its residents and visitors. Why?

First, our owners come from a long line of Italians and know all the best ways to make popular Italian dishes, from pizza to pasta.

Next, we utilize only the freshest and best ingredients in every single dish we serve. We only select ingredients that add the right Italian flavors to our food.

Additionally, we have a loyalty program to reward our customers. As a loyalty club member, you will earn points and rewards. One great offering we have right now is a free slice of pizza for simply joining the loyalty program! Just download the “Mario’s Tony’s” app in your phone’s app store or give us your mobile number next time you order in-person to join.

Finally, we offer a huge assortment of Italian foods. While our name might signify pizza, we are so much more than that. Read on to learn about some of our most popular Italian dishes.

A Full Menu – from Appetizers to Desserts

Moreover, we offer an assortment of some of the most popular Italian foods. There is something for everyone on our menu. In fact, this comprehensive menu is sure to keep every family member happy at dinner or lunch!

Our menu includes:

  • Pizza
  • Subs
  • Pasta & Italian entrées
  • Salads
  • Appetizers
  • Kid’s meals
  • Desserts

Now, on to the delicious Italian offerings at Mario’s Pizza.

Italian Foods Galore

Pizza

First, we would be amiss if we didn’t mention pizza at the top of our Italian food list. Not only is it among one of the most well-known Italian foods, but it is our namesake after all!

What sets our pizza apart?

  • Authentic NY-style pizza
  • Large range of sizes – from 10 to 24 inches
  • Huge assortment of toppings
  • Pizza by the slice available
  • Alternative crust options – gluten-free and cauliflower crusts are available

Pasta & Italian Entrées

Next, we offer a variety of popular pasta choices and Italian entrées on our menu. Those include:

  • Spaghetti
  • Cheese Ravioli
  • Meat Lasagna
  • Baked Ziti
  • Chicken Parmigiana
  • Eggplant Parmigiana
  • Stromboli
  • Calzone

Appetizers

Want to start your Italian meal with an authentic Italian appetizer? Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Below are some popular Italian appetizers. They are sure to make you think you are kicking off your meal in Italy!

  • Toasted Ravioli
  • Garlic Bread
  • Garlic Cheesy Bread
  • Italian Meatballs
  • Italian Sausage

Kids’ Meals

For our littlest Italian food fans, we provide a big selection of kids’ meals. While we have some kid-friendly staples, such as chicken tenders, we also have some Italian specific options. Those include:

  • Pepperoni pizza slice
  • Cheese pizza slice
  • Spaghetti
  • 4-piece ravioli

Better yet, every single one of our kids’ meals is $5 or less and includes a kid’s sized drink!

Desserts

Have a hankering for an Italian sweet treat but want to avoid flying across the Atlantic Ocean? Luckily, we have three wonderful Italian desserts available on our menu.

  • Cannoli
  • Limoncello Mascarpone Cake
  • Tiramisu

Frequently Asked Questions about Mario’s Pizza

As one of the top Italian restaurants Winston Salem has to offer, we want to ensure we answer all your questions before you visit us. Thus, we pulled together some commonly asked questions we often hear.

Where in Winston-Salem are you located?

We have three locations in Winston-Salem. You can find us at:

  1. 2205 Cloverdale Avenue Northwest Winston-Salem, NC 27103
  2. 1066 Hanes Mall Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27103
  3. 266 Harvey St. (off Stratford) Winston-Salem, NC 27103

In addition to our three Winston-Salem locations, we have five other locations in the Piedmont Triad. Our other restaurants include two locations in Greensboro, two locations in High Point, and one location in Clemmons. Furthermore, all of our locations are convenient to the entire Triad such as, Lewisville, Kernersville, and Advance.

How much does your Italian food cost?

Like any other Italian restaurants Winston Salem offers, price is dependent upon what you order. Click here to see our full menu, which includes prices.

Do you cater parties?

Our large 24” pizza is perfect for any party, especially if you get a few of them! Add in some apps and pasta and your party is all set!

Ready to Enjoy One of the Best Italian Restaurants Winston Salem is Home To?

Then, stop your search for Italian restaurants Winston Salem and head over to Mario’s Pizza today. Our three Winston-Salem locations are conveniently located throughout the city to provide access to all!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest deals and contests.