1975 ad
1990 ad
1990 ad
Another great street-side sign
Exterior has changed little over the years
Front door
One of three dining rooms
Stuffed birds on the wall add to the decor
As well as these guys...
Ivy gives the room some green
The ceiling looks like meringue
Meringue close-up
Second main dining room
Wall wood paneling always adds the right ambience
Lots of different items on the mantle
The famous "egg-shell carton" ceiling
Another ceiling view
Center dining room with the bar in the back
Another of Charlotte's legendary restaurants is closing. It was announced this week that Little Italy on Central Avenue will close on March 22. Owner John Caltis opened for business in January 1959. Originally the restaurant was called KC Drive-In Restaurant. It was a drive-in and specialized in breakfast and lunch. In 1967, the restaurant expanded, a bar was added, and the place was renamed Little Italy (and the Italian menu was introduced). While business boomed through the '90's, the last decade has been tough for the restaurant (and surrounding area). Caltis has sold the land to new developers who plan on tearing down the existing structure and opening a new restaurant. Little Italy has always been a stand-out for great home-cooked Italian fare. Thanks to Little Italy for all of the memories! You will be missed!
I've been going to this restaurant since I was a newborn (seriously!).
ReplyDeleteThe sauces, the dressings, everything was the best. I am truly sad to see it go.
But there is always the hope that John C. and family will open a new version somewhere in Charlotte. PLEASE!!!
This was one of my favorite Charlotte restaurants. Wonderful food, personal experience.
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ReplyDeleteReflecting on cherished memories at one of Charlotte's finest Italian restaurants. The owner, a genuinely kind soul, always made time to engage with us during our visits. Her establishment stood out as one of the best culinary experiences in the city. I was sad when a few years back, she shared with us her decision to sell the restaurant and retire. It was a bittersweet moment as she expressed her desire to devote her remaining years to cherishing her grandchildren. She truly epitomizes warmth and grace—a remarkable woman I am grateful to have crossed paths with.