Fresh pasta, hand-tossed pizzas, a little Italian flair and some seriously good garlic bread are coming to Bridge Street Town Centre.
North Italia officially opens Wednesday, Oct. 28, bringing its scratch-made Italian dishes and inviting atmosphere to Huntsville in one of the restaurant group’s largest locations.
256 Today got a sneak peek inside over the weekend, with an early look at the menu, the atmosphere and the details that make this location distinctly Huntsville.
The new restaurant takes over the former Bravo! Italian Kitchen space, transforming it into a bright, modern dining destination with an open kitchen, colorful murals, a spacious bar and a covered outdoor patio.
At more than 9,000 square feet, it’s the second North Italia in Alabama, joining the Birmingham location at The Summit.
General Manager Luciano Salas said the concept brings together traditional flavors from across Italy with a modern approach.
The menu draws inspiration from northern, central and southern Italy, with fresh ingredients and seasonal changes keeping things interesting.
The restaurant’s open kitchen gives guests a front-row seat to the action, from chefs preparing fresh pasta to pizzas going into the oven.
Executive Chef Ratnadeep said pasta is made from scratch daily, while pizzas are hand-tossed and prepared with fresh ingredients.
“We take traditional recipes and keep them fresh, adding a modern take,” he said. “Our menu changes seasonally as well.”
A taste of what’s to come
Before the first guests arrive Wednesday, North Italia’s servers have already been getting quite an introduction to the menu.
During a preview visit this weekend, server Tamela explained that employees go through a three-day “Food and Beverage Show,” tasting more than 80 dishes to learn the ingredients, flavors and details behind each one.
The training helps servers guide guests through the menu and offer recommendations based on what they’ve actually tasted.
Tamela had one recommendation in particular: Don’t skip the White Truffle Garlic Bread.
The shareable appetizer features toasted, pull-apart bread topped with house-made ricotta, melted mozzarella, grana padano cheese and fresh herbs.
North Italia’s White Truffle Garlic Bread (256 Today)
Other menu favorites include crispy Zucca Chips, Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto Pizza, Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and the restaurant’s signature Bolognese with pappardelle.
There’s also Chicken Parmesan, Braised Short Rib Marsala, fresh salads and seasonal specialties, along with craft cocktails, Italian wines and desserts.
A lot of Huntsville personality
While North Italia has locations across the country, Salas said the company doesn’t want every restaurant to look the same.
Instead, each location incorporates artwork and design details inspired by its community.
The Huntsville restaurant features commissioned murals that blend the Rocket City’s aerospace heritage with Italian influences, including playful references to flight and space exploration.
Created by Birmingham-based Mammoth Murals, the hand-painted artwork adds a distinctly Alabama touch to the restaurant’s design.
The expansive patio offers another place to enjoy lunch, dinner or a weekend brunch.
Salas said the attention to detail was intentional, from the artwork to the overall atmosphere.
And the team is ready to welcome Huntsville.
“We are very excited. I’m just very happy to be part of this community,” Salas said.
Reservations recommended
Opening Wednesday at 401 The Bridge Street NW, North Italia will serve weekday lunch, nightly dinner and weekend brunch, with happy hour specials Monday through Friday.
Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended, especially during opening week, said Salas.
Reservations and menus are available at North Italia’s Huntsville website, or guests can call 256-812-8870.
And one last piece of advice from someone who got an early taste: Order the garlic bread.
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