Alino Pizzeria

Freshness and crust to die for. Will be back! They left off one topping and gave me the pizza and made another. Awesome service!

So delicious! The pizzas have been great. The cannoli are to die for. Gelato is great. Salads are very good as well. Love the atmosphere!

Okay, I slept on my review because I felt guilty for giving such a nice restaurant three stars after only one visit. Here are my thoughts after further reflection.
The owners of this fine establishment have put a lot of time, effort, and $$$ into creating a unique dining experience in the Mooresville area.
They use top quality imported Italian ingredients and imported Italian pizza ovens that cook pizzas extremely quickly.
And therein lies the problem with the pizza that I ordered yesterday…“quickly” does not equate to «thoroughly.»
Alino Pizzeria is somewhat a victim of their own popularity. They have so many customers that sometimes the pizza does not get cooked evenly from crust to the center of the pie. That’s what happened to me yesterday. The crust on my pizza had a wonderfully pronounced char, whilst the center had a very undercooked «floppy» texture.
That’s not the end of the world, but a $ 16, top shelf ingredient Italian pizza, should be on point.
How did I arrive at this conclusion? Well, I ended up taking half of my Sorrento pizza home last night, and I put «MY» spin on it this morning. I ate one slice cold… yum, and I heated one slice in my Pizzazz pizza oven, which cooks the pizza from the top and bottom simultaneously.
After only five minutes or so, I ended up with what I’m sure Alino Pizzeria originally intended for their pizza, namely a beautifully crispy slice from flakey crust to bubbly center.
Only then could I appreciate the tastiness and freshness of the mozzarella cheese, the high quality pepperoni, and the crispiness of the imported Italian pizza flour crust. In a word: this pizza is absolutely delicious when cooked properly thereby letting the ingredients «strut their stuff.» When properly cooked… Alino’s pizza approaches some of the best pizza that I’ve ever eaten.
So, even though I had a less than perfect experience on my first go round, I think that given the high quality ingredients and the effort that goes into every facet of this restaurant… they deserve four stars. Anyone can miss the bulls-​eye on occasion.
Other Positive Attributes
I loved the design of the restaurant, the high ceilings, and the well lit interior. I loved the glossy cement floors. I especially loved the cleanliness. I loved the friendliness and helpfulness of the employees, which is a rare commodity nowadays. I loved the soccer matches on multiple big screen tvs. I liked that they had complimentary hot marinara sauce for dipping one’s pizza into, which could have been a little spicier and thicker for my personal preference. I love the readily available take out boxes stacked everywhere. I loved the restored Italian mopeds used as decoration, because they are mobile, two wheeled, Italian works of art unto themselves. I didn’t even mind the communal bench tables, and I tolerated the rambunctious (cute) children who were at my table. The young man was wearing a Cub Scout uniform and his pretty little blond sister had tomato sauce all over her face. They were excited to be going to the «museum,» whatever that was.
My only reservation is that I still consider the food (s) here to be a little expensive, thus a one star deduction. It’s hard for me to justify spending $ 20 for lunch very often, although one of Alino’s $ 16 pizzas is large enough to easily feed two individuals, and three if there are salads and dessert included in one’s meal.
I would love to go back sometime and sample their salads (which looked delicious in passing.) I L-​O-​V-​E cannolis, («leave the gun, take the cannoli» rip, Paulie Gatto. {lol}), and who doesn’t love real Italian gelato?
Overall, this is a beautiful restaurant and I wish them the best of luck.

Pizza was wonderful! Good Gelato. Fun atmosphere. Not a huge fan of dining at a table with others but if you’re into that this is the place for you. Outdoor atmosphere is a fun experience. Worth visiting and frequenting.

Incredible Pizza!
Most people may not understand why Alino does pizza the way they do.
Here’s why:
It is spot-​on, authentic Northern Italian preparation, style, flavor and consistency. I lived 50 miles north of Venice for 4 years, and this is the most authentic pizza I have had in the U.S. Some places come close to this, but none nail it the way Alino does. Absolutely amazing and we will continue to eat here regulary.

I have heard a lot of good things about Alinos. we have visited a few times and it is a great place. It’s a big family style seating layout and the pizza is really good.

Best pizza in town. Hands down ingredients are fresh & flew in weekly from Italia mhhh!!!

OK so take a german Beer Hall and really good pizza squash them together and do you get ALINO’S that is what. Excellent thin crust pizza from wood fired ovens. They have three of them so they can pump out pizza like they are nothing. Beer and wine. Beer is Bud Products and the wine is Italian in nature. Dont go looking for huge fish bowl size glasses of wine either. The wine is serve in very small almost orange juice sized glasses. My mother in law says that is how its served in Italy. The ingredients are fresh and light and classic Italian. THere is no buffalo chicken pizza here. They have a small offering of salads that never seem to disappoint and really compliment the meal overall. The desserts are excellent as well. they work with a local bakery to bring them in. So come down with a bunch of friends take over a picnic table grab some bottles of wine and a bunch of beers order some pizza and hang out and enjoy each others company and really good food.

Very cool pizza place! This place is always busy but not a long wait. Once your order is placed the food comes out pretty quick. The salads are amazing and the pizza is very good as well! Everything seems like good quality ingredients.
The gelato is great too! Nice outdoor seating.

Awesome pizzas The manager took care of us when the first pizza temperature was not to our liking, they took care of it right away. It was so good, my husband and I got a second pizza, which came to us perfectly hot. The fresh parmigiana and San Marzano sauce are wonderful, worth the drive from Charlotte.

«You can’t make everyone happy. You are not pizza.»
Ventured here while visiting my grandmother for Thanksgiving in Statesville. (Ah this is absolutely why I love Unilocal… Ordinarily I would never have found Alino’s but Unilocal brought it together.)
The building where they are located is a real gem. Rehabbed factory turned pizza palace. Who would have thought? Large factory windows, picnic tables and large brick ovens create a unique atmosphere.
Now to the good part, the pizza! All the ingredients are fresh and all the pies are made to order. The ovens are made of volcanic sand from Mt. Vesuvius. They are able to withstand the highest of temperatures to cook the pizza in just 90 seconds! The dough is Antimo Caputo’s Pizza dough that is imported from Naples, Italy. We had the Margherita which is only $ 14.00 (San Marzano Sauce, Tomatoes, Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil, and Fresh Garlic) All pizzas are slightly charred & well done. Thin and delish!
In addition to pizza, we shared the Blue Mix Salad (apricot vinaigrette, glazed pecans, Gorgonzola cheese, & blueberries.) And finished with Caramel swirl gelato.
They are doing so well that they are opening other locations in Jerffeson, GA and Fort Lawn, SC…
If you are in the area this is a must visit!

I. Love. This. Place.
I was very fortunate to be able to eat there in it’s first week of business. I was super excited to try it and I have loved it ever since. They have came a long way since they first opened and added a bunch of things.
When you pull into the parking lot and you see it’s filled almost to the street, you know it has to be good. And that, it is. The line was out the door (as it usually is when we go). It moves pretty fast though. Even when its busy, they are pretty fast at getting the pizza out. if you have someone with you, I suggest looking for a seat while one person orders. You order at a counter and you can choose a salad or dessert. They have cold bottled drinks and also cups for ice if you like that.
The building is nostalgic for me. It’s in an old Mill and most people who are native to Mooresville either worked there or had someone in their family that did. I grew up here so I have several family members that worked there. I think the building is perfect for a restaurant.
The pizza.
OH. MY. GOODNESS. Pizza Hut who??? It puts all other pizza to shame! The crust has a char to it that’s perfect. We always get the Sorrento which is peperoni. It’s phenomenal. There is a counter where they make the pizzas that has spices, oil and things like that. The ice machine is on the same wall as the drinks but the cups are in the middle of the restaurant on a table.
One thing that is amazing about this place is that it’s always consistent. The yumminess is the same no matter when you come. I have had one of the salads and it was fantastic. It was just a general garden salad.
It’s been a couple months since we’ve been in and there was one other new thing when we were the tonight. Ceiling fans. That was the only thing I didn’t care for. By the time I got to my last piece of pizza, the fan had cooled it off. It’s ok though, because it was still AMAZING.
If this isn’t my favorite restaurant in Mooresville, it’s at least in the top two. It’s a definite must do in Mooresville!

Nah, sorry. This place just doesn’t cut it for me, even though people at work love this like crazy.
Pizzas are home-​style and everything, which is great, but they never cook the pizza crust uniformly. Parts of it are burnt while some are chewy and undercooked. Also the pizzas are super greasy, but to be fair, the pepperoni they use is top notch.
That being said, their pepperoni is extremely salty too.
Personally I think the pizzas are way over priced for what they are. The salads are ridiculously priced too. Plus if you want water, you have to buy bottles. No water from coolers here. Not to mention the owner always tries to get you to buy more stuff. «I recommend the salad as well» — he said to my husband who then paid $ 9 for a caprese salad, which was a few slices of cheese, tomato pieces and tons of basil leaves. Ugh. I don’t think I’d ever be able to look at a caprese salad ever again. And I now avoid all office lunches at Alino’s like the plague.

Good food. Fair prices. Everything is home made here.
I would go more often if it were closer to home.

This is the Holy Grail of Pizza, seriously! I can’t imagine pizza getting any better than this! When you are anywhere near Mooresville, you must stop here!
Alino’s is located in downtown Mooresville in an old warehouse, it is a perfect setting for this pizzeria. From the old bicycles out front to the family style seating it sets the perfect ambiance for a great meal.
I will admit I was a little overwhelmed walking in, so I was glad we were there with my family who had been there before. You grab a menu and order you pizza right there at the door from their very friendly staff. The menu is pretty simple or you can make your own, and then these pizzas fired super quick in the ovens that were transported here from Italy! Say whaaaaat!
We ordered Margherita (San Marzano Sauce, Tomatoes, Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil, and Fresh Garlic) & Sorrento (Pepperoni, San Marzano Sauce, Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil, and Fresh Garlic) pizzas and a Blue Mix Salad (apricot vinaigrette, glazed pecans, Gorgonzola cheese, & blueberries). We grabbed some beers and teas and sat down and got ready to chow down on these pizzas!
First, all the ingredients all fresh, from Italy, and you can taste it! This is how pizza is supposed to be done people! The pizzas have large dollops of fresh cheese (its not shredded cheese like we have here on chain store pizzas), fresh basil, delicious pepperoni and this wonderful sauce. They come out pippin’ hot and they are soooooooo good! I am officially ruined on eating pizza anywhere else!
After lunch, we had to try some dessert — how could you not? Just look at the gelatos and dessert case! Mama Mia! So we opted for a homemade cannoli, tiramisu and caramel cream gelato. You can’t go wrong with any of these, but the cannoli — best I ever had, by far!
Usually, I have more picture, but we were too busy eating! Next time, though :-)
We will definitely return again, again and again… Now if we can just get them to open one in Cincinnati, that would be great!

Really good pizza. And salad.
This place is doing it right when it comes to making some really great pizza.
Atmosphere
Clean and Casual and lively. But great for almost any occasion. More on the casual side.
Plenty of seating for large groups. Great outside seating too with canopy tops over the tables.
Pizza is Cooked super fast. Like under 2 minutes. But it is cooked to perfection. Ingredients tasted really fresh.
Best pizza I have had in Mooresville for sure.

This is the best pizza you will have outside of Italy. I studied in Italy and I am Italian, so I know good pizza. :)
Alino’s is such a great experience all around. From the original ovens they flew over from Naples, Italy, to the fun environment in the brick warehouse, to the rotating gelato machine, the huge selection of beer, and then the delicious, fresh pizza, you can’t go wrong!
We ordered the white pizza, which was delicious with globs of fresh cheeses, and my husband built his own «supreme» pizza, which was also outstanding. The salads are incredible… Blueberries, Gorgonzola cheese, pumpkin seeds… Mmm…
This place is great for large families and parties because of the long family-​style tables. Also, it’s wonderful for kids with the fenced in area outside for them to run around and play.
Enjoy this little taste of la Dolce Vita! You will return again and again!

Wow. Having been to Italy several years ago, I’ve only found 2 truly authentic Neapolitan pizzerias in America… both being in Los Angeles. I NEVER thought after moving to the Lake Norman area that anything so authentic would be nestled away in Mooresville. I was blown away by the food, service, and family style eating. We’ve already been twice and can’t wait to go back.
Don’t expect traditional American pizza… these quality ingredients and process of making pizzas is truly Italian! Ciao!

This place is so good you want to try new menu items that you don’t even understand.
Trying the Leonardo for the first time.
So good, unbelievably fast.
Don’t call ahead; it’s too fast.

Holy cow!!! Seriously, best pizza I think I have ever had. Anywhere (Italy included)! Thankfully it is a far cry from anything around. The closest is Brixx, and this place makes Brixx seem like pizza you’d find in a gas station. I’ve included 16 pictures, but I’m not sure they’ll all populate under the review. Just look through the pictures under the business…
The pizzas come out FAST! I believe they flew in these amazing ovens from Italy (seriously), and they only use the best (and most authentic ingredients. The pizzas take about 90 seconds to cook… So no waiting. Hooray! Instant gratification.
It’s owned by a local family and is such a treat to find here in Mooresville. It’s on hwy 115, attached to the big Merino’s furniture store warehouse.
The décor is a great mix of modern and rustic with a touch of Italy. It has communal seating with very cool picnic tables. You walk in and order at the right. The menu is simple and all the food is so fantastic. They have a station set up where you can get fresh herbs, spices, delicious oils, cheeses, etc. They have coolers full of soda, bottled water, soda, and wines. The salads and deserts looked great too!
My husband and I went and ordered the «Sorrento»; which is their version of pepperoni pizza. I’ve included a photo of the menu… I’ve also heard their sausage is incredible. We sat down and our pizza came so quickly. They bring it on a huge cookie sheet… And the pizza itself is huge. See my photo and notice the plate and iPhone 6 for size reference. Uh oh, we were going to need a box! (Oh, how wrong I was! It was so good, we polished off the entire pizza!!!)
Now, this pizza did differ from pizza in Italy in 3 big ways — but this is good. First, in Italy most pizzas are small (compared to what us fat Americans are used to.) This pizza was huge — if we weren’t pigs, a family with 2 – 3 kids could probably share this one pizza; which also makes it cost effective.
Secondly, in Italy, pizzas don’t have cheese on them like we’re used to. Usually the pizza has some marinara sauce, some meats or whatever toppings you get, and these discs/​circles of mozzarella cheese. Which means they don’t have the cheesy surface (and cheese in every bite, no shredded mozzarella on true Italian pizzas.) Here, at least with the one we got, there was shredded mozzarella cheese throughout, plus some of those discs of fresh (buffalo motz) mozzarella.
Third, they have pepperoni! Most people don’t realize this, but pepperoni is an American thing. Go to a small town in Italy and they will not have pepperoni. I steady they usually use salami or something similar. I’m happy to say the pepperoni here was plentiful and delicious!
Not at all a complaint, but I would have liked a little more basil — it was great. I fully intend to go back… If I could, I’d go daily. So super excited about this new gem in Mooresville.
See my pictures as well — they include the restaurant, the food, the location and the other options offered on the menu. If this review was useful, let me know by clicking the «useful» button below. Enjoy!!!