Creative Italian Restaurant Names

Italian cuisine is one of the most popular food types in the United States. In fact, according to National Geographic, out of 800,000 total restaurants in the U.S., a full 100,000 specialize in Italian food. In many ways, this cuisine has become as American as apple pie.

While this level of popularity is great, it can present some challenges for proprietors of Italian restaurants. If you own one of 8 or 10 Italian restaurants in your town, how can you make yours stand out from the crowd? Beyond offering great food and outstanding service, one way to achieve that goal is by picking a truly creative name.

At Budget Branders, we understand both the good and the bad of running your own business.

Our goal is to help our clients increase sales through marketing with custom-branded cups, bowls, bags, and more. Once you have your great restaurant name, we’ll help you make it known in your community with our high quality disposable products.

Ready to get started? Check out our guide to the best Italian restaurant names!

Generate A Name For Your Italian Restauant

Having trouble coming up with a name for your Italian restaurant? Use the form below to generate a name in a matter of seconds!

Enter Your City Enter Your State Enter Your First Name Enter The Type Of Food You Plan To Serve (Pasta, Pizza, Sandwiches, etc.) Enter A Signature Dish From The Menu

Your New Italian Restaurant Name Is:

Why Is Having a Great Restaurant Name Important?

When you decided to open your own restaurant, its name may have been an afterthought. With so much else on your plate – like picking a menu, finding the right space for your establishment, and figuring out how to pay for it all – you may have been tempted to just pick something easy. For example, if you come from an Italian-American family, you may have decided to just name your restaurant after your family name or even your grandma.

There is nothing wrong with this – and there is actually a lot of benefit to naming your restaurant after yourself or your family! Famed Italian chef Lidia Bastianich named a number of her restaurants after herself, which was a great way to take advantage of her fame as a television star. Using a family name also allows you to tell a story, which can be compelling for guests.

But there are certain benefits to choosing a unique name. Not only will it help you stand out from a crowd, but it is often more memorable for guests. Having a fun or cool restaurant name can also play a role in marketing, allowing you to play around with colors, logos, and even your slogan.

So how exactly do you choose a unique restaurant name for your Italian joint? Below, we have come up with a list of more than 200 creative names for Italian restaurants. They should help you start to think outside of the box so that you can choose a name that truly reflects your mission and values as a business.

Finding Inspiration for Your Italian Restaurant Name

Having an interesting, unique name is incredibly important when it comes to running a successful business. But how exactly do you go about picking a name?

If you’re Italian, then the answer may be as simple as picking a family name. For example, you might name the restaurant after your beloved grandma who came to the United States from Italy. You could also name your restaurant after a treasured family dish – ideally one that you plan to serve at your restaurant!

If you aren’t finding inspiration within your own family traditions, you should take some time to think about your restaurant and what you want the name to convey. Make a list based on:

Your restaurant’s mission and values (homestyle Italian? Family friendly service? Upscale dining?)
The type of food that you will serve (Italian American? Spicy classics? Seafood? Modern Italian?)
Your location

You can also come up with ideas by having a little fun. Try watching Italian movies like Cinema Paradiso that could spark some name ideas based on Italian cuisine. If it’s in your budget, take a trip to Italy and explore the local food scene. This could also double as research for your menu – in addition to being an amazing experience.

If you aren’t able to go to Italy, consider attending a culinary event focused on Italian food here in the United States. You could take a cooking class, explore Little Italy in New York City, or go to a food festival. In doing so, you might come across unique ingredients, a regional dish, or a special cooking technique that will inspire you.

If you’re still stuck for ideas, take a look at our list of more than 400 creative Italian restaurant names. This list can help get you past your “writer’s block” – and find the perfect name for your restaurant.

400+ Creative Italian Restaurant Names

Pun-Based Names for Italian Restaurants

One of the easiest ways to make an impact is with a well-timed pun. A clever play on words will make customers remember your restaurant’s name – and can be a great way to advertise your business!

Tirami-Su
Pizza My Heart
Cheesy Does It
The Dairy Godmother
The Great Impasta
Basic Kneads Pizza
Wisepies
Bread Zeppelin
Pastabilities
Planet of the Grapes
Meat & Greet
Rasta Pasta
The Cal Zone
TinyTalian
The Sunday Sauce
Ragu for You
Al Dente
Fatti a Mano
The Pope’s Pantry
In Vino Veritas
Pizza You
Pasta e Basta
Penne for Your Thoughts
Pizza The Action
Spaghetti and Meatbowls
Pizza D’Action
Pizza My Heart
Pizza Cake
Piece Out
Peace A Pizza
The Crust of the Matter
Eataly
Pie in the Sky
The Cal Zone
Flour Power

Pop Culture Based Names for Italian Restaurants

Italian culture is huge in our cultural landscape, from Rocky to the Godfather to the Soprano’s. If you’re a fan of a particular movie, TV show, or book, why not translate it to your restaurant? It’s a great way to build a theme – and to attract potential customers!

The Italian Stallion
Afternoon Delight
That’s A Spicy Meatball
That’s Amore Pasta
Tony’s Restaurant
Mystic Pizza
Gino’s Cafe
Sal’s Famous Pizzeria
Salerno’s Restaurant
Adrian’s
Soprano’s Italian Eatery
Louie’s Restaurant
Alcapone’s
The Godfather Restaurant
Casa Nostra
Mamma Mia Trattoria
Earth, Wind, & Flour
Power Puff Pasta
Carmine’s Pasta and More
Vito’s Pizzeria
The Codfather
Anthony and Cleopatra’s
Caesar’s Ghost
Goodfella’s Pizza
L’Ultima Cena
Fellini’s
Salerno’s Restaurant
Adrian’s Trattoria
Saucy with a Chance of Meatballs
Thatsa Spicy Meatballs
Maximus Spaghetius
The Spaghetti Incident
The Italian Scallion
We The Pizza
Fat Clemenza’s
Mr. Spaghetti Pants
Fat Tony’s
The Spaghetti Monster
Mario & Luigi’s
Scorcese’s
Antony & Cleopatra’s
In Vino Veritas
Earth, Wind, and Flour

Funny Names for Italian Restaurants

Making people laugh is always a good thing (as long as they aren’t laughing at your food!). If you can give people a chuckle when they see your restaurant’s name, that can be a great way to increase name recognition. It is also a good way to get customers to check in or tag your restaurant on social media, which is a tremendous source of free advertising for most businesses.

The P’sghetti Bar
House of Carbs
American Pie
Dishy Pizza
Garlic, Garlic, & More Garlic
Saucy Girls
Lucifer’s Pizza
Eat Some Ziti!
Incognito Bistro
The Crispy Crust
Crazy about Calories
Live to Eat
Skinny Cooks Can’t Be Trusted
Ti Amo, Pizza!
Meet the Sauces
The Baked Italian
The Tipsy Italian
Legalize Marinara
Caesar’s Salads
Pasta Mama
Indepasta Day
That’s Amore
Dough Theory
Pizza Press
Pie Theory
Dat Dough Tho
Pete’s Zas
The Circle of Life
Cork’d
P’spghetti
The Saucy Minx
America Pie
Eyetalian Cafe

Catchy Italian Restaurant Names

Don’t want a punny or pop culture name for your Italian restaurant? You can still take advantage of these catchy names that will almost certainly stick in patrons’ minds – and stay top of mind when they’re deciding where to eat.

Pizza Perfection
Slice of Italy
Pizza Squad
Insta Italy
The Italian Affair
Bella Italia
House of Pasta
Capri Café
Pasta Romance
An Italian Affair
The Pasta Queen
Pasta Bella
The Italian Oven
Pasta-Roni
Lasagna Hut
Fettuccine Delight
The Spaghetti Shack
Anchovy and Meatballs
Restaurant Roma
Tuscan Oven
The Organic Pasta Co.
Delightfully Italian
Made in Italy
Spaghetti Warehouse
Bella Luna
Spaghetti Speciality
Ciao! Caboose
Italia Mania
The Quick Bolognese
Pizza Passport
The Pasta People
Wine Me, Dine Me
The Tasty Tortellini
Ziti the Great
Pizza Pazza
The Sardinian Sage
Bella Bella
Primi Piatti
The Tuscan Tomato
The Main Macaroni
Pasta Villa
Pipin’ Hot Pizza
Pizza Mania
Fresco del Forno
Bruschetta’s
Salami Bonanza
Neapolitan Nights
The Pasta Pantry
Slice Society
Crust & Co.
Pasta Power
Mangia Mangia
Pizza Piazza
Garlic Goodness
Napoli Nostra
The Mighty Marinara
La Luna
Zesty Ziti
Prosecco Palace
The Tuscan Tradition
Dolce Delights
Dolce Divino
Fiori Freschi
Panini Party
Pizzeria Perfecta
Cannelloni Classico
The Pizza Party
The Olive Odyssey
Ravioli Renaissance
Mare Magico
Oasi di Olio
Bistro Bella
The Pasta Pub
Gourmet Grazia
The Pasta Playhouse
Vine & Dine
Tortellini Tango
Pesto Presto
Mangia Mia Trattoria
Flavor Fusion Italian
Pinnacle Pizzeria
The Sassy Slice
Cheese Please Pizza & Pasta
Pezzo Perfetto

Food-Based Italian Restaurant Names

Italian food uses a number of core ingredients that most people absolutely adore (onions, garlic, and tomatoes, anyone?). Play off of this love with a name based on the type of food that you serve, and you can create great associations in your customers’ minds.

Cacio e Pepe
The Lasagna Lowdown
Penne The Pie
Zesty Pesto Italian Restaurant
Basil and Olives
Bella Oregano
Penne Magic
Noodle Nation
Oregano’s
Mozzarella Meals
Little Macaroni
Hot Tomatoes
Ribollita
Pappardelle’s
Penne with a Twist
The Butcher’s Ragu
The Saucy Affair
Asiago Italian
Luigi’s Lasagne
Rigatoni Flavors
On the Grapevine
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Sale e Pepe
Formaggio e Vino
Romano’s Pasto
Terra & Mare
Aroma Italiano
Bella Mozzarella
Penne with a Twist
The Pasta Emporium
Basil & Thyme
Bubbling Pizza
Truffled Up
The Sunday Gravy Spot
Anchovy and Meatballs
Tomatoes with a Twist
La Torta del Topo
Paninaro
Dolce
Uptown Olive
The Herbed Olive
Presto Pomodoro
Garlic & Love
The Exploding Tomato
Amore Pizza
Quattro Formaggi
The Twisted Tortellini
Macaroni Grill
Il Pranzo Italiano
Al Dente
Tomato Tango
Latte e Miele
Cipollina
Pasta Love
Olive’s Oil
Osteria Mozza
Pane e Vino
Allegria
Fatti e Mano
Ristorante Marsala
Cafe Alfredo
The Herbed Olive
Ristorante Risotto
Biscotti Brothers
Cafe Parmesan
Antipasti
Ravioli’s
Taverna Cannoli
Gusto Italiano
Pappardelle
Ribollita
La Trattoria
Rigatoni Cafe
Crostata
Caprese Cafe
Il Pesce Trattoria

Fancy Italian Restaurant Names

If your restaurant is more of a white tablecloth type of place, then you may want to go a little more formal. The good news? Almost any name sounds fancier if you translate it to Italian. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Al Prato
Da Nella
Molto Italiano
Al Postiglione
Zafferano
Primavera
Castello di Saraceno
Casa Oliva
La Villetta
La Fazenda
Ristorante L’Oso
La Bulesca
Tarantola
Giorgione Alla Villa
Sapori
Palazzina
Il Messaggero
Gustamente
Civita Nova
Il Latini
La Terrazze
Del Borgo
Il Portico
Osteria La Rocca
Basilico
Novelli
Bravo
Mangia Tutto
Gran Quadri
Della Porta
Vecchia Roma
Aglio
Papa Razzi
Gregorio de Ferrari
La Macina
Da Zero
Gandolfi
Bonsignori
Clemente da Urbino
Il Riccio
Mantegazza
Bellini
Spinelli
Baldovinetti
Toscanini
Busoni
Cosimo
Caldo del Forno
Asiago Italian
Asti Olives Italian Cuisine
La Dolce Vita
Aglio Olio
Ciao Bella
Amici
Toscana Italian Grill
Buona Tavola
L’Arte Della Cucina
Bellissimo Bistro
Trattoria di Amici
Bravo
Cafe Amalfi
Sapori D’Italia
Nonna’s Trattoria
La Famiglia Italian
Il Forno
Il Piatto Felice
Aperitivo
Cafe Capri
Gazia Trattoria
Buon Appetito
Ristorante Bellissimo
Amore Italiano Eatery
Il Piatto
Dolce
Trattoria Rustica
Taverna da Vinci
Vesuvio Ristorante
Ristorante Rustico
Aroma Cafe
Mare e Monti
La Cucina di Napoli
Bella Cucina
Casa Mia Pizzeria
Primo Ristorante
Osteria del Sole
Al Fresco
Quelli Bella
Osteria Origano
RIstorante Romantico
Acquolina
Vecchia Nonna
Piccola Italia Trattoria
Sapori
Il Giardino
Amici e Sapori
Tuscan Tradition
The Rialto
Bella Napoli
La Piazza
Chianti Chophouse
Bocca Felice
Trattoria Torta
The Venetian Veranda
Bella Vita
Mercato Fresco
Gusto Italiano
La Via Del Sale
Sapori d’Italia
Trattoria Toscana
Impasto

Want to Come Up with a Cool Restaurant Name of Your Own? We Have a Tool for That!

Now that you have some examples of creative Italian restaurant names, it is time to develop a name for your own place. Even with these lists as a starting point, it can be hard to come up with a name that is both memorable and unique. To help you along the way, we created a free restaurant name generator.

To use the generator, just input your location, name, cuisine type, and a signature dish. Then click the button and let the software do its magic! You can generate as many names as you would like until you find the perfect name for your Italian restaurant.

Carry Your Branding Through Every Aspect of Your Business

The name of your restaurant shouldn’t just appear on the sign outside of your place of business or at the top of your menu. The name should be reflected throughout your restaurant as part of your branding.

A brand is the identity of a company. It essentially tells a story about your business. Your marketing will be focused on your brand – utilizing your name, logo, colors, font, and other aspects of your brand to create cohesion.

Your restaurant’s name is the cornerstone of your brand. It will appear on all of your promotional products – such as custom paper bags for carry out or custom coffee cups for the perfect latte. It will also serve as the starting point for all of your other branding.

For example, if you choose a restaurant name that references Capri – an island in Italy – then you may choose to incorporate one of Capri’s famed lemons into your logo. A sunny yellow could also be used as one of your brand colors, perhaps complimented by a bold blue and white to represent the sea that surrounds the island. The name may also be reflected in the menu, such as by serving desserts made with limoncello, and in your decor.

When you have a consistent brand, it makes it far easier to advertise and market your business. It also is easier to create an impression on customers – and to make sure that they remember your restaurant. Because when it comes down to it, food is incredibly important to the success of a restaurant…but even the best food won’t sell if people don’t know about your business.

Additional Creative Restaurant Names

You don’t just have to look at other Italian restaurants for inspiration. You might find inspiration looking at other industries. You can view all of our creative name blog posts below.

Already Picked Your Restaurant Name? Give Budget Branders a Call!

Whether you have a long-standing name for your restaurant or just came up with something new and exciting, one of the best ways to market your business is by using custom-printed disposable products. If you’re already using cups, bowls, and bags for your restaurant, adding your name and logo can increase your reach. Each time that your customers get take-out or take something home with them, they’ll be carrying around an advertisement for your restaurant – at little added cost to you!

Budget Branders understands the pressure that many restaurant owners face on a daily basis. It can be challenging to stay profitable in such a competitive market. We offer a full range of custom branded disposable products for restaurants, bars, and coffee shops at prices and in quantities that make sense for independently-owned businesses.

To learn more about how we can help your business grow, submit a contact form or a quote request for one or more of our products. Our branding experts are always available to answer questions. Simply press the live chat button to get started.

David Kranker

David Kranker has been working in and writing topics related to the food and beverage service industry since 2010. David continually monitors restaurant, bar, and coffee shop trends to keep a finger on the pulse of the food and beverage service industry. David has been writing for Budget Branders since 2020, where he's covered emerging trends like ghost kitchens, robot waiters, and the angel shot. David shares all of his insights on the Budget Branders blog to inform and entertain restaurant, bar, and coffee shop owners.

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