text: First of all for the love of God let us PLEASE separate Italian American restaurants from TRUE Tuscan restaurantsthey are entirely different cuisines I have been a HUGE fan of Augusto Contes restaurants for many years celebrating birthdays special occasions etc First start by asking for the canneli bean dip with the wonderfully crusty Italian breadit is on the house Then if you are a couple split the Portobello salad over greens with Tuscan Friesunbelievable Then comes the masterpiece entrees Whether it is the fresh pastas like the Buttera the fabulous Osso Bucco or my favorite Mare As a former Charllotte restauraurant owner the Mare is the BEST dish in Charlotte for the price Excellent fresh she will fish prepared with white wine over linguineoff the charts This has been one of the top rated restaurants in Charlotte for years I personally rate it Celebrities abound at this Southpark hotspot Panthers and Bobcats players and coaches Rick Flair whooo Darius Rucker Hootie and the Blowfish future Governor Pat McCrory Mayor Anthony Fox etc This is the BEST gourmet meal you can have in Charlotte for the price