Let’s be honest: every Tuesday deserves a plate of perfect pasta. But some nights demand more—a birthday, an anniversary, or simply the triumphant end to surviving another workweek. Whether you’re craving a cozy red-sauce joint or a white-tablecloth affair with wine that remembers the ’90s, here are Buford’s finest Italian spots to turn any evening into an occasion worth savoring.
Provino’s Italian Restaurant
$$ | (770) 904-0242 | WEBSITE
Nothing says “This is authentic Italian” like a generous bowl of perfectly cooked pasta, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Provino’s. This cozy neighborhood spot is our go-to for date nights, family celebrations, or just a Tuesday when we need some comfort food—we’ll take any excuse, really.
Order the spaghetti with meat sauce and a glass of their complimentary house Pinot noir, then settle in for plate after plate of savory delight in a warm, intimate dining room that feels like a well-kept secret. And if you’re looking to end things right, they have a delicious cheesecake that’s worth saving room for.
Marie’s Italian Deli, Bakery & Market
$ | (770) 886-0084 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Buford, Marie’s Italian Deli, Bakery & Market is fittingly nostalgic—and welcoming. The main space feels like a cozy New Jersey deli designed by your favorite Italian grandmother, and you’ll spot friendly staff and even live music at times. This local Italian spot from the Marie’s team also serves well-prepared dishes like the famous meatball sub and small pizza. If you’ve been searching for a restaurant worthy of your casual weekend lunch with friends, this is it.
Parma Tavern
$ | (678) 541-0908 | WEBSITE
Parma Tavern feels like a bustling trattoria run by a chef who takes pride in every dish, and where the manager personally ensures each table is enjoying their meal. Tucked away in Buford, this welcoming Italian spot offers outdoor seating and a menu where most entrees hover around $25, with pizzas starting at $18. Expect things like their November special ravioli that regulars rave about, a French dip sandwich that comes highly recommended, and Brussels sprouts that are truly mouthwatering.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with rustic wooden tables and soft lighting that makes it perfect for large groups or a casual dinner. The host kindly explains the menu, and the service is quick and efficient, making it a place you’ll want to visit again.
Quanto Basta
$$ | (678) 455-3444 | WEBSITE
Is it a cliché to head to an Italian restaurant for a cozy, neighborhood meal when you’re craving something comforting? And speaking of neighborhood spots, is it a challenge to find one that actually delivers on both atmosphere and quality? The answer to both of those questions is yes. But the Italian food at this place in Buford lives up to the reputation.
Get the seafood pasta with shrimp, scallops, clams, and mussels over linguine, and be glad you can have dinner somewhere that doesn’t just feel like another chain.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
$$ | (770) 497-4959 | WEBSITE
For a laid-back evening of clinking glasses over plates of tender filet and refreshing Inspiring Isle of Capri Coolers, Carrabba’s Italian Grill is the place. Grab one of their spacious tables for two-to-six of your favorite people at this Buford location—where the atmosphere is relaxed and the parking is easy. After making a few simple choices from their reasonably priced menu, you can sit back and unwind as your server brings you dish after satisfying dish of classic Italian-American cooking.
Not to mention a couple of their signature cocktails. And maybe a perfectly paired wine recommendation from Georgiana or Seville too.
Johnny’s New York Style Pizza
$ | (470) 238-8322 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’re craving that classic New York slice but don’t want to deal with the city crowds. Head to Johnny’s New York Style Pizza for a satisfying meal (and save a ton of money compared to those fancy spots). This Buford restaurant serves up delicious pies starting around $18 for a large, with options like veggie large with pepperoni getting rave reviews. The family-friendly dining area with its peaceful atmosphere feels welcoming, and the service is never stuffy.
If you’ve been disappointed by chain pizza places recently, this spot will restore your faith.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
$$ | (678) 714-0049 | WEBSITE
Romano’s Macaroni Grill is a warm, bustling Italian restaurant in Buford with cozy booth seating and soft lighting that highlights dishes like their praised Pasta Milano. But those are things more suited for regular weeknight dinners. For a special outing, opt for the fantastic plate of chicken parmesan. The generous dish involves a crispy, tender chicken cutlet smothered in their homemade tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, served over a bed of spaghetti, so you can create your own perfect bite.
Biba’s Italian Restaurant
$ | (770) 965-0012 | WEBSITE
Some restaurants offer a warm atmosphere. Others serve satisfying food. Biba’s, a welcoming spot in Buford from the team behind local favorites, delivers on both fronts. Busy most evenings, it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a hearty meal and watch a family celebrating a birthday at the next table in a cozy booth. The menu is classic and Italian-focused, with dishes like shrimp scampi and stuffed shells with meatballs.
Begin with the garlic bread, and don’t depart until a friendly server brings you a portion of homemade balsamic dressing.
GrapeVine’s Casual Italian
$ | (770) 844-4416 | WEBSITE
If, after many casual Italian meals, you have finally decided that it’s time for a truly authentic experience without breaking the bank, make a reservation at GrapeVine’s Casual Italian. Located in Buford with a warm and relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant has a cozy dining room where you can enjoy your meal in a chill yet lively setting.
Around four courses long, GrapeVine’s meal begins with a few comforting starters like the exceptional Tuscany chicken soup or minestrone, followed by a satisfying series of pasta dishes. You’ll try things like the authentic lasagna, wonderfully flavorful chicken piccata, and cheese ravioli that makes you want to return regularly. The super friendly and attentive staff check in often, making you feel incredibly welcome throughout the outstanding service.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$ | (678) 546-1778 | WEBSITE
Olive Garden is the only restaurant in Buford with a parking lot that’s perpetually full of minivans and sedans with Georgia plates, families spilling out, two rows deep. Everyone is celebrating something here, just as they’ve been doing since Olive Garden opened in the area. Just know that you don’t necessarily come here for the quality of their food, which is pretty solid, standard-practice, American Italian.
You come for the giant portions like the Never-ending Bowl of Salad and hot breadsticks, and an atmosphere that is so very conducive to eating about 40% more pasta than you were expecting to.
Dominick’s
$$ | (770) 614-0019 | WEBSITE
Walking into Dominick’s in Buford feels like joining a secret club for families who know where to find real Italian comfort food. Once you settle in, though, Dominick’s cozy dining room feels nothing like a formal restaurant where people worry about Instagramming every bite—instead, the place is a temple of generous portions and hearty flavors. Besides the occasional lunch special with bread and marinara sauce, you’ll find straightforward satisfaction here.
As an added bonus, you can tell your friends you fed your whole family at Dominick’s.
Caprese New York Pizza & Pasta
$ | (678) 546-4880 | WEBSITE
For a bright, family-friendly, wonderfully cozy Italian meal, head to Caprese New York Pizza & Pasta. You’re almost guaranteed to enjoy a slice of something from their classic menu, served by extremely friendly and attentive staff. Couple that with an atmosphere that feels like being in a warm neighborhood trattoria, and some of the most comforting dishes this town has to offer, and this spot is perfect for a casual family dinner or a kid-friendly outing.
Just make sure to arrive with a little patience—the wait times are reasonable, but the place fills up with regulars who know a good thing when they taste it.
Italy’s Pizza & Pasta Company
$$ | (770) 932-7121 | WEBSITE
You might think that an Italian-American spot tucked away in a Buford plaza couldn’t possibly be cozy or memorable, but Italy’s Pizza & Pasta Company is both. We recommend sticking to the classics: Start with a Stromboli packed with pepperoni, sausage, and ham alongside garlic knots, then move on to a meatball parmigiana sub with fries.
(We love the leftovers reheated the next day.) The staff are like warm, welcoming family friends, offering genuine hospitality as they make the sensible recommendation that you bring the whole crew.
Vinny’s N.Y. Pizza & Grill – Duluth
$ | (770) 476-0103 | WEBSITE
Vinny’s routinely draws families, date-night couples, and people who choose restaurants based on where they can enjoy a genuinely good pizza. But even if you don’t fall into any of these categories, a meal here is genuinely a worthwhile experience. The pleasant dining room (with its relaxing atmosphere and nice music) has outdoor patio seating, prime people-watching, and both a pizza oven and pasta station that servers operate in full view. It’s one of the best shows in Buford.