Duration
1-2 hours (longer during busy dinner hours with large groups)
Best For
Date nights seeking authentic Italian atmosphere • Families wanting generous portions to share • Tourists looking for local Italian favorites near the Smokies
Pro Tip
Ask your server for a sauce tasting before ordering - they're happy to let you sample the Marsala or other sauces to make sure you'll love the flavor profile.
About Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant
Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant brings authentic Italian dining to downtown Bryson City, standing out for its blend of traditional recipes and warm, family-style service. The restaurant's distinctive metal ceiling and open kitchen create an inviting atmosphere that works equally well for casual lunches or special occasions.
The kitchen excels at classic Italian preparations, with their Chicken Marsala emerging as a house specialty. Watch for servers offering sauce tastings - it's a thoughtful touch that helps guests appreciate the wine-forward flavors. Fresh pasta, made daily in-house, forms the foundation of standout dishes like their Artichoke Pasta.
Timing your visit strategically makes a difference here. The restaurant closes briefly between lunch and dinner service (around 3:30 PM) for a kitchen reset. Dinner prices run higher than lunch, but portions are generous enough to justify the cost. For the best experience, arrive by 4 PM on weekdays or before 6 PM on weekends to beat the rush - later hours bring a livelier (and louder) atmosphere.
Save room for the butter pecan cheesecake, and note that the prosecco selection stays true to Italian tastes, favoring brut over sweet varieties. The full bar complements the dining menu, making it easy to recreate that authentic Italian aperitivo experience.
Pasqualino's strikes an appealing balance between casual comfort and attentive service, making it a reliable choice whether you're a Bryson City local or just passing through. During peak tourist seasons, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner service.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Chicken Marsala with Sauce Tasting
Their signature Chicken Marsala has a wine-forward flavor that servers will let you taste before ordering. It's one of their most popular dishes and shows their attention to customer satisfaction.
Fresh Artichoke Pasta
Made from scratch daily, this pasta dish showcases their commitment to authentic Italian cooking. The fresh ingredients really make a difference in flavor.
Authentic Family Atmosphere
The metal-trayed ceiling and busy, noisy environment create that genuine Italian family restaurant vibe. It's been serving the community for over 20 years.
Butter Pecan Cheesecake
This dessert consistently gets rave reviews and is the perfect way to end your meal. The tiramisu is equally impressive if you want something more traditionally Italian.
Full Bar with Italian Wines
They have a complete bar with Italian wines, though be aware their prosecco is brut (not sweet). The wine selection complements their authentic Italian menu perfectly.
Custom Dietary Options
They accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets willingly. The chef is happy to make modifications or special requests when possible.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive before 3:30 PM for lunch pricing or after 4 PM for dinner - there's a strict break in between
- Casual attire is fine - the atmosphere is family-style and relaxed
- They accept cards and cash; reservations recommended for groups
- Gets very busy and noisy after 6 PM, especially on weekends
- Wheelchair accessible with free parking available
Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant
For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant?
They're open Sunday-Monday and Thursday-Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, with Tuesday having the same hours. They're closed on Wednesdays. Lunch is served until 3:30 PM, then they close for a chef break before reopening for dinner at 4 PM.
How much does Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant cost?
It's mid-to-upper range pricing ($$-$$$). Lunch is more reasonable, but dinner prices are significantly higher with larger portions. Most entrees run $15-25 for lunch and $20-35 for dinner, though exact prices vary.
Do I need reservations for Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant?
Reservations aren't required but are definitely recommended, especially for groups and weekend dinners. They fill up quickly after 6 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
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