It’s no secret that Charlotte’s food scene has been growing extraordinarily fast over the years. As new food concepts continue popping up, it can be hard to open something that truly makes a buzz. The restaurant group Noble Food & Pursuits hasn’t seemed to have that problem. Especially not with their latest venture, The Jimmy Pastaria and Pizzeria, sure to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Charlotte.
Originally opened in the early summer of 2021, The Jimmy is the sixth Charlotte restaurant spearheaded by Noble Food & Pursuits. This group has a reputation for providing a range of excellent cuisine. But it also has just as much of a reputation for supporting those in need throughout the community. They take their mission of “service beyond the table” seriously. They do this by partnering with local organizations. Furthermore, they even operate one of their restaurants as a nonprofit.
A Culinary Trip to the Mediterranean
The Jimmy now joins in that mission as the group’s first step into the realm of Italian and French cuisine. The restaurant takes inspiration from the relaxed bistros along the Mediterranean coast. The menu features a range of casual dining options such as light pastas and authentic 12-inch pizzas. All dishes honoring the restuarant’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Their dinner menu features well-known favorites like margherita pizza. Another standout is the restaurant’s specialty Funghi pizza, also called “Jimmy’s Pie.” This pizza features Urban Gourmet Farms-roasted mushrooms, taleggio, and a balsamic reduction. On the pasta menu, guests will find all sorts of options centered around freshness of the Mediterranean, like the Penne Norma made with eggplant, tomato, basil and ricotta. The dinner menu also offers lighter options in the form of their salad selection. The Local Lettuce, for example, is made with pear-spiced hazelnuts and ricotta salata, all topped with a warm melon vinaigrette.
Those looking for a little wine with their dinner will love the restaurant’s specialty selection of hand-chosen bottles imported from Italy, France, and Spain. These wines live in a temperature-controlled cellar at the restaurant.
Breakfasts and Bonuses
Unlike some of the other restaurants by Noble Food & Pursuits, The Jimmy, which is already one of the best Italian restaurants in Charlotte, features dedicated breakfast and aperitivo menus. For breakfast, guests can expect fresh-baked muffins, croissants, doughnuts and more—but the menu will change daily. Fortunately, The Jimmy plans to keep a permanent menu of coffee drinks, including their signature Espresso Jimmy. This drink is made using a proprietary espresso blend of coffees with distinct milk chocolate, hazelnut, peanut, and citrus notes. As for the aperitivo menu, guests can experience daily bruschetta specials and fresh pizzas between 2 and 5 p.m.
Leading the culinary team for The Jimmy is Executive Chef Jason Neve, who’s worked in Italian restaurants throughout Las Vegas for over 10 years. The culinary team also includes Chef de Cuisine Vince Giancarlo, who graduated from Charlotte’s own Johnson & Wales University in 2005. Many Charlotteans might recognize Giancarlo from his work at Zeppelin in South End.
Those looking to taste the authentic Mediterranean dishes created by this culinary team can stop by The Jimmy Pastaria and Pizzeria for breakfast, aperitivo, and dinner Monday through Saturday.
