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Italian lunch spots in McKinney

A midday break over a bowl of pasta or a slice of pizza is the best way to recharge.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sali's Italian image 1
Sali's Italian image 2
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Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with cozy booths and fresh carnations on every table creates a warm, homey atmosphere. Quiet and family-friendly, it welcomes dogs and offers interactive amenities like pizza dough for kids. Kitchen area stays spotless, supporting a vibe of care and authenticity.

Freshly made Alfredo sauce stands out alongside crispy calamari and rich, flavorful lasagna. Pasta and pizza come with bold, authentic flavors, including perfectly cooked Chicken Marsala and Chicken Piccata, all at reasonable prices.

Generous portions come with the lunch specials, including pizza slices, salads, and pasta dishes made with care. Fried zucchini sticks stand out as a popular choice for a late lunch or early dinner.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta and chicken parm, is amazing."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and made with care."

"The salads here are so fresh, you'd think they were just picked."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has new ownership, improving food quality and service.

2

Sali's Italian is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

3

Portions are generous and prices are very reasonable.

02
Piada Italian Street Food image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating and subtle music that creates a relaxing vibe. Staff provide friendly and fast service, enhancing the casual dining experience. A drive-thru window adds convenience for quick meals.

Carbonara pasta stands out with its rich, creamy, and well-seasoned profile. The basil pesto pasta bowl and Diavolo pasta also deliver strong, flavorful options with extra sauce available on request.

Lunch here offers a quick, satisfying meal with service from Diego and his crew. It stands out as a go-to spot for those tired of typical fast food.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The Italian food here is amazing, Romantica made us feel like royalty."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are super friendly and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Piada Italian Street Food offers a student discount.

2

The drive-thru is only for pick-up orders.

3

The portion sizes are generous for the price.

03
Pie Tap Pizza + Rotisserie + Bar image 1

Dark interior contrasts with a beautiful outdoor patio and shared courtyard where kids play and adults relax. Atmosphere suits both dates and meetings, with live music adding to the vibe on the porch. Bar features include TVs for games and a variety of cocktails served all day.

Salami pie comes with a hot honey drizzle on the side. Spicy rigatoni vodka pasta stands out as a delicious choice. Pies, pasta, and drinks all meet expectations without complaints.

Lunch offers spicy rigatoni vodka pasta, half sandwich and half salad specials, and a variety of quality options. Lunch specials provide good value and variety for midday meals.

People are saying

"Our server James was fantastic and attentive."

"The Italian food, especially the pizzas, is so good it's my favorite."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is great and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 11am to 6pm, but kitchen closes at 3pm for half pizzas.

2

On Tuesdays, all pizzas are priced at $15.

3

Expect the restaurant to be crowded during happy hour.

04
Cajun Fish Grill image 1
Cajun restaurant

Strip mall setting with modest decor and clean, spacious interior featuring high ceilings and outdoor patio seating. Atmosphere feels family-owned and welcoming, with a calm and friendly vibe during quieter times. TVs for game watching add a casual touch to the dining experience.

Pasta dishes stand out with Cajun Pasta Alfredo seasoned well and loaded with shrimp, chicken, and sausage. Other Italian options like jambalaya and pasta are cooked well and flavorful.

Lunch features delicious Cajun fish dishes served quickly. Family-friendly atmosphere suits casual midday meals.

People are saying

"The fried catfish and oysters here are seasoned perfectly."

"The Cajun Alfredo pasta here is amazing."

"This lunch spot's fried shrimp and catfish are perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Cajun Fish Grill brings in fresh fish twice a week, ensuring quality.

2

The restaurant offers a walk-up ordering system with no table service.

3

Seafood boils can be messy, so prepare accordingly.

05
Zio Alโ€™s Pizza & Pasta - McKinney image 1

Pizza restaurant offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere with modern, stylish decor and comfortable seating. Two large TVs provide entertainment, especially for families. Open late until 3am, it serves halal options on request.

Spinach Alfredo pizza and chicken pesto pizza stand out with fresh, hot flavors. Pasta dishes like broccoli Alfredo penne come with generous portions and rich cheese. The red sauce has a thick texture and good flavor.

Frequent visits for family lunches show it handles group meals well. It also accommodates large gatherings like graduation lunches with ease.

People are saying

"The pizza here is fresh and full of flavor."

"The Italian food here is hot and fresh."

"The pizza here is so delicious with a yummy crust."

Good to know

1

Zio Alโ€™s Pizza & Pasta is open until 3am for late-night dining.

2

Halal meat is available upon request at an additional price.

3

Expect to pay around $75 for three large pizzas.

06
Hideaway Pizza image 1
Restaurant

Two-story restaurant with rooftop patio and open-air seating offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere filled with lively energy and background noise. The space features fans and misters to keep outdoor areas comfortable, attracting groups looking for casual dining and socializing.

Fresh pasta and made-from-scratch lasagna stand out here. The menu includes fried ravioli and pizzas like the jalapeรฑo sausage with Alfredo and 'The Capone', all with solid flavors.

Great customer service and a relaxing ambience make it a solid spot for lunch. The small veggie pizza with salad fits well for a midday meal, and there are lunch discounts available Monday to Friday.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was always good and fresh."

"The Italian food, especially the pizza, is delicious with great flavor."

"This lunch spot's pizzas are awesome and taste so fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday-Friday from 5-7 pm with discounted drinks.

2

Parking can be very challenging, especially on weekend nights.

3

Arrive early to secure parking, as it fills up quickly.

07
Centro On The Square image 1
Italian restaurant

Renovated 100-year-old building blends historic charm with elegant, cozy decor and exposed brick. Live jazz band and dim lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere ideal for date nights or special dinners. Frequent bread service and visible pasta preparation add to the authentic Italian dining experience.

Fresh, homemade pasta stands out with top-notch ingredients in sauces. Dishes like short rib ravioli and shrimp in butter sauce highlight the menu.

Cozy atmosphere and attentive service make lunch here enjoyable. It suits both family dinners and quick weekday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, full of flavor, and well prepared."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

"Our server Mission was great and super entertaining."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Oktoberfest events can lead to busy nights, so plan accordingly.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak times to avoid long waits.

08
Super Shack image 1
Seafood restaurant

Rustic seafood shack design with painted palm trees and outdoor seating creates a chill, family-friendly vibe. Live music and multiple TVs add energy, though noise levels are high. Full service bar offers well-mixed cocktails like Micheladas and Margaritas.

Shrimp Alfredo stands out with its shrimp pasta and creamy sauce, though the Alfredo sauce sometimes tastes sour. Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo also features prominently among the Italian dishes offered.

Offers quick lunch options with great lunch specials that suit a busy day out.

People are saying

"The seafood boil here is delicious and the best I've had."

"I loved their shrimp Alfredo pasta."

"The seafood bowl lunch spot is full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy weekend evenings to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of 30 minutes during peak lunch hours.

3

The average price for entrees is around $20, excluding sides.

09
Uncork'd Bar & Grill image 1

Small bar and grill with live jazz music and outdoor patio seating creates a lively atmosphere that can get quite noisy. Regulars enjoy games and entertainment like music bingo and karaoke during the week. The space feels welcoming with plenty of table seating and a beautifully decorated bar.

Pasta dishes like Linguine Alfredo and mushroom risotto with blackened chicken stand out. Alfredo sauce used to be incredible but has become dry and flavorless recently.

Fast, friendly service supports lunch with a large group or a small business meeting. The spot stays quiet on Sunday afternoons, making it easy to catch up or work while enjoying great lunch options.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have delicious food like lobster rolls and fish and chips."

"The lunch spot service was fast and friendly."

"Emily's great service made our Italian food experience amazing."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night is every Thursday with a fun singing bartender.

2

Live music is available from Wednesday to Saturday.

3

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

10
The Common Table image 1

Courtyard with beautiful patio and live DJ music creates a lively atmosphere. Energy peaks during weekends with Hip Hop brunch and dancing. Noise level rises, making conversation difficult but enhancing the party vibe.

Dishes like the Redfish Scampi with Risotto and chicken Parmesan garlic knot sliders stand out for their fresh, flavorful taste. The pasta with vodka sauce and blackened chicken Cajun pasta also deliver solid, tasty Italian flavors.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and tasted amazing."

"The pasta dishes here are delicious, especially the blackened chicken pasta."

"The servers here make your Lunch Spot experience so enjoyable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all night on Tuesdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Trivia night is every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

3

All-you-can-eat wings are available on Mondays and Thursdays.

11
Reggae Jerk Grill image 1

Jamaican-themed restaurant with a Bob Marley mural and island style bar creates a laid-back, casual atmosphere. Live DJ music energizes weekends, though volume can hinder conversation. Space feels welcoming and clean, with close seating arrangements.

Rasta pasta features prominently with options like jerk shrimp and jerk chicken. The dishes combine jerk flavors with Italian pasta, creating a unique fusion that tastes consistent and flavorful.

Lunch features jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtails served with rice and beans and coconut bread.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of authentic flavor."

"The food here is so delicious and nourishing."

"The Rasta Pasta with jerk shrimp was amazing Italian Food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 pm.

2

Karaoke takes place on Wednesdays and brings a lively atmosphere.

3

Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays.

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McKinney, Texas

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