Food and Drink

New NoDa Italian restaurant Orto is closing. Here’s what we know.

Chef Paul Verica, owner of The Stanley and Orto, received a James Beard nomination for “Best Chef, Southeast” in 2016, and The Stanley was nominated for “Best New Restaurant” in 2019.
Chef Paul Verica, owner of The Stanley and Orto, received a James Beard nomination for “Best Chef, Southeast” in 2016, and The Stanley was nominated for “Best New Restaurant” in 2019. CharlotteFive

Orto, an Italian restaurant in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood, is closing less than a year after two-time James Beard semifinalist Paul Verica opened it.

“With a heavy heart. I am very sad to announce that our last day of service @ortonoda will be this Saturday,” Verica posted on the restaurant’s Instagram account Wednesday night. “It’s been a difficult journey and one that I have learned so much from. But the time has come for us to say goodbye. Thank you to my amazing team and partners and all of our wonderful guests. I appreciate you all so much.”

Verica opened the restaurant in early 2021. The concept was focused around Verica’s personal memories of growing up, watching his grandmother in the kitchen, and eating Italian food.

Verica also owns The Stanley, in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood.

The news of the closing was reported first by Unpretentious Palate. Charlotte Business Journal reported that COVID-19 related complications and rising food prices were a contributing factor.

Orto Italian Kitchen

Location: 416 E 36th St Unit 600, Charlotte, NC 28205

Neighborhood: NoDa

Menu

Cuisine: Italian

Instagram: @ortonoda

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said the restaurant opened in 2020.

This story was originally published December 8, 2021 at 6:28 PM.

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Heidi Finley
The Charlotte Observer
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
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