3rd restaurant in uptown Charlotte closes this month. What to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Bella Ciao, formerly Vapiano, closed permanently in uptown Charlotte in July 2025.
- Owner cited post-pandemic economic struggles in uptown as reason for closure.
- Third uptown Charlotte restaurant to close in a month, following two others.
The Bella Ciao, an Italian-American restaurant that opened in uptown Charlotte during the early days of the COVID‑19 pandemic where Vapiano once stood, has officially closed its doors.
“It has been a great pleasure to serve you over the course of the last 14 years, first as Vapiano, then as Bella Ciao,” a sign on the restaurant door at 201 S. Tryon St. reads.
“We have served over 2.5 million guests during this time and witnessed how uptown Charlotte grew to a vibrant and exciting city center during the 2010-20 period. Then the Covid pandemic changed uptown profoundly.”
“Unfortunately, our journey has come to an end now, as economic conditions in uptown have left us no other choice but to close permanently.”
Originally launched when Vapiano shuttered in uptown in 2020, The Bella Ciao was conceived by the same owner, Lars Kruse, and many former staff members got work at the new spot. It offered scratch‑made pasta, pizza and sauces in a casual but upscale atmosphere, CharlotteFive reported.
The news comes less than a month after the closure of two other uptown establishments, 800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen and Bar One.
It’s not clear what will replace The Bella Ciao.
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The Bella Ciao
Location: 201 S. Tryon St., Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cuisine: Italian
Instagram: @bellaciaoclt
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 9:35 AM.