Is ESO Artisanal Pasta in Charlotte actually worth the hype? I tried it to see.
Every so often, a new place in Charlotte opens and immediately it becomes the place. You know, the one everyone’s posting about and recommending, with lines are so long you’re contemplating why you’re even there.
At the end of the day, you’re asking yourself, “Is it really worth the hype?” That’s what inspired this series, Worth The Hype, where I finally try spots I’ve been putting off and give an honest verdict.
Disclaimer: I am not the kind of person who goes to a restaurant the week it opens or even the month it opens. If a place is getting nonstop buzz, I usually do the opposite to get around long wait times, kinks and the adjustment period.
ESO Artisanal Pasta opened in Optimist Hall last summer, and for weeks — months, even — it was talked about and highly anticipated. And, yes, everything did look amazing. My mouth was watering watching videos on Instagram reels and TikTok. ESO Artisanal Pasta was also a finalist on Season 15 of Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race” before establishing a space in Optimist Hall.
Two seasons later, I finally made my way there on a Tuesday afternoon for lunch, assuming the initial rush had died down and everything would be available. I was wrong.
Multiple dishes were out of stock, especially the one I truly wanted, the Tagliatelle Ragu and Italian Rice Balls. But that was fine, because that just meant I had to come back.
When it came time to order, I went with a classic: the penne alla vodka. The first thing I noticed were the noodles — thick, oversized and clearly made in-house. They were soft without being doughy and almost pillow-like, the kind of pasta that feels substantial in every bite. Yet if pasta could melt in your mouth, this would’ve come close.
The dish arrived steaming — and I don’t mean for show. Nearly 20 minutes later, every bite was still hot. The first few bites were heavenly: the sauce slightly acidic, as you’d expect from a red sauce, but balanced out with a creamy richness that kept it from feeling sharp. The pasta itself was dense and filling; even ordering a small, I wasn’t expecting a portion this generous.
That said, a few bites in, I found myself needing a break. The flavors started to feel familiar — almost nostalgic — in a way that reminded me of something from childhood, like Campbell’s SpaghettiOs. Not bad, just unexpectedly reminiscent. I packed it up with the intention of coming back to it later.
After work, I decided to swing back by ESO to see if anything new had come back in stock, and luckily for me, the Italian Rice Balls were available. I ordered them with a side of pomodoro, and within minutes I was back at a table. Opening the box immediately fogged up my glasses from the heat.
These weren’t small bites. The rice balls were hefty, golden and clearly fresh, and at $14, felt like a solid value considering both the size and portion. I took my first bite without the sauce: crunchy on the outside, warm and creamy on the inside, with a cheese pull so dramatic it practically demanded a slow-motion video. The contrast alone — crisp exterior, soft rice, melted cheese — was enough to win me over.
But the pomodoro is what really sealed the deal. I topped the pomodoro with the rice ball, and it completely changed the bite. The acidity cut through the richness in the best way, balancing out the cheese and turning something indulgent into something I couldn’t stop eating.
Overall, this place is great and filling, especially for a food stall. If it were up to me, I’d bring a bunch of friends and buy each of the pastas to do a smorgasbord so I could try a little of everything.
If I had to order again — and I will — the rice balls would be non-negotiable. They weren’t just my favorite thing I tried at ESO; they were the dish that made me understand the hype.
So, is ESO Artisanal Pasta worth the hype? Yes — order strategically, and please don’t skip the rice balls.
ESO Artisanal Pasta
Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Cuisine: Italian
Instagram: @esopastaclt
This story was originally published February 5, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
