Troy L. Milliron 
Find artisan pastas, as well as sauces and other Italian groceries at Mano Bella Artisan Foods.
You may have become familiar with Mano Bella Artisan Foods during her time at The City Kitch in college and finding her products at Charlotte Farmers Markets. And we told you it was brick and mortar. Now her storefront is finally open for all your Italian grocery needs.
The specialty food company is in a phase of soft opening at the 7th Street Market, while chef-owner Raffaele Patrizi – who was born and raised in Rome – and Madison Patrizi add more items. You’ll find it in the old Orrman’s Cheese Shop space. (But fear not, Orrman’s has moved its fresh and creamy offerings to a new location in the market.)
The space has been outfitted to look like an Italian bottega, with rustic wood finishes and a chalkboard menu. In keeping with this vibe, the Patrizis also plan to continue offering produce at farmers markets.
“It’s all about connection – to our food and the people who grow it, shape it and sell it,” Madison Patrizi said.
The food
Fresh pasta for sale by the pound will include organic semolina, whole wheat and gluten-free options. Mano Bella’s signature risotto mixes — which use Carolina Gold rice from Tidewater Grain Co. — will be sold, along with staples like breadcrumbs and dipping oil seasoning packets.
Mano Bella works with local farms and food artisans, such as Garden Window Farm, Coldwater Creek Farms, Windy Hill Farm and Blue Goat Dairy to create its offerings and supply products for the store. Local seasonal produce, freshly ground flour, eggs and cheese will be available for sale.
“In Italy there is not so much mass production. From farm to table, it’s just your everyday table. Foods taste richer, last longer, and haven’t been in transit for weeks or months to get to your table. It’s a real ecosystem: you eat where it grows and only in season,” said Raffaele Patrizi.
Pro Tip: Look out for the Pasta alla Routa, a common dish in Italy that’s rare in Charlotte. Staff will toss freshly cooked pasta over a wheel of aged Parmigiano Reggiano to coat it in a melting layer of creamy cheese. And grab a cannoli kit for dessert.
Store hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Mano Bella artisan foods
Location: The Market at 7th Street, 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighbourhood: First Ward/Uptown
Instagram: @manobellaartisanfoods
