North Central West Virginia is no stranger to good Italian food.



Italians immigrated to the area to work in the coal mines, and we are better for it. 



Morgantown has a new Italian restaurant to add under the "delicious" category.



Nonno Carlo, located in the Suncrest Towne Center, is an Italian deli with imported goods, fresh deli goods and a menu of made-to-order items like sandwiches and pizzas.



From their website: Lifetime Morgantown family plants roots at Suncrest Town Center. Local resident Nick DeMedici announces the opening of “Nonno Carlo“ in the Suncrest Town Center, March 2021. DeMedici, whose family immigrated to North Central West Virginia from Collelongo, Italy in the early 1900’s, has always had a passion for honoring his heritage through family and food.



Specializing in Italian American deli fare, this “fast casual-up” spot will feature delicious Italian staple foods rooted in the Italian American traditions of North Central West Virginia and Italy alike. With wide selection of cold and hot sandwiches, Wood-fired Neapolitan Pizzas, select pasta dishes and soups, Nonno Carlo will offer items you will not find anywhere else. In addition to the menu, Nonno Carlo will offer fresh wood-fired bread, house-made mozzarella cheese, and a selection of high-quality imported foods.



“My family story is like so many others in this area and I want to hear all of them”, said DeMedici. “The story of the Italian immigrant is a fascinating one full of dedication, uncertainty, and overcoming obstacles. I consider myself fortunate to be a very small part of it”. Named after DeMedici’s Grandfather Carlo “Carl” DeMedici, Nonno Carlo will feature a large wall space where people can hang old photos and tell their family story along with a map of Italy for people to place their names in the area their ancestors came from.



Nonno Carlo is the concept of Nick DeMedici and Bron Kayal, founder and CEO of HARMA Hospitality “In addition to being a great friend and great member in our community Bron and HARMA bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from the food industry to our operation” says DeMedici."



When I walked in, I looked over the products for sale on the wall and picked up this coined-shaped pasta. They were fun. Then, I placed an order for Calabrian pepper dip (calabrian peppers, roasted red pepper, ricotta and bread), as well as the funghi pizza (tomato, marinated portabellas, olive oil, fresh parmesan, basil). And, I got some caprese salad from the deli. 



The pepper dip was spicy, but I kept plying it with the ricotta to make it more palatable. It was good, and I could totally see this working on top of pasta. 



The pizza was delish. I loved that there were long pieces of the mushrooms, which you don't see often. I mean, just look at this beauty.



And finally, the caprese salad!



The fresh mozzarella was not was loose and creamy as I thought it might be; and I suspect it's because it had already soaked up some of the oils and herbs to make it more solid.



Overall, lots of tasty options here that I can't wait to try more of.



Grade: A