It’s not a misspelling. “Spaghett” is a reference to the now-viral cocktail, which combines Miller High Life, Aperol and lemon juice. Mixologist Amanda Britton discovered the drink in 2019 in Baltimore and introduced it to restaurateur Sam Hart, who loved the bubbly, citrusy libation. That drink inspired the pasta and cocktail house that Hart’s Irreverently Refined Hospitality Group opened last July in the former Poplar Tapas & Wine spot in Uptown’s Fourth Ward.
Spaghett lives up to its name with a lineup of Italian classics in a colorful, homey setting. Pasta is so fresh it tastes like someone’s Italian grandmother just clocked out, and cocktails are well-crafted, not overdone. Servers are present without hovering, portions leave you satisfied but not stuffed and every bite earns its place on the plate. Even items like steak and potatoes—dishes you’d expect to be secondary on a pasta-led menu—are jaw-droppingly good.
THE LOCATION
Hart first announced plans for Spaghett in late 2023, but as with any project in a historic structure, it would take time. The 19th-century Young Morrison House needed new electrical wiring, a new crawl space and a hot water heater—all under the constraints of historical preservation codes.
The Queen Anne-style home—once owned by descendants of Davidson College's founding president, Robert Hall Morrison—feels true to its roots with original fireplaces, floral wallpaper, vibrant green trim and an array of local artwork. The first floor has three dining rooms and a six-seat bar; upstairs, they plan to add a private dining room with seating for 14. Spaghett also has an outdoor patio for al fresco dining.
THE MENU
Britton designed the cocktail menu, and Kendall Moore leads the kitchen. Moore, a Charlotte native who previously worked at the Italian restaurant Tavola in Charlottesville, Va, sources as close to home as possible. Moore uses Anson Mills flour, Carolina Gold rice, Boxcarr cheeses and produce from local farms. Spaghett prints a new menu daily, but you can always count on bread service, four or five pasta dishes, a selection of steak and seafood mains and two or three desserts. The following is a snapshot from the fall.
The namesake cocktail, Spaghett ($7), is a great place to start. Other highlights include the Venetian Bloom ($16), a gin-based cocktail with notes of peach, basil and lemon; and the Tiramisu Milk Punch ($18) with rum, limoncello and espresso. There’s also a spirit-free lineup ($12) and Italian sodas ($4) with housemade syrup in flavors like elderflower, strawberry and Italian citrus. Beers include Peroni and Miller Lite, and eight different wines are available by the glass.
Bread service is mandatory. The Focaccia ($7) comes in four thick slices with accoutrements like whipped ricotta and green tomato jam, and it barely has time to cool before you devour it. Depending on what’s in season, you might find an Heirloom Tomato Salad ($15) or an Autumn Green Salad ($15).
The classic Spaghetti ($19) is anything but basic, with a pomodoro sauce you’ll want to bottle and take home. Bucatini Cacio e Pepe ($19) is rich and peppery with silky, twirlable noodles, but instead of pecorino, this version uses lissome, a semi-soft cheese made with half goat’s and half cow’s milk. Mafaldine ($20) is a bowl of ribbon-shaped pasta with wavy, ruffled edges tossed with kale pesto, country ham, and Lindale cheese. Lumache Della Cotta ($23) is shell-shaped pasta topped with a slow-simmered beef ragù.
No shame if you stick to the pasta and pass over the entrees, but these mains don’t miss. Virginia Trout Filet ($35) is served with Carolina Gold rice and seasonal vegetables. Whole South Carolina Quail ($34) is accompanied by peppers, leeks and polenta. Steak “Alla Diane” ($40) is a pan-seared tenderloin with fingerling potatoes, broccolini and oyster mushroom jus.
Desserts ($11) include Rum Custard topped with pecan pralines, Bread Pudding with apple butter, and Chocolate Torte with a dollop of Fernet whipped cream. They also have after-dinner drinks like Vin Santo ($18), a sweet, full-bodied Italian dessert wine; Fernet Branca ($5), a herbaceous amaro liqueur; and Enderly Coffee ($4) with a choice of almond or oat milk.
You probably won’t go home with leftovers. Every forkful is a flavor win, and your return trip practically plans itself.
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT TRYING
The classic Spaghetti ($19) is far from ordinary, with fresh strands of pasta and a pomodoro sauce you’ll want to purchase by the jar.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Street parking is limited, so you may need to try nearby parking garages like the Cedar Street deck or FNB Tower Garage, which are a short walk away.
Hours:
Thursday-Monday from 5-10 p.m.
Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.
Spaghett
224 W. 10th St.
Restaurantspaghett.com