Maria's Italian Eatery - Morganton

This was our first visit to Maria’s, and we were pleasantly surprised! I ordered the baked Ziti, which was a generous portion for $9.95. My husband opted for a pizza so we could take some leftovers home. The marinara sauce is fantastic—definitely a highlight for me! They also have a salad bar, which alone makes the 1.5-hour drive to Morganton worthwhile! Although we arrived too early for the buffet, I learned they offer buffets for both lunch and dinner. I was really impressed by the variety on the bar, which even included pizza while we were there. The overall experience was wonderful, with a lovely atmosphere and a unique setting. It can be a bit tricky to find unless you're familiar with the area; we drove around twice before spotting the name on the building sign (see photo).

Pizza is our go-to food, and Maria's did not disappoint! While you can explore the entire menu, I highly recommend trying the salad and pizza bar. The food is consistently fresh and offers an impressive selection! If you don't see your favorite pizza, just ask a member of the fantastic staff, and they'll be happy to make it for you. The owners are often around, embodying what excellent customer service is all about! The restaurant is located on a side street, so parking is available behind and next to the pizzeria. I highly recommend paying a visit!

If you're looking for authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, local setting, this is the spot for you. The atmosphere is so friendly that it feels like everyone knows each other. It's a charming, independent restaurant without the vibe of a chain establishment. It truly has the feel of a family-run business, which I really appreciate.

One of our favorite restaurants to eat. The food is delicious and always fresh. The owners are so friendly and will always come to your table and check for you. The servers are the best. You're always up to get what you need. These people really care not only about doing their work, but also about care, friendly and so personal. If you eat here, you are guaranteed a great time.

A great place to eat! Fab food, decent service and a passing sanitation score. The Veggie Wedgie is my favorite. Please note, the photo is NOT the veggie wedgie... it's from Maria's salad bar.