The single most underrated restaurant in Charlotte

Results: #1 Zio (Myers Park), #2 Fiamma (Dilworth), #3 Roasting Company (Montford), #4 Beef N Bottle (South Boulevard) and #5 Dish (Plaza Midwood).

Outstanding list and it’s so true about Zio — it’s often overlooked.

Zio is a casual Italian restaurant serving homemade pastas, grilled pizza and hot pies near Hubee D’s and Boston Market in the heart of Myers Park.

I’ve driven past Zio hundreds of times, but I’ve only eaten there once — so I decided to head back there last Monday night with my family.

Zio is super kid friendly. I love that they have an adult dining space with a bar to the left and a kids dining space that gets a little crazy to the right.

By 6:30 p.m. on a Monday night, all the tables inside the entire restaurant were packed and the kitchen had to-go order pickups about every 5 minutes.

Although underrated, Zio is definitely not a hidden gem. Neighbors know about it and use the heck out of it.

The free table bread is fresh, warm and delicious. You should also start with the Toasted Ravioli ($5.99).

Then order the Roasted Golden Beet Salad ($7).

If you’re going for pasta, I recommend the Spaghetti A La Zio ($14), “Imported spaghetti tossed with spicy chicken sausage, diced tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms in a white wine sauce, finished with truffle oil and herb-ricotta cheese.” It’s garlicky and different — but tasty.

And you gotta order pizza if you’re going to a casual Italian restaurant.

Whether it’s a casual date, night out with your toddler or Italian take-out — Zio nails it. I’m still thinking about the Spaghetti A La Zio pasta.