Mariolino's Italian Cuisine

Mariolino's Italian Cuisine brings a scratch-kitchen approach to Murphy on West US 64, just past the main downtown blocks heading out of town. The menu runs from wood-fired pizzas to fresh pastas, and the kitchen earns steady local praise for the quality of its ingredients and the attention paid to the food — not the kind of Italian place that just reheats sauce from a can. The dining room has a comfortable, casual-elegant feel, and the restaurant is a popular choice for dinners in Cherokee County, from date nights to family gatherings. Their pizzas are consistently mentioned as among the better ones in the area, with a proper crust and thoughtful toppings. Because Murphy draws visitors heading toward the lakes and rivers, Mariolino's catches both locals and weekenders. Reservations help on busy weekend nights, and the takeout side stays busy for those staying nearby.

Food, service & ordering at a glance

• Dine-in: Sit-down service at the 1164 West US 64 location in Murphy.
• Takeout: Order ahead for pickup, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
• Ordering: Order directly through the restaurant website.

Murphy anchors the western end of the North Carolina mountains close to the Tennessee line, keeping dinner hours relaxed outside of festival weekends.