+1 on Villa Antonio. There used to be a great place called Campania in the Shops at Piper Glen. Original owner sold about 4 yrs ago, and the subsequent owner is now gone. A new place called Rudy's had popped up. Hoping to try that soon.
Pinky's on Freedom and Moorehead. Its in the old VW shop and still has a VW on the roof. The guy who used to run the penguin opened it and he has the fried pickles!
Smokey Bones at university. The smoked wings are the best wings you will ever have. My club does a meet and greet there about once a month.
I love smokey bones, and just down Tryon is Old Hickoy House which has great traditional BBQ. I think they best food I've had in Charlotte is Mama Ricotta's. Good italian. www.mamaricottasrestaurant