Solid neighborhood Italian, wine does the job
Ghent · Norfolk · Italian, Pizza · Visit Website ↗
Updated April 2026
Reviewed March 24, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Ynot Italian is exactly what you'd expect from a casual neighborhood pizza-and-pasta spot — recognizable labels, approachable prices on the low end, and zero pretension. It's not trying to be a wine destination, and that's fine, but a few of these markups are harder to swallow than a glass of Bolla Merlot. Still, there's enough here to get through a bowl of pasta without suffering.
The list leans on Italian stalwarts (Ruffino, Banfi, Bolla) and California crowd-pleasers (J. Lohr, Francis Coppola, Kenwood) with a couple of international ringers like the Diseno Malbec and 13 Celsius Sauvignon Blanc thrown in for variety. Sicily gets a nod with the Cusumano Nero d'Avola, which is genuinely one of the more interesting bottles on the list. Washington State shows up twice with the Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling and Merf Chardonnay, which is a slightly unexpected touch for a Norfolk pizza joint. Don't come here expecting anything off the beaten path — this is a greatest-hits list built for people who know what they like.
With 18+ by-the-glass options spanning reds, whites, and bubbles, the pour program is legitimately one of the stronger aspects of this list for a casual spot. Glasses run from around $7 to $23 depending on size and pour, which keeps things accessible. The Ruffino Prosecco by the glass is a smart opener for the table, and the 13 Celsius Sauvignon Blanc at $9.91 for a 9oz pour is a reasonable deal if you're not ordering a bottle.
Diseno Malbec Mendoza Argentina — $25.64
At a 71% markup, this is the least punishing bottle on the list. It's an easy-drinking Malbec from Mendoza that overdelivers at its retail price, and the restaurant markup is relatively restrained compared to the rest of the list. Order this if you want red wine without the regret.
Cusumano Nero d'Avola Sicily Italy
Most people at a casual Italian spot will default to Chianti or Merlot, and they'll walk right past this. Nero d'Avola from Sicily is a genuinely interesting grape — dark fruit, earthy, with enough structure to hold up to heavier dishes. Cusumano is a reliable producer and this is the most personality you'll find on this list.
Bolla Merlot Veneto Italy
A 104% markup on a $12 retail bottle is the steepest on the list, and Bolla Merlot isn't exactly earning that premium — it's grocery store wine at restaurant prices. At $24.48 a bottle, you can do better with almost anything else here.
Banfi Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy + Tuscan Beef
Chianti Classico and Tuscan beef is almost too obvious, but Banfi makes a solid, food-friendly bottle and the high-acid Sangiovese cuts through the richness of the beef perfectly. Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Ynot Italian isn't a wine destination, but it's a solid neighborhood spot where you can find a decent bottle to go with your pizza without overthinking it. Lean on the Diseno Malbec or the Cusumano Nero d'Avola and skip the Bolla — you'll leave happy.
Downtown Norfolk · Norfolk · American
Mermaid Winery is a genuine wine destination that happens to be in Norfolk — and yes, that still surprises us a little. The pricing leans steep and the staff isn't running a Master Sommelier class, but the list is deep where it counts and Wednesday half-price night is one of the better wine deals in the region.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Proper
Virginia Beach · Norfolk · Steakhouse
Ruth's Chris Virginia Beach won't surprise you on wine, and a few markups are hard to forgive, but the depth is real and the by-the-glass program is better than most steakhouses at this price point. If you're here for a special occasion steak and want a bottle that won't embarrass the meal, you'll find it — just avoid the house pours and do a little homework first.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Norfolk · Norfolk · Gourmet Market & Wine Shop
Taste Unlimited is a gourmet market that quietly outclasses most sit-down restaurants on wine curation and blows them out completely on price. If you're in Norfolk and haven't figured out that this is also a wine stop, you've been leaving money on the table.
Small but Thoughtful
Steal
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Governors Pointe · Norfolk · Southern American
Vintage Tavern has no business having a wine list this serious in a suburb of Norfolk — and we mean that as a high compliment. The markups take some of the shine off, but a sommelier on staff, 400 bottles, and a genuine Virginia section make this the best wine destination for miles around.
Deep & Eclectic
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Downtown · Norfolk · French
Todd Jurich's Bistro is the most serious wine list in Norfolk, full stop — but you'll pay for that seriousness, especially on the French side. Go for the sommelier's guidance, order the Barboursville, and enjoy the fact that a room this focused on wine exists in downtown Norfolk at all.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Ghent · Norfolk · New American
Varia is doing something genuinely rare in a mid-sized market — building a wine program that would hold its own in Chicago or D.C. The markup isn't always charitable, but the depth, the cruvinet by-the-glass program, and the evident expertise on staff make this one worth the trip across town.
Deep & Eclectic
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Downtown Akron · Akron · Italian, Pizza
Luigi's is a cash-only Akron legend that has no business having a wine list this thoughtful — and that's exactly why we like it. Don't sleep on the California Coastal producers hiding behind the checkered tablecloths.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Marshall · Marshall · Italian, Pizza
Pazzeria by Pietro's has no business being this good at wine for where it is, and that's exactly why it's worth the detour. If you're rolling through East Texas, eat here and order Italian.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
NW Ocala · Ocala · Italian, Pizza
Roma's wine list is a functional, no-fuss accompaniment to a solid casual Italian dinner — nothing you'll write home about, but nothing that'll ruin your night either. Stick to the Robert Mondavi Cab or the Trapiche Malbec, keep your expectations measured, and you'll be fine.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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