West Virginia Spot Serves Southern Italian Dishes You’ll Dream About

United States
By Alba Nolan

If comfort had a flavor, you would find it simmering at Muriale’s Italian Kitchen in Fairmont. This Southern Italian staple blends family recipes, warm hospitality, and generous portions into the kind of meal you remember for years. You can feel the heritage in every sauce and every slow stirred pot. Come hungry, and leave with a new favorite tradition.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

Twirl into comfort with spaghetti and meatballs that taste like Sunday at nonna’s. The marinara is slow simmered, bright with tomatoes and a whisper of garlic, clinging to every strand. Meatballs are tender, hand rolled, and kissed by Parmesan for that savory finish you crave.

You get a generous portion that satisfies without pretense, just pure Southern Italian soul. Order extra bread because you will want every drop of sauce. The dining room feels friendly and relaxed, perfect for sharing bites and stories.

Here, tradition meets balance, so each forkful stays light yet deeply flavored. Ask for a sprinkle of fresh basil to lift the acidity and perfume your plate. You leave warmed, full, and already planning a return visit.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

This lasagna stacks comfort in buttery sheets, each layer carrying a lush Bolognese and silky béchamel. The top bubbles golden, sending out aromas that feel like a hug. You cut through and find balance, not heaviness, thanks to careful seasoning and slow cooking.

The ragu is meaty and mellow, with tomatoes playing backup to savory depth. A little nutmeg in the béchamel rounds everything with warmth. You will likely pause after the first bite and smile without meaning to.

Pair it with a simple salad to refresh your palate between bites. The portion is hearty, ideal for sharing or tomorrow’s lunch. It is the kind of classic Muriale’s does best, respectful of tradition yet dialed to modern tastes.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

Crunch meets comfort in this golden cutlet, cloaked in a bright marinara and molten mozzarella. The crust stays crisp, even under all that sauce, which is its own kind of magic. Each slice gives a satisfying snap before surrendering to juicy chicken.

Set over pasta or served alongside, it feels like a celebration plate. You get the right salt, the right tang, and that nostalgic pizzeria perfume. It is familiar, but elevated by careful frying and clean flavors.

Add a squeeze of lemon for a high note that cuts through richness. Ask for extra sauce if you are a dipper. This is a reliable go to at Muriale’s, and it delivers every time, from weeknight dinners to birthday toasts.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

Thin, tender eggplant slices anchor this vegetarian standout, stacked with marinara and cheese. The bake melds everything into a saucy, bubbly quilt that cuts clean. You taste vegetable sweetness, gentle smoke from frying, and milky mozzarella in every forkful.

It is hearty without feeling heavy, proof that vegetables can be pure comfort. The tomato sauce shines bright, so the dish never drags. A shower of Parmesan and basil makes the flavors pop.

Enjoy it solo or share as a table centerpiece with extra bread. Ask for a side of spaghetti if you want a bigger plate. At Muriale’s, this dish has loyal fans for a reason, and you might become one after the first bite.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

Silky ribbons of fettuccine get glossed in a Parmesan cream that feels indulgent yet balanced. The sauce clings without clumping, thanks to steady heat and gentle tossing. You taste butter, cream, and cheese in perfect sync.

Add grilled chicken or shrimp if you want a protein twist, though it charms on its own. The pepper bite keeps the richness lively. Portion size is generous, ideal for a cozy night out.

It is comfort you can count on, served hot and aromatic. Ask for extra Parmesan if you like a snowcap finish. When that first twirl melts on your tongue, the world gets quieter and more delicious for a minute.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

This blush sauce hits creamy, tomatoey, and just a little spicy, clinging to rigatoni’s ridges perfectly. You get that gentle vodka warmth without harshness. Every tube captures sauce, so each bite lands full flavored.

The kitchen keeps the pasta al dente for essential chew. A flick of chili brings excitement while staying family friendly. Basil and Parmesan add freshness and savory depth.

It is a dish that wins over skeptics and thrills regulars at Muriale’s. Pair it with a glass of Italian red for a cozy match. You will want a napkin handy because this one is a joyful, saucy affair.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

Soft, pillowy gnocchi float in a bright marinara that lets the potato shine. Each dumpling is tender yet structured, never gummy. You taste freshness and care in the shaping and the toss.

The sauce stays lively with acidity, balancing the gnocchi’s gentle sweetness. A dusting of Parmesan adds savory lift without overpowering. It is simple, but simplicity done exactly right.

Order this when you crave something comforting yet light on the palate. A side of sautéed greens makes a perfect partner. You might find yourself chasing the last tomato streak with your fork, smiling at how satisfying it feels.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

Seafood lovers, this one sings with heat and ocean sweetness. Shrimp, mussels, and calamari mingle in a spicy red sauce that tingles the lips. The linguine is cooked just right, catching every fiery, garlicky note.

It is bold but balanced, never tipping into harsh spice. The shellfish tastes fresh, with briny pops that keep bites exciting. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything instantly.

Order it when you want a lively dinner and a little drama on the plate. Pair with crisp white wine to cool the spice. You will be mopping the bowl clean with bread, happily chasing that last glossy streak.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

Garlic and lemon star in this bright, buttery scampi that feels both light and luxurious. Plump shrimp flash in the pan, then tumble over angel hair that drinks the sauce. The aroma alone convinces you to take a slow first bite.

Each forkful balances citrus zing and savory butter, lifted by fresh parsley. The pasta stays feathery, never clumped. It is dinner that leaves you uplifted rather than weighed down.

Ask for extra lemon if you like a sharper pop. Pair with a simple salad and you are golden. This is a Muriale’s favorite when you want elegance without fuss, and it always delivers.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

This soup comforts from the first spoonful, with tiny meatballs, tender greens, and pasta pearls. The broth is clean and savory, warming without heaviness. It smells like home, especially on chilly West Virginia evenings.

Meatballs are delicate and seasoned just right, floating among wilted greens. The pasta softens into the broth, adding gentle body. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top ties it together.

Start your meal here and you will not regret it. It sets a welcoming tone and pairs with nearly any entrée. You leave the bowl feeling cared for, ready for whatever plates arrive next.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

Crisp greens, ripe tomatoes, and briny olives meet a zesty house Italian dressing that wakes up your palate. The balance hits tangy and herby, never too sweet. You taste freshness in every crunchy bite.

It is the ideal warm up before a hearty pasta or parm. Pepperoncini bring a gentle heat and a playful snap. Homemade croutons add texture without turning heavy.

Ask for extra dressing on the side if you like to dip bread. This salad proves simple can be memorable when ingredients shine. You finish it quickly, happily, and ready for the main event at Muriale’s.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

Warm, soft knots land at the table shimmering with garlic butter and herbs. Pull one apart and the steam rises, promising comfort. Dip into bright marinara and watch the sauce catch every ridge.

They are addictive starters, perfect for sharing or hoarding politely. The texture rides a line between tender and chewy. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds salty sparkle that keeps you reaching.

Order a second basket if you are with friends. These little bites set the tone for a relaxed, generous meal. At Muriale’s, they make waiting for pasta feel like part of the pleasure.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

Earthy mushrooms and sweet Marsala wrap tender veal in a silky pan sauce. Each slice yields easily, soaking up glossy richness. The dish whispers luxury without shouting, perfect for a special night.

Muriale’s balances sweetness and savor, so the sauce stays elegant. Mushrooms add woodsy depth that lingers pleasantly. A side of pasta or potatoes rounds it into a complete experience.

Ask for a touch of lemon if you like a bright edge. Pair with a soft red to echo the sauce’s warmth. You will remember the harmony of flavors long after the plate is cleared.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

End on a cloud with tiramisu that tastes like a gentle espresso kiss. Cocoa dusting tops mascarpone layers that feel impossibly light. Each bite balances coffee, cream, and a hint of sweetness.

The ladyfingers stay tender, not soggy, which keeps textures engaging. It is a classic for a reason, and Muriale’s treats it with respect. You might find yourself slowing down to savor every forkful.

Pair it with coffee for a cozy nightcap feeling. Share if you must, but consider ordering two. Dessert here cements the memory of a meal worth dreaming about.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

Crunchy shells crackle to reveal smooth ricotta cream studded with chocolate chips. The filling is lightly sweet, scented with vanilla and citrus. Powdered sugar falls like snow, making each bite playful.

It is the kind of dessert that wakes up your inner kid while staying beautifully crafted. The contrast of textures keeps you coming back. Share a plate or claim your own and guard it carefully.

A quick espresso on the side turns it into a perfect finale. At Muriale’s, cannoli deliver that last happy note. You leave grinning, pockets perfumed with sugar and memory.

© Muriale’s Italian Kitchen

When feeding a crew, family trays from Muriale’s make planning easy and delicious. Big pans of pasta, sauces, and salads arrive hot and ready. You can recreate the restaurant comfort at your table without lifting more than a fork.

Portions are generous and travel well, keeping textures and flavors intact. Add garlic bread and a dessert tray to complete the spread. It is ideal for game day, birthdays, or cozy Sundays.

Call ahead during operating hours to schedule pickup, and you are set. The value feels strong for the quality and quantity. Everyone eats, relaxes, and talks a little longer, which might be the best part.