The next time you visit Sharon Square in SouthPark, bring your appetite. Fontana di Vino isn't just serving Italian-inspired dishes; it's serving the community with an interactive experience.

Editor Maria, here. After my first visit to the restaurant, I was immediately craving another round of the pinsa (think: airy flatbread pizza), meatballs, and polenta pour.

The restaurant opened in May, headed by Robert Maynard, founder and CEO of Won Life Brands, and renowned Chef Scott Leibfried. Sound familiar? You may have seen him on TV.

Fun fact: Leibfried is also an alum of Johnson and Wales University.

After more than two decades of experience in the kitchen — from the West Coast to opening restaurants in Hawaii with Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac — inspiration struck.

"I took a really long trip to Italy," Leibfried told CLTtoday. "We visited unique places and sat with really unique people, talking about innovation and food. There's so much tradition in Italian culture, and we want to be respectful of that. But we also want to innovate."

Fonata di Vino's menu offers a variety of items, from homemade meatballs to pinsa and fresh pastas. | Photos via Fontana di Vino and CLTtoday

Leibfried was driven to start Fontana di Vino with several things in mind: hospitality, respect, and fun — all of which are modeled in the dining room by the welcoming staff.

The fun comes in the form of a "polenta pour" — a tableside service with three different types of polenta.

Fun fact: Polenta is often eaten family-style and poured on a wooden board in parts of Italy. See for yourself.

At the end of the evening, it's all about community. "We just want to be a place where people come and share three or four pastas, steak, and order a great bottle of wine," explained Leibfried.

Is your mouth watering for more? Explore the menu + secure your table.

Bonus: Their second location is expected to open in Davidson in October.