There's no shortage of great Italian restaurants in the USA, from family-run delis with a few tables attached to fine-dining restaurants that serve everything from regional cusine to Italian-American favorites. To help you to narrow things down a little, read on to discover the best in your state. Buon appetito!

Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.

For unpretentious northern Italian comfort food, head to family-run Gianmarco's in quaint Edgewood. The menu includes indulgent dishes such as mushroom ravioli with black truffle and spinach; risotto with clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari; and the less traditional but still irresistible Wagyu steak with mac 'n' cheese.

Sorrento's has been serving loyal customers in Anchorage for more than 40 years. The family-owned restaurant offers dishes such as fettuccine alfredo (fettuccine pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic and parsley) and four-cheese penne al forno (pictured). Other menu highlights include stuffed mushrooms  and make sure you save room for the delicious tiramisù. 

Reminiscent of restaurants in New York’s Little Italy, RigaTony’s is a spacious old-school spot with bags of personality and vintage style. Located in Tempe, the restaurant has cozy booths and low lighting. Customers love the homemade bread and baked rigatoni (pictured), known as the Baked RigaTony, which comes with a rich mozzarella sauce, garlic marinara, and Italian sausage. 

Located in a beautiful Victorian-style building in Eureka Springs, Ermilio's has built up a loyal clientele of regulars over its many years of business. Customers love the attentive service and dishes such as pan-roasted pork chop with porcini mushroom sauce and shrimp in a creamy white wine sauce over linguine. The meatballs in red sauce with linguine (pictured) is a comforting classic.

You know the food is authentic when it’s the first choice for Italians living in the area. They flock to Terún for its wood-fired pizzas, small vegetable plates, and homemade pasta. As well as pizza Margherita and Neapolitan with anchovies, there are creative pizzas such as one with mozzarella, Gorgonzola, and pears. There's also a huge patio for alfresco dining and regular live music.

Paracivini’s is loved for its white clam linguine, salmon in mustard and dill sauce topped with shrimp, and its juicy, perfectly cooked steaks. The restaurant is owned by an Italian chef, Franco Pisani, who grew up watching his mother cook in the family bakery. After years of training as a chef, he opened up shop in 2003 and has been going strong ever since. 

This busy Italian in Downtown Hartford is a local staple, unbeatable in terms of atmosphere and customer service. It opened in 2010 and is upscale, with contemporary interiors and a patio overlooking Bushnell Park. What to order? Loyal customers are fans of the sweet potato ravioli, rose pasta (sausage, mushroom and spinach in a tomato and cream sauce with four-cheese tortellini), and cheese bread (pictured). The restaurant has a set takeout menu that serves four, perfect for cheating at dinner parties, plus you can even get their Espresso Martino to go.

Ristorante Attilio opened its doors in the heart of Wilmington more than 30 years ago and is a must for reasonably priced homemade pasta. Popular menu choices include the cheese ravioli, which is said to melt in your mouth, while the lasagna and spaghetti also come highly recommended. On 'two for Tuesday' you can combine any two pasta dishes of your choice  perfect if you can't make your mind up or want to try more than one dish. The wood paneling and vintage interiors add to the restaurant's retro charm. 

Guests of family-owned Fresco Cucina Italiana are consistently impressed by the food and service, regularly praising it as the best Italian in the area. On the menu you'll find wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes – the orecchiette pasta with broccolini, spicy sausage, garlic, and white wine sauce is a customer favorite. Dessert has to be the cannoli or tiramisù. 

This cozy Italian, famous for its creative pasta dishes, can be found in a renovated bungalow in midtown Atlanta. The tortelli di mele – ravioli filled with apple, sausage, and Parmesan in a sage and brown butter sauce – gets rave reviews. Other delicious dishes include mushroom ravioli, buckwheat tagliatelle, and spinach tagliatelle.

Taormina Sicilian Cuisine serves up Sicilian-inspired pasta dishes with a Hawaiian twist. Chef Hiroyuki Mimura makes use of Hawaii’s incredible seafood offerings, combining these with his indulgent fresh pasta dishes. The bestseller is uni (sea urchin) pasta, but he also serves up the classics like carbonara with a generous sprinkle of truffle shavings and Sicilian lamb chops.

Luciano’s in Boise was voted Best Italian Restaurant by Boise Weekly in 2018 and remains hugely popular thanks to its Tuscan-inspired dishes in generous portions. Opt for the homemade pasta, such as the manicotti (large pasta tubes) stuffed with ricotta and herbs, or the Chicken Scaloppini, with sauteed chicken, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and prosciutto tossed with angel hair pasta in a lemon butter caper sauce.

The upscale yet welcoming Sapori Trattoria is often cited as one of the best Italians in Chicago. Start with the calamari fritti and burrata platter, the perfect accompaniment to one of the restaurant's hand-crafted cocktails. Other menu favorites include spaghetti in red sauce with veal meatballs and Italian sausage, and pasta stuffed with lobster in a creamy sauce. 

Regularly tipped as one of the best local Italian restaurants, Mama Carolla’s is a stucco house that has been transformed into a glamorous 1920s-style Mediterranean villa. For a magical dining experience try and get a table on the outdoor patio surrounded by fairy lights, fountains, and Roman statues. Order a plate of rosemary chicken lasagna or seafood linguine, sit back, and relax.

As you’d expect from the name, Tumea & Sons is an old-fashioned, family-run Italian located in Des Moines. Choose your favorite pasta variety and add meat, sausage, white or diablo sauce, and top with a meatball or sausage link, depending on what you fancy. Other much-loved dishes on the menu include lemon chicken, veal marsala, and shrimp primavera.

A feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach, Cinzetti’s is a buffet with five dining rooms and 14 open-view cooking stations. There's an amazing variety of dishes on offer, from bruschetta and pepperoni pizza to profiteroles and gelato. It's impossible to leave hungry. There's also has a second location in Northglenn, Colorado.

Silvio's Italian Restaurant is one of Kentucky’s most popular Italian diners, dedicated to serving Italian-American family favorites. It’s owned by Bill Silvio Melillo, who’s no stranger to the industry having run Melillo’s in downtown Louisville until it closed in 2008. The marinara sauce is the star of the show, featured on a number of entrées such as the chicken parm (pictured).

Vincent’s is without a doubt one of the best Italian restaurants in Louisiana, having been nominated numerous times by readers of local publications. It was opened in 1989 by a New Orleanian named Vincent Catalanotto who grew up in a Sicilian family. The menu is quite meat-heavy with dishes such as lamb chops with marinated vegetables and osso buco. 

Elegant, refined Italian food is what you'll find at Solo Italiano Restaurant. Many of the dishes are inspired by the northern Italian city of Genoa, which is where chef Paolo Laboa is from. In fact, customers say that dining here feels like eating at a restaurant in Italy, and rave about the homemade pasta, especially the carbonara. 

Manalú in Frederick is owned and managed by Italian chef Marco Pontecorvo, his wife Naomi and daughter Lucia, who are originally from Naples. Pasta dishes, such as the Puttanesca and Pasta Alla Vodka (bacon and shallots in a creamy tomato sauce) are customer favorites. The brick-oven pizzas are also highly rated. 

Trattoria Il Panino claims to be Boston's first original trattoria. It's a casual, affordable restaurant serving homemade pasta and sumptuous seafood. The calamari, zucchini flowers, slow-cooked lamb, beef, veal, and pork ragù all come highly recommended. For the authentic Amalfi Coast experience, grab a table outside overlooking Boston's historic, and very Italian, North End. 

This legendary restaurant in Detroit's Eastern Market is loved for its gargantuan pepperoni pizzas and specials such as kale pesto, smoked ham, feta, and ricotta. Partnering up with local producers, Supino Pizzeria champions organic ingredients. Also, be sure to follow your pie with a cannolo, as there are heaps of cream and topping options to try. 

A traditional Italian, Yarusso Bros is one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in St. Paul, in operation under its current name since 1947. It serves pure comfort food with pasta, garlic cheese toast, and pizza options on the menu. But its mainly famous for these huge meatballs, served with red sauce and spaghetti.

A local favorite, Cerami’s was established in 1977, but closed for 14 years only to reopen in 2006. Much to the delight of locals, it picked straight back up from where it left off with old favorites such as the lasagna. However, it surprised with new additions like the grilled rib-eye and flatbread pizzas. There's live music several nights a week too.

A St. Louis institution, Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill has been serving traditional Italian dishes for more than 35 years. The toasted, meat-filled ravioli with tomato sauce, thinly sliced veal, and ricotta-filled manicotti come highly recommended. There's another location in Maryland Heights too.

Ciao Mambo in Billings is one of the best restaurants in Montana thanks to the excellent service, pasta, wine selection, and garlic bread. Start with the antipasti followed by the pasta ravenna (farfalle with chicken in a roasted garlic cream sauce) or the penne isabella (penne with spicy Italian sausage and fresh ricotta). Customers rave about the friendly staff and fun atmosphere.

For great Italian in Nebraska, Vincenzo’s Ristorante is the place to go. It received a Best of Omaha 2019 award for Italian dining from Omaha Magazine. We like the sound of the salmon soto (topped with cheese, cracked black pepper, and mushrooms) and the penne marsala (topped with beef, mushrooms and scallions in a marsala wine sauce). 

Piero's Italian Cuisine has been a popular spot since it opened in 1982. Old-school charm and traditional dishes make dining here a real occasion. Customers love the atmosphere and highlights from the menu include jumbo shrimp scampi and rigatoni bolognese. Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood, and Bill Clinton have enjoyed meals here, while a scene from Casino, starring Robert DeNiro, was filmed in the restaurant.

Campo Enoteca reopened under new management in March 2023 after closing the precious year, much to the delight of its loyal fanbase. This chic bistro has a farm-to-table philosophy and a menu of freshly made pasta, Italian charcuterie, small plates, and classic Italian dishes, as well as regional specialties. This Maine lobster ravioli in a lemon zest sauce is especially delicious.

This restaurant is named after owner Mark Pascal’s grandmother, who came to the US from Naples. The menu is based on her recipes and customers love the cozy atmosphere as well as the garlic bread; spinach and mushroom ravioli, and fried calamari with sweet and spicy marinara.

Touted by many as the best Italian restaurant in New Mexico, M’tucci’s Italian in Albuquerque is a real family affair. It was opened by Jeff Spiegel and Katie Gardner and they’ve since added several more M'tucci’s locations. Menu highlights include the beef, pork and veal meatballs, which come with spaghetti and marinara sauce, the potato leek bisque, and the tiramisù.

Patsy's Italian Restaurant in NYC has been serving up Italian classics since 1944. Frank Sinatra, who often sang at the restaurant, was a regular and now has a private dining room named after him. Patsy's prides itself on serving simple, unpretentious comfort food, such as spaghetti meatbbals, linguine with clam sauce, and veal Milanese with arugula – reportedly Franks's favorite dish.

Gravy celebrates traditional Italian-American cooking and prides itself on creating nostalgic pasta sauces 'just like grandmother used to make'. Customers praise the risotto balls with marinara sauce and Parmesan, the kale Caesar salad, and the lasagna.

Though not strictly authentic, Nardello’s Pizza in Bismarck gets rave reviews for its incredible steak sandwiches and hoagies, made using thinly sliced rib-eye on Italian bread. It also serves huge slices of pizza with toppings such as spicy barbecue chicken, Hawaiian, and pepperoni. Italian-American food at its finest. 

This lively Columbus restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere with a vintage-inspired interior. There's a menu of comforting Italian dishes such as risotto with chicken, sundried tomato and torn basil (pictured), baked rigatoni, and ricotta, Parmesan and truffle ravioli. There's also a great wine and cocktail list, with a daily, early evening 'happy hour'.

Proud owner Lori Burson came up with the idea for Stella Modern Italian Cuisine while studying in Rome. Located in Oklahoma City, the restaurant has a seasonal menu and a hip atmosphere. On the menu you’ll find popular dishes such as charcuterie, wild boar bolognese (pictured), and grilled peach and prosciutto pizza. 

For an unforgettable Italian dining experience in Portland, head to a Cena, a chic yet unpretentious restaurant with some of the best reviews in the state. It’s not difficult to see why, with dishes such as butter-poached lobster with stuffed raviolini or grilled octopus on the menu.

Chef-owner Pietro Carcioppolo and his wife Antonella opened Gabriella Italian Ristorante in 1997, and it's been providing a great dining experience ever since. As well as the classics, it serves specials such as scallops, sautéed cherry tomatoes and basil in a garlicky sauce over linguine, and portobello mushrooms in a garlic white wine sauce. Visitors unanimously agree it has a great atmosphere. 

This old-school Italian restaurant has been serving its loyal customers, who praise the great food and service, for more than 30 years. Head there for Martinis, fried calamari, arancini, and huge pasta dishes. Expect low lighting and a musical soundtrack featuring the Rat Pack.

For authentic Italian dishes in elegant Roman-inspired surroundings, Villa Romana Italian Restaurant is the place to go. It opened in 1985 and serves family recipes such as Veal Absolut (veal cutlets sautéed in a mushroom, vodka and cream sauce) as well as great seafood. The Shrimps San Marzano (jumbo shrimp with zucchini, provolone, prosciutto, tomatoes, and wine) comes highly recommended. 

One of the most top-rated Italian restaurants for pasta in South Dakota, Roma Ristorante Italiano is loved by locals and visitors alike. Try the baked ziti, angel hair pasta with meatballs, or spinach ravioli. If you can't decide, opt for the pasta sampler which comes with lasagna, cheese ravioli, and manicotti. Customers praise the vegetarian and gluten-free options too. 

Executive chef Fiore Tedesco and his team at L’Oca d’Oro create high-quality, contemporary Italian dishes for their seasonal menu, which uses only the freshest ingredients. Expect to find classics like rigatoni a la pomodoro with whipped ricotta, alongside innovative dishes such as grilled kampachi with hydra kale, vadouvan, bonito oil and coconut namnam.

This modern restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee specializes in elevating rustic Italian food into contemporary, refined dishes. On the menu is a hot honey and sausage Calabrese pizza and black spaghetti with lobster ragù, shrimp and chili. The appetizers and pasta dishes are spot on and there's an impressive wine list. 

Owned by the charismatic Valter Nassi, who is familiar to many in Utah, Valter's Osteria in Salt Lake City serves high-quality Tuscan food, such as the pasta sampler, which includes four of the daily homemade gnocchi and ravioli. The butternut squash ravioli, angel hair pasta, and bright, airy ambience are other highlights that make this restaurant a must-visit.

One of Burlington’s most historic venues, Trattoria Delia is located in Vermont House, a former hotel built around 1900. Established in 1993, the restaurant celebrates seasonal ingredients and local produce. Favorite dishes include the truffle gnocchi with sausage and Parmesan, and the grilled rabbit and polenta cake. You’ll also find some impressive Italian selections on the wine list. They also run Pizzeria Verita next door – said to have the best Neopolitan pizza outside of Italy, according to regulars.

This quirky and lively restaurant in Clifton has been built to look like an old Italian train station. At Trattoria Villagio, visitors can choose between the classic dining room or opt for drinks, cheese and salumi at the marble-topped bar. The grilled octopus appetizer and the homemade pasta, in particular the seafood pasta with mussels, clams, calamari, and shrimp, come highly recommended.

Cinque Terre celebrates the cuisine of the Italian Riviera in contemporary surrounds. Opened by the owners of already popular spots Barolo and Mamma Melina, the restaurant is a firm local favorite in its own right. The seafood dishes siuch as grilled octopus with chimichurri and the pizzas come highly recommended.

Figaretti’s Restaurant's legacy dates back to the early 1940s when Italian immigrants Anna and Joe Figaretti began making and selling spaghetti sauce to local grocery stores. It was such a hit, the family opened Figaretti's Restaurant. It’s now still owned by the family and menu highlights are the meaty lasagna with sausage, ham and provolone, the wild mushroom ravioli, and the cannoli.

Family-owned Tenuta's Italian Restaurant was founded by Cesare and Antonia Tenuta, who came to America from southern Italy in 1961. The traditional recipes they brought with them can still be found on the menu, including their original sauces, and seafood and pasta dishes. Customers rate the thin-crust pizza, butternut squash ravioli, and tiramisù.

Established in 1966, Calico claims to be one of the oldest restaurants in Jackson Hole. The wood-fired pizza, family-friendly setting, and extensive wine list make this restaurant a firm favorite. There's a lovely deck area to dine outside, and a menu of classic dishes. We recommend trying the Tom's Bomber pizza, with sausage, grilled hamburger, pepperoni, scallions and black olives.

Now take a look at the most historic restaurant in every state