Italian cuisine in the U.S. is more than just pizza and pasta—it’s an art form perfected by passionate chefs across the country. From Michelin-starred fine dining to rustic trattorias serving handmade pasta, these 15 Italian restaurants showcase the best of Italy from coast to coast.
1. Carbone – New York, NY
A legendary red-sauce joint with a modern, upscale twist, Carbone is known for its spicy rigatoni vodka, veal parmesan, and tableside Caesar salad. The ambiance is as rich as the food, making it one of America’s most sought-after reservations.
2. Osteria Mozza – Los Angeles, CA
Chef Nancy Silverton’s Michelin-starred hotspot offers a mozzarella bar, handmade pastas, and beautifully curated Italian wines. The Ricotta Gnudi and Burrata Caprese are must-tries.
3. Quince – San Francisco, CA
A three-Michelin-star Italian fine dining experience, Quince offers a seasonal tasting menu featuring fresh California ingredients. Their handmade pastas with truffles are legendary.
4. Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria – New York, NY
A rustic Italian restaurant and market offering house-made salumi, artisanal breads, and seasonal pasta dishes. Their cacio e pepe and porchetta sandwich are worth the trip alone.
5. Vetri Cucina – Philadelphia, PA
One of America’s most refined Italian dining experiences, Vetri Cucina offers a chef’s tasting menu featuring dishes like sweet onion crepe and truffle-laced pastas in an intimate, elegant setting.
6. Bestia – Los Angeles, CA
A hotspot for modern Italian fare, Bestia is known for its wood-fired pizzas, house-made charcuterie, and pastas like cavatelli with black truffle sausage.
7. RPM Italian – Chicago, IL
A sleek, upscale restaurant offering refined Italian-American cuisine. Their truffle mafaldine, lobster fra diavolo, and wagyu beef meatballs are standouts.
8. Marea – New York, NY
A seafood-forward Italian restaurant, Marea is renowned for its handmade pastas infused with luxurious ingredients like lobster, sea urchin, and bone marrow.
9. Monteverde – Chicago, IL
Chef Sarah Grueneberg’s handmade pasta-focused eatery is a dream for Italian food lovers. The cacio whey pepe and Tortelli di Zucca showcase her innovative take on classic dishes.
10. Cotogna – San Francisco, CA
A warm, rustic trattoria offering wood-fired pizzas, hand-cut pasta, and roasted meats. Their Agnolotti del Plin and Tagliatelle Bolognese are simple but spectacular.
11. Rolf & Daughters – Nashville, TN
While it blends Italian and Mediterranean influences, Rolf & Daughters is beloved for its handmade pasta, locally sourced ingredients, and natural wine selection. The Mafaldine with black garlic and pecorino is a standout.
12. Dante – New York, NY
Famous for its Negronis and aperitivos, Dante also serves modern Italian plates, including lobster pasta and truffle gnocchi, in an intimate setting.
13. La Ciccia – San Francisco, CA
A Sardinian-inspired eatery known for its bottarga-laced pastas, fresh seafood, and extensive Italian wine selection. Try the Malloreddus with saffron and sausage for an authentic taste of Sardinia.
14. Lucia – Dallas, TX
A hidden gem in Texas, Lucia is a small, ingredient-driven Italian spot serving house-cured meats, handmade pastas, and rich, rustic flavors. The foie gras stuffed pasta is unforgettable.
15. Osteria Marco – Denver, CO
This Denver favorite is known for its house-made burrata, artisanal pizzas, and rich pastas. Their pappardelle with lamb ragù is a must-order.
Italian cuisine shines in every corner of the U.S., from coastal fine dining in California to rustic trattorias in Texas and Florida. Whether you’re craving handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, or a luxurious seafood feast, these 15 spots represent the best of Italian dining in America.
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