Alabama
Ariccia Trattoria, Auburn
There’s something about eating al fresco that makes Italian food taste even better! At Ariccia Trattoria, you can do just that on their private patio. Enjoy a large wine list and a seasonally rotating menu made with the freshest ingredients while eating outdoors.
Here’s how to pair everyday wines with your favorite Italian dishes.
Alaska
Evangelo’s Restaurant, Wasilla
Evangelo’s takes advantage of the all the seafood available in Alaska to offer a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired menu. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, be sure to try a crowd-favorite personal pizza!
Arizona
Mora Italian, Phoenix
Fan of Food Network? Be sure to visit Mora Italian restaurant in Phoenix – it’s the brainchild of Chopped judge Scott Conant! He puts a modern twist on Italian classics, like polenta with porcini sugo and black campanelle pasta with clams.
Arkansas
Noodles Italian Kitchen, Fayetteville
With a focus on fresh, authentic Italian food (they import Roma tomatoes from San Marzen Valley in Italy!), Noodles Italian Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant that makes its marinara, meat sauce and alfredo sauces from scratch every day. If you don’t love the meal, they even have a “you’ll love it or it’s free” guarantee!
California
Tiramisu Trattoria, La Mesa
With a fun, casual atmosphere loved by locals and visitors alike, Tiramisu Trattoria features a classic Italian menu, like lasagna bolognese, pizza Margherita and, of course, tiramisu. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, try the three-course pre-fix menu!
Colorado
Ristorante Del Lago, Colorado Springs
Treat yourself to a luxe Italian dinner at Ristorante Del Lago at the Broadmoor resort. With an emphasis on great service and top-notch Italian food, guests can dine while overlooking the lake and mountains in the distance.
Connecticut
Luna Rossa, Ridgefield
Featuring a rustic dining room and well-stocked bar, Luna Rossa offers modern Italian dining – be sure to try the risotto of the day! If you’re attending a play at the nearby Ridgefield Playhouse, try their special three-course pre-theater menu, complete with dessert.
Delaware
Cafe Napoli Restaurant & Pizzeria, Wilmington
Known for its large portions and family-friendly atmosphere, Cafe Napoli offers everything from paninis and pizzas to baked ziti and linguini with mussels. Stop in on Wednesdays for half-price wine!
Florida
Perricone’s Marketplace & Cafe, Miami
Not only is Perricone’s a top-notch Italian restaurant, it’s also a gourmet marketplace. They offer imported Italian products, meats and cheese, chocolate truffles, and more than 100 types of wine, including a proprietary house brand.
Georgia
Mondo Italian Kitchen, Milton
With a patio and osteria (that’s Italian for tavern!), Mondo’s Italian Kitchen’s menu features casual Northern Italian cuisine. If you’re not in the mood for pasta, they also offer artisan New York-style pizzas.
Hawaii
Pueo’s Osteria, Waikoloa
Pueo’s Osteria gets its name from the Pueo, an indigenous owl that represents the chef’s goal of serving food until midnight. They make their own pasta and gnocchi with 00 flour imported from Italy—all served in a fun, casual atmosphere with a well-stocked bar!
Idaho
Gino’s Italian Ristorante, Meridian
Traditional and timeless, Gino’s Italian Ristorante offers a huge selection of Italian classics, like cannelloni and Quattro formaggi pizza. But the best part of this restaurant is the warm and inviting ambiance – perfect for family gatherings or date night!
Illinois
Spacca Napoli, Chicago
Dedicated to creating authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, Spacca Napoli boasts a pizza oven built by third- and fourth-generation artists from Napoli and is run by a certified pizzaiolo. After trying the pizza, be sure to check out the dessert menu!
Indiana
Galo’s Italian Grill, Richmond
A hidden gem in Richmond, Galo’s Italian Grill is not to be missed! Enjoy sitting under an eye-catching ceiling mural, and try not to fill up on the fresh focaccia bread and seasoned olive oil served before every meal!
Is the best extra virgin olive oil actually from California? Find out!
Iowa
La Tavola, Burlington
Run by a husband and wife team, La Tavola features old-school Sicilian cooking in a comfortable environment. Be sure to try the calamari and garlic knots! Here’s how you can make garlic knots in your own kitchen.
Kansas
Renaissance Cafe, Assaria
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, check out the Renaissance Cafe! It’s located in an old school gym, with tables overlooking the basketball court and surrounded by vintage decor. Choose the Renaissance Cafe for authentic Northern Italian cuisine with a contemporary flair.
Kentucky
DiFabio’s Casapela, Louisville
Featuring a large selection of gluten-free options, DiFabio’s Casapela offers authentic Italian fare. Be sure to save room for dessert! They make all desserts in-house, including a Samoa cookie cheesecake, three-layer cappuccino cheesecake and Italian cream cake. They’re almost as good as the desserts Nonna used to make.
Louisiana
Fausto’s Bistro, Metairie
Fausto’s Bistro offers Italian comfort food at its finest. Two brothers own this restaurant and serve up classic recipes passed down through the family. Be sure to try Fausto’s Frutti di Mare (chock-full of seafood) or veal scallopini Rolando—each named after one of the brothers!
Maine
Ports of Italy, Boothbay Harbor
After spending years working at Italian restaurants in Italy and New York City, the founder of Ports of Italy serves up authentic Italian food, including homemade pasta, bread and desserts. Be sure to make a reservation – this is a popular hot spot!
Maryland
Primo Pasta Kitchen, Pasadena
Known for their outstanding service, Primo Pasta Kitchen offers a large menu of classic Italian cuisine. Take advantage of their happy hour deals, featuring an array of flatbreads, sliders and ravioli.
Treat yourself to one of these 60 comforting Italian pasta dishes!
Massachusetts
Scampo, Boston
Located in the first floor of Boston’s Liberty Hotel (which once was a jail!), Scampo means “to escape” in Italian and has been transformed into a contemporary space that offers a modern take on Italian food. Be sure to check out the mozzarella bar!
Michigan
Cantoro Italian Markets, Plymouth
Not only does Cantoro offer an authentic Italian dining experience, it’s also a fully stocked Italian market! Enjoy a meal in the dining room, and then pick up the ingredients you need to recreate your meal in the market (the menus tell you exactly which ingredients they used!)
Minnesota
Bar La Grassa, Minneapolis
Perfect for date nights, special occasions or business meetings, Bar La Grassa features a fun atmosphere and unique menu. (Try the soft egg and lobster bruschetta!) You can even sit at the pasta bar to see the chefs at work.
Mississippi
Joe’s Italian Ristorante, Long Beach
With a menu full of Italian comfort foods (like chicken piccata, veal Parmesan and cheese manicotti), Joe’s Italian Ristorante is a hot spot for locals and visitors. Top off your meal with classic cannoli or cheesecake!
Craving pasta? Try one of these pasta recipes that would make an Italian grandmother proud!
Missouri
Garozzo’s Ristorante, Kansas City
Garozzo’s is the home of the signature chicken spiedini (marinated chicken breast rolled in Italian bread crumbs and grilled), which has become a Kansas City staple! They even bottle their own sauces and salad dressings for sale in their restaurant and area grocery stores.
Here’s a homemade Italian vinaigrette recipe to revamp your salads!
Montana
The Emerson Grill, Bozeman
Located in the historic Emerson Center for Arts & Culture, The Emerson Grill features organic home-style Northern Italian cuisine. Enjoy a pear flatbread and a glass of wine before checking out one of the many art galleries!
Nebraska
Lo Sole Mio Ristorante, Omaha
Founded by a husband and wife team, Lo Sole Mio offers large portions of Italian classics, like chicken marsala and baked lasagna. Don’t forget to take a picture with your sweetheart under the Ciao Amore Mio (translation: hello, my love) wall!
Nevada
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant, Las Vegas
Toast a special event with a bottle of wine from Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant’s specially curated wine cellar! In addition to its time-honored recipes, the family-owned restaurant features special menus throughout the year, like a summer prix-fixe menu and taste and learn events.
New Hampshire
Patty B’s, Dover
Known for large portions, tasty bruschetta and signature marinara sauce, Patty B’s is a local favorite for authentic Italian cuisine. Check out the homemade desserts, including limoncello cream cake, on display as you wait for your table!
New Jersey
ITA101, Medford
After watching his grandmother perfect Italian recipes, chef Kevin Maher studied in Italy and became an expert on Italian cuisine before opening ITA101. The limited, rotating menu takes advantage of in-season ingredients—creating a new experience every time you stop by.
New Mexico
Zeffiro Pizzeria Napoletana, Las Cruces
Founded by a lawyer-turned-baker, Zeffiro’s Pizzeria serves up Neapolitan-style pizza, homemade pasta and fresh-baked breads—baked in a steam-injected stone hearth oven imported from France! At the end of the day, Zeffiro’s donates all leftover bread to a local soup kitchen.
New York
I Sodi, New York
A hidden gem in the West Village, I Sodi offers simple-yet-delicious Italian fare and is known for their negroni, an iconic Italian cocktail made with one part gin, one part Campari and one part sweet vermouth and garnished with orange peel.
North Carolina
Joseph’s Italian Bistro, Southport
Joseph’s Italian Bistro offers top-notch service, a large wine selection and fresh Italian cuisine in a prime location. Be sure to snag an outdoor table so you can enjoy views of the marina while you dine!
North Dakota
Fireflour Pizzeria & Coffee Bar, Bismarck
Known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas made in a wood-fired oven built in Italy, Fireflour Pizzeria was first founded as a mobile restaurant before moving to its current location. Not only do they serve pizza, but they also have a full coffee bar and offer breakfast pastries.
Ohio
Vero Pizza Napoletana, Cleveland
This small-batch pizzeria is open until their pizza dough runs out—so be sure to act quickly if you want their authentic Neopolitan pizza. Because Vero uses local, in-season ingredients, the menu evolves throughout the year.
Oklahoma
Stella Modern Italian Cuisine, Oklahoma City
With a relaxed, neighborhood feel, Stella Modern Italian Cuisine offers oak-fired pizzas, shared plates and traditional Italian fare. Plus, they have live music every week! Try grabbing a table at the bar to watch the wood-fired brick oven at work.
Oregon
Piazza Italia, Portland
Located in the trendy Pearl District, this family-oriented restaurant is known for two things: great Italian food and soccer. Piazza Italia is also home to a deli that offers Italian meats, cheeses and olives—perfect for a picnic lunch!
Pennsylvania
Gabriella’s Italian Restaurant, Harrisburg
Gabriella’s chef and owner arrived in the US in the 1970s to open an Italian restaurant that offers guests a memorable experience. With a menu full of unique creations and traditional Italian fare, Gabriella’s is a local favorite. Be sure to try the homemade meatballs, or whip up some in your own kitchen!
Rhode Island
Al Forno, Providence
Set on the riverfront, Al Forno offers cuisine from various regions of Italy. Their specialties include grilled pizza, dirty steak with hot fanny sauce and made-to-order desserts like fresh fruit tarts. Grab a spot on the outdoor patio, and try the roasted corn pizza!
South Carolina
The Obstinate Daughter, Sullivan’s Island
The Obstinate Daughter serves up pasta and pizza on historic Sullivan’s Island—the name even pays homage to the Revolutionary War history of the local area! Try the pizza with a farm egg cooked on top or one of the many seafood options.
South Dakota
Spezia, Sioux Falls
With a relaxed atmosphere and award-winning menu, Spezia is a local hot spot. They serve up a variety of steak, seafood and pasta options as well as pizza, burgers and sandwiches. Finish your meal with gelato or tiramisu!
Tennessee
Amerigo, Nashville
Serving up fresh Italian meals in a warm and inviting atmosphere, Amerigo offers everything from brioche French toast for brunch to a gorgonzola filet for dinner. Each month, the chef presents a five-course dinner with seasonal ingredients from the local farmers market.
Texas
Tony’s, Houston
This iconic Houston restaurant has offered fine Italian dining for more than 50 years—and has even served seven sitting presidents! Whether you enjoy a meal in the main dining room or celebrate a special occasion in the wine room (it features a custom Murano chandelier!), Tony’s offers an inviting atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
Utah
Valter’s Osteria, Salt Lake City
With a focus on simple and authentic Tuscan-inspired food, Valter’s Osteria offers classic recipes (from Valter’s own mother!) to modern, creative fare in a bustling restaurant complete with full bar, seasonal outdoor dining and a private room. Be sure to have a conversation with the man himself, Valter!
Vermont
Sarducci’s, Montpelier
Enjoy beautiful views of picturesque Vermont while dining on fresh, authentic Italian at Sarducci’s. Nestled on the banks of a river, the restaurant has an extensive gluten-free and dietary-restriction friendly menu in addition to their classic cuisine.
Virginia
Tavola, Charlottesville
Tavola is an intimate neighborhood restaurant that offers fresh and simple Italian. Try a craft cocktail, enjoy a snack at the Cicchetti bar and check out the daily trio of bruschetta! (Are you pronouncing bruschetta correctly? Find out.)
Washington
Spinasse, Seattle
Spinasse focuses on traditional cuisine inspired by the Piedmont area of northern Italy and uses products from local farmers to craft their meals. Pro tip: Snag a seat at the bar to get a view into the open kitchen!
West Virginia
Pasquale’s, Beckley
With a full bar and extensive wine list, Pasquale’s is a local favorite. They serve up large portions of classic meals, like fettuccine alfredo and eggplant Parmesan. They can even cater your next event!
Wisconsin
Centro Cafe, Milwaukee
A hidden gem in the heart of Milwaukee, Centro Cafe offers a wide range of Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere. They also have extensive gluten-free and vegan menus to cater to a wide variety of guests.
Wyoming
Glorietta, Jackson
Located in downtown Jackson, Glorietta is a laid-back Italian trattoria that serves up everything from handmade pasta and wood-roasted rabbit to gnocchi with brown butter and fried berry pies. Be sure to check out the drink menu! Cheers!
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Alexa Hackfort