The most iconic Italian restaurant in every state
Meg B./Yelp
- Italian restaurants nationwide are often rich in history and beloved by their local communities.
- Fior d'Italia in San Francisco is widely recognized as the oldest Italian restaurant in the country.
- We identified iconic Italian restaurants based on customer reviews, their reputations, and local history.
Across America, beloved Italian restaurants are consistently serving creamy pastas, loaded-up pizzas, and more to legions of local fans.
We rounded up the most iconic Italian restaurant in every state based on customer reviews, local history, longevity, cultural significance, and the standout dishes that keep diners coming back.
From historic institutions like Fior d'Italia in San Francisco — widely believed to be the oldest Italian restaurant in the country, dating back to 1886 — to beloved neighborhood staples like Mystic Pizza in Connecticut, these are the most iconic and enduring Italian restaurants in every state.
Destiny R./Yelp
Gianmarco's Restaurant is a Birmingham staple founded by a father-and-sons trio who have brought generations of Italian family recipes to the city for nearly 20 years.
The upscale yet welcoming spot is known for handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and signature dishes, such as veal Parmesan and house-made gnocchi, all served in an intimate, old-world setting.
King L./Yelp
In Bocca Al Lupo is led by six-time James Beard award-nominated chef Beau Schooler and brings a modern, handmade approach to Italian cooking in downtown Juneau.
The restaurant has earned a loyal following for its fresh, house-made pastas, creative small plates, and seasonal ingredients, offering a refined take on Italian cuisine in Alaska's capital.
Marcellino Ristorante/Yelp
Marcellino Ristorante is led by Italian-born chef Marcellino Verzino, who brings decades of culinary experience to his Scottsdale establishment.
The intimate restaurant is known for fresh pastas, seafood, and rotating regional dishes that highlight authentic Italian methods of cooking.
Wendy G./Yelp
Bruno's Little Italy has been a Little Rock institution since 1949, founded by Italian immigrants who helped shape the city's dining scene.
The longtime favorite is known for classic red-sauce dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, baked lasagna, and hearty portions served in a nostalgic, old-school setting complete with red-and-white checked tablecloths.
Fior d'Italia/Getty Images
Fior d'Italia, founded in 1886, is widely recognized as the oldest Italian restaurant in the United States.
The historic San Francisco institution is famous for classic dishes like cioppino, veal parmigiana, and house-made pasta, served in a space that reflects more than a century of Italian-American dining tradition.
Harlee S./Yelp
Gaetano's has been a cornerstone of Denver's historic Northside since 1947 and was once used as a headquarters of sorts for the infamous Smaldone crime family, one local radio outlet reported.
The storied Italian restaurant is known for classics like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parmesan, and rich red sauces, all served in a space filled with local history.
Nate W./Yelp
Mystic Pizza opened in 1973 in Mystic, Connecticut, but it wasn't until the late '80s that the pizzeria became famous worldwide after screenwriter Amy Jones visited the eatery and decided to set her movie there.
The movie, starring Julia Roberts and shot on location at the pizzeria, was released in 1988. "Mystic Pizza" became a national phenomenon, drawing many tourists to the pizza eatery to try "A Slice of Heaven."
Emma S./Yelp
Mrs. Robino's opened in 1940 and has remained a family-run Italian restaurant for generations.
The cozy Wilmington staple is beloved for its homey atmosphere and classic dishes like lasagna, ravioli, and meatballs, made with longtime family recipes.
Amritha J./Yelp
Christini's Ristorante Italiano has been a fine-dining destination in Orlando since 1984, founded by restaurateur Chris Christini.
The elegant, old-school restaurant is known for tableside service, handmade pastas, and signature dishes like veal saltimbocca, along with a vast wine cellar, nightly music, and roses given out to every female customer.
La Grotta Ristorante Italiano/Yelp
La Grotta has been a Buckhead favorite since 1978 and is known for its refined, romantic atmosphere and garden area.
The upscale Italian restaurant is celebrated for Northern Italian dishes such as lobster ravioli and veal scaloppine, along with an extensive wine list and a celebrity clientele.
Linda Y./Yelp
Arancino opened in Waikiki in the 1990s and has grown into one of Hawaii's most beloved Italian restaurant groups.
The restaurant is especially known for its signature pasta dishes — including uni pasta and dishes finished in a large Parmesan cheese wheel — blending Italian tradition with high-quality island ingredients.
Kyle R./Yelp
Luciano's Italian Restaurant is a longtime Boise favorite known for its classic Italian-American comfort food made from scratch.
The welcoming restaurant draws regulars for hearty dishes such as fettuccine Alfredo, chicken Parmesan, and baked pasta, served in a casual, family-friendly setting.
The Village/Yelp
The Village opened in 1927 in Chicago's Little Italy and has remained a landmark for nearly a century.
The historic restaurant is known for traditional dishes like chicken cacciatore and house-made pasta, along with its old-world dining rooms that reflect generations of Italian heritage.
Matthew E./Yelp
Iaria's Italian Restaurant has been serving Indianapolis since 1933. It was founded by Italian immigrants in the city's historic Italian neighborhood, and has remained on the same street corner ever since.
It's known for its signature meat sauce, spaghetti, and veal dishes, along with a retro interior that hasn't changed much in decades.
Tony H./Yelp
Tumea & Sons dates back to the late 1990s, when the Tumea family opened their own Italian restaurant using family recipes and knowledge gained from previous jobs at other restaurants.
The longtime Des Moines institution is famous for its handmade pasta, baked lasagna, and family-style meals that reflect generations of Italian-American tradition.
Dawn S./Yelp
Garozzo's has been a Kansas City staple since 1989, founded by a local Italian-American family and rooted in traditional recipes.
The beloved restaurant is best known for its signature chicken spiedini — a Kansas City favorite — along with classic red-sauce dishes served in a warm, old-school setting.
Paul D./Yelp
Pompilio's has been serving Northern Kentucky since 1933 and is one of the region's most historic Italian restaurants.
It's known for hearty classics like lasagna, ravioli, and seafood dishes, and gained national attention after appearing in the film "Rain Man."
Linda L./Yelp
Pascal's Manale opened in 1913 and is a cornerstone of New Orleans' Italian-Creole dining tradition.
The historic restaurant is credited with popularizing barbecue shrimp — its most famous dish — along with classic pasta and seafood served in a timeless dining room.
Hannah T./Yelp
Via Vecchia is a newer addition to Portland's dining scene, offering a stylish take on Italian cuisine in the city's Old Port. It's known for its ivy-covered red-brick building and romantic, trendy interiors.
It serves up handmade pastas, wood-fired dishes, and fan-favorite menu items like short rib ragu.
Tania A./Yelp
Il Pizzico has been a Rockville favorite for decades, known for bringing refined regional Italian cuisine to the suburbs of Washington, DC.
The intimate restaurant is celebrated for its house-made pastas, fresh seafood, and rotating specials.
Jacob P./Yelp
Regina Pizzeria first opened in Boston's North End in 1926 and is one of the most iconic pizzerias in the country.
The legendary spot is known for its brick-oven pizzas with charred, chewy crusts and classic toppings, drawing lines of locals and tourists every day.
Buddy's Pizza/Yelp
Buddy's Pizza, founded in 1946 as Buddy's Rendezvous, is widely credited as the birthplace of Detroit-style pizza.
The iconic restaurant is known for its square, deep-dish pies with caramelized cheese edges and sauce layered on top — a style that has become famous nationwide.
Jerry M./Yelp
Yarusso Bros has been serving St. Paul since 1933, making it one of Minnesota's oldest Italian restaurants.
The family-run institution is famous for its signature baked mostaccioli pasta, classic red-sauce dishes, and its old-school charm, which has endured for generations.
Magen O./Yelp
Giardina's Restaurant dates back to 1936 and is one of the most historic restaurants in the Mississippi Delta.
The elegant yet nostalgic spot is known for its steaks and Italian-influenced seafood dishes that also reflect its Southern heritage.
Harmanjeet K./Yelp
Jasper's has been a Kansas City institution since 1954, founded by a Sicilian immigrant family.
The longtime favorite is known for authentic Italian dishes like lasagna and linguini with clams, as well as a lively dining room and generations of loyal customers.
Auna N./Yelp
Lucca's in Helena, Montana, is a fine-dining restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine.
The eatery serves Italian and Italian-American staples, including baked ziti, spaghetti, risotto, and chicken. TripAdvisor has ranked it among the best eateries in the state, and Business Insider previously named Lucca's the best restaurant in Montana.
Meg B./Yelp
Orsi's Italian Bakery & Pizzeria dates back to 1919 and remains one of Omaha's most historic Italian establishments.
The bakery turned pizzeria is famous for its thick, square-cut pizzas and fresh-baked bread, served in a no-frills, old-world setting.
Brandon L./Yelp
Piero's Italian Cuisine opened in 1982 and has long been a power-dining destination just off the Las Vegas Strip.
The upscale restaurant is known for Northern Italian dishes like osso buco and veal Parmesan, as well as its history of hosting celebrities and mob-era figures.
The Rosa/Yelp
The Rosa, previously known as Rosa's Restaurant, is a modern Italian restaurant in downtown Portsmouth that blends tradition with contemporary flair.
The stylish spot has been serving customers since it opened its doors in 1927 and is known for handmade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and refined dishes.
Sam S./Yelp
Chef Vola's has been a hidden gem in Atlantic City since 1921, operating out of a small house in a residential neighborhood.
The famously hard-to-book restaurant is known for classic dishes like veal Parmesan and rigatoni, along with its old-school, cash-only charm and loyal following.
Trombino's Bistro Italiano/Yelp
Open since 1979, Trombino's Bistro Italiano has been a longtime favorite in Albuquerque, founded by a family with deep Italian roots.
The welcoming restaurant is known for generous portions of classics like baked lasagna and chicken Parmesan, all served in a warm, neighborhood setting.
Christy N./Yelp
While New York has no shortage of iconic Italian establishments, from Carmine's to Carbone, Lombardi's is widely recognized as America's first pizzeria.
Established in 1905, the Nolita landmark — previously located in New York's Little Italy neighborhood — is famous for its coal-fired, thin-crust pizzas with charred edges and simple, high-quality toppings that helped define New York-style pizza.
Lori R./Yelp
Amedeo's opened in 1963 and has become a Raleigh institution, especially among NC State University students and alumni.
The longtime favorite is known for hearty Italian-American classics like lasagna and baked ziti, along with its sports-themed décor celebrating Wolfpack history.
Mindy B./Yelp
Spaghetti Western brings a creative, modern take on Italian cuisine to downtown Fargo.
The popular spot is known for house-made pasta, inventive dishes, and a lively atmosphere that blends Italian flavors with a contemporary Midwestern twist.
Matt H./Yelp
Guarino's, founded in 1918, is the oldest restaurant in Cleveland and a cornerstone of the city's Little Italy neighborhood.
The historic eatery is known for classic dishes like gnocchi, manicotti, and wedding soup, served in a charming, old-world setting with an expansive garden patio.
Nancy R./Yelp
Pete's Place dates back to 1925 and was founded by Italian immigrants in the coal-mining town of Krebs, once known as Little Italy.
The beloved institution is famous for its family-style meals, including spaghetti, ravioli, and fried chicken, served alongside its signature house salad and garlic bread.
Grace C./Yelp
Nostrana has been a Portland staple since 2005, known for its focus on seasonal, farm-driven Italian cuisine.
The acclaimed James Beard-nominated restaurant is especially famous for its wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and simple, elegant dishes that highlight high-quality ingredients.
Ju L./Yelp
Established in 1918, The Victor Cafe in Philadelphia specializes in Italian food, offering customers ravioli, risotto, and steak.
However, the restaurant isn't known only for its food. Victor Cafe's claim to fame is its appearances in the "Rocky" franchise: The restaurant appeared in "Rocky Balboa" in 2006, and its spinoff, "Creed." In the movies, the restaurant is called Adrian's.
Eva C./Yelp
Camille's has been a fixture on Providence's Federal Hill since 1914, making it one of the city's oldest Italian restaurants.
The historic spot is known for its romantic atmosphere and classic dishes like veal Parmesan and seafood pasta in the heart of Rhode Island's most famously Italian neighborhood.
Teen B./Yelp
Villa Tronco traces its roots back to 1940 and is widely considered South Carolina's oldest Italian restaurant.
The family-run institution is known for recipes passed down through generations, including lasagna, baked ziti, and rich tomato sauces, as well as for its unique location inside a historic firehouse.
Pam W./Yelp
Maribella Ristorante offers an upscale Italian dining experience in Sioux Falls.
The restaurant is known for refined dishes like house-made pasta, seafood specialties, and elegant presentations, making it a go-to for special occasions and a favorite among locals, who've consistently awarded the restaurant highly rated reviews on Google and Yelp.
Amanda M./Yelp
Established in 1999, Caffé Nonna is a seven-time winner of Nashville's Best Italian Restaurant and is known for its cozy, intimate atmosphere and for featuring recipes from Chef Dan's grandmother or "nonna."
The restaurant is especially beloved for its signature lasagna — often cited as one of the best in the city — along with other classic Italian comfort dishes.
Lea C./Yelp
Rosie Cannonball is a modern Italian-inspired restaurant in Houston that has quickly gained national attention and is even featured in the Michelin Guide.
The stylish spot is known for wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and Mediterranean-influenced dishes, along with an extensive wine list and vibrant atmosphere.
Valter's Osteria/Yelp
Valter's Osteria was founded by Italian-born chef Valter Nassi, who became a local legend and famed Italian restaurateur in Salt Lake City after 20 years of owning and operating restaurants in the city.
His namesake restaurant is known for tableside service, handmade pasta, and signature dishes like pappardelle and osso buco, all served with theatrical flair.
Joy S./Yelp
Sarducci's, located along the Winooski River in the heart of downtown, has been a Montpelier favorite for decades.
The cozy restaurant is known for classic Italian dishes such as seafood pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizza, served alongside scenic waterfront views.
Manuel M./Yelp
Luigi's Italian Gourmet has been serving Roanoke since 1970, making it one of the city's most enduring Italian restaurants.
The casual, family-run spot is known for generous portions of classics like spaghetti, baked ziti, and subs, along with a loyal local following.
Jm P./Yelp
The Pink Door opened in 1981 and is one of Seattle's most iconic restaurants, hidden behind an unmarked entrance in Pike Place Market.
The restaurant is known for its Italian-inspired menu, including handmade pasta and seafood, as well as live entertainment like cabaret and trapeze performances.
Samantha G./Yelp
Blessed with the tagline of "the most famous Italian restaurant in West Virginia," Fazio's Italian Restaurant has been a Charleston staple for decades, founded by a family with Italian roots.
The longtime favorite is known for classic dishes like veal Parmesan, spaghetti, and house-made sauces, served in a welcoming atmosphere.
Mikayla M./Yelp
Calderone Club has been a Milwaukee institution since 1945, and is even credited with introducing pizza to the city.
The beloved family-owned restaurant is known for its thin-crust pizzas, homemade pasta, and classic Italian-American dishes.
Rach S./Yelp
Established in 1966, Calico Restaurant and Bar has been a Jackson Hole favorite for decades, offering Italian-inspired cuisine just a stone's throw from local tourist attractions.
The restaurant is known for wood-fired pizzas, hearty pasta dishes, and a cozy, cabin-like atmosphere near Grand Teton National Park.