Italian food is one of the most popular cuisines in the United States, but only a small number of Italian restaurants consistently earn high marks from locals and travelers alike. These are the restaurants that serve handmade pastas and slow-simmered sauces made using authentic Italian recipes or, in some cases, those that have added a creative, modern twist to traditional Italian cooking. In a country filled with American “Italian” dishes that you probably shouldn’t order in Italy, the very best Italian restaurants stand out for masterfully combining authenticity and flair. These dining establishments consistently impress with both their menus and their overall experience.
For this guide, we’ve narrowed down the over 44,000 Italian restaurants in the United States to the top 10. This was no easy feat! Some of the names you’ll see here are nationally known spots that have built strong reputations over many decades. Others are neighborhood favorites that locals love, but travelers are often surprised by. From iconic destinations like Piero’s in Las Vegas to lesser-known spots you should absolutely add to your foodie bucket list, these Italian restaurants represent the very best of Italian cuisine all across the United States.
Il Bolognese on Ocean (Miami, Florida)
Although Miami Beach is primarily known for Caribbean and Cuban influences in its cuisine, the city is also a bastion of amazing Italian spots, with not one, but two restaurants on this list. We open with Il Bolognese on Ocean, which offers an ultra-polished approach to Italian dining. Unlike many Italian restaurants in the United States, the menu here doesn’t focus on a single region of Italy. Rather, diners can choose from traditional specialties sourced from around the Mediterranean nation. The options here are extensive, with everything from Venetian-inspired grilled octopus to pasta alla Sorrentina to pizza Margherita available. Il Bolognese offers an upscale dining experience that appeals to Miami residents, as well as those visiting the vibrant city. It is elegant without being stuffy, with lots of natural light, plants in nearly every corner, and bright sunflowers on the tables.
Located on Ocean Drive, Il Bolognese is often praised for its lovely views, in addition to its exceptional food and service. Guests often note that this spot is excellent any time of day, with some sharing that breakfast is actually their favorite meal here, while others prefer dinner and cocktails. This consistent quality is one of the things that has earned Il Bolognese an incredible 4.8 rating across more than 12,000 Google reviews. Nearly universal praise is rare in the restaurant industry, and it places this much-loved Miami hotspot easily among the best Italian restaurants in the United States.
DiStefano’s Victor Cafe (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Few Italian restaurants in the United States offer a dining experience quite like DiStefano’s Victor Cafe in Philadelphia. Established in 1918, this historic restaurant has built its legendary reputation for more than a century. Known for its classic Italian menu and its unforgettable ambiance, you’ll never regret a visit to this unique dining establishment. Throughout your meal, you can expect the servers — a number of whom are trained vocalists — to pause to perform opera for the dining room! While tales of these performances may be what first draws visitors in the door, the food at Victor Cafe keeps them coming back. The menu focuses on authentic, freshly-made Italian and Italian American favorites, like spaghetti rusticana, eggplant rigatoni with homemade marinara, and even a vegan version of orecchiette pomodoro…