12 Italian Restaurants Across US Cities That Truly Stand Out

Italian food in America is more than pasta or pizza. It is about places that mix tradition, innovation, and hospitality into memorable dining. These restaurants do more than serve meals; they create experiences that reflect both Italian heritage and American spirit. From pizzerias that shaped history to bold trattorias and festive family-style dining, each spot has earned its place. Whether rooted in red-sauce culture or modern reinvention, these 12 restaurants show how Italian cuisine thrives across U.S. cities and continues to stand out nationwide.

1. Carbone (New York, NY)

Carbone is one of New York’s most celebrated Italian-American restaurants. Known for its old-school flair, it captures the glamour of mid-century dining while serving dishes that feel both familiar and refined. Guests flock for its famous spicy rigatoni vodka, veal parmigiana, and tableside Caesar salad. The dining room, with dim lights and leather banquettes, feels like stepping back into another era. Yet Carbone is more than nostalgia; it has helped redefine Italian fine dining in America, making it a landmark for both locals and visitors.

2. Giordano’s (Chicago, IL)

Giordano’s represents Chicago deep-dish pizza at its most iconic. Famous for its stuffed pies, each slice comes layered with cheese, sauce, and hearty fillings encased in a buttery crust. What started as a neighborhood restaurant has grown into a nationally recognized brand, but its Chicago locations remain pilgrimage sites for pizza lovers. Eating at Giordano’s is less about grabbing a quick slice and more about savoring a meal that feels like an event. The indulgence, warmth, and comfort keep generations of diners coming back.

3. Il Fornaio (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Il Fornaio brings the flavors of Italy to the heart of Las Vegas at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, house-baked breads, and fresh handmade pastas, the restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredients and traditional Italian techniques. Guests can enjoy rustic antipasti, seafood dishes, and elegant desserts in a welcoming atmosphere. The combination of authentic recipes and attention to detail makes Il Fornaio a memorable destination for both casual diners and those seeking a refined Italian experience.

4. Maggiano’s Little Italy (Jacksonville, Florida)

Maggiano’s in Jacksonville carries forward the brand’s Chicago-born tradition of generous, family-style Italian-American dining. Signature dishes like lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and baked ziti are served in large portions designed for sharing, making it a go-to spot for gatherings with family and friends. The warm, bustling atmosphere adds to its appeal, whether for a casual meal or a celebratory night out. While Maggiano’s has grown into a national name, the Jacksonville location keeps the spirit alive with timeless recipes and an inviting setting that blends comfort with tradition.

5. Lombardi’s Pizza (New York, NY)

Lombardi’s is often credited as the first licensed pizzeria in the United States, founded in 1905. Its coal-fired oven pizzas, with thin crusts and simple toppings like tomato, mozzarella, and basil, remain timeless favorites. What makes Lombardi’s stand out is not just its history but its commitment to quality. Each pizza has a lightly charred crust and fresh ingredients that highlight simplicity done right. Tourists and locals alike crowd its Little Italy location, eager to taste a slice of culinary history paired with authentic New York flavor.

6. Patsy’s Italian Restaurant (New York, NY)

Since opening in 1944, Patsy’s has remained a cornerstone of New York Italian dining. It is best known as a longtime favorite of Frank Sinatra and continues to attract celebrities and loyal customers alike. The menu features Italian-American classics such as chicken cacciatore, veal marsala, and hearty pasta dishes. The restaurant’s décor and service reflect a traditional elegance, offering consistency that has endured for decades. Patsy’s stands out because it combines history, quality, and charm, keeping the essence of old-world Italian dining alive in the heart of Manhattan.

7. Delmonico’s (New York, NY)

Delmonico’s is an iconic New York City restaurant, widely considered one of America’s first fine dining establishments. It originally opened in 1827 and later settled at 56 Beaver Street, where it still operates today. Over the years, it has introduced or popularized several classic dishes like the Delmonico steak and “Delmonico potatoes” and has maintained a reputation for elegance, quality ingredients, and historic ambiance. After closing during the pandemic, Delmonico’s reopened in September 2023 under new ownership, restoring its legacy as a New York dining landmark.

8. The Stinking Rose (San Francisco, CA)

The Stinking Rose has built its reputation on garlic, boldly featuring it in nearly every dish. Located in North Beach, San Francisco’s Italian district, it offers playful menu items such as garlic-infused shrimp, roasted meats, and even garlic ice cream for adventurous diners. The restaurant’s quirky theme is matched by its lively atmosphere, making it both a tourist draw and a local favorite. While whimsical, it delivers real flavor and hospitality, proving that Italian dining can be both creative and comforting without losing its roots.

9. Pizzeria Due (Chicago, IL)

Opened in 1955 as the sister restaurant to the original Pizzeria Uno, Pizzeria Due cemented deep-dish pizza’s place in Chicago culture. Its pizzas are known for their thick crusts, ample cheese, and rich tomato sauce, creating a meal that is as hearty as it is flavorful. The historic brownstone location adds character, offering a cozy setting to enjoy one of Chicago’s most famous exports. Generations of families have dined here, making it a tradition as much as a restaurant. Pizzeria Due remains a proud representative of Chicago’s pizza heritage.

10. Rosebud on Rush (Chicago, IL)

Rosebud on Rush has been a fixture of Chicago’s Gold Coast dining scene for decades. Known for its red-sauce Italian classics, it offers dishes such as veal Milanese, rigatoni with vodka sauce, and seafood linguine. The restaurant combines elegance with approachability, featuring white tablecloth service in a lively, welcoming environment. Many visitors and locals alike see it as a celebration of both Italian flavor and Chicago tradition. Its reputation for consistent quality and warm hospitality makes it a standout destination among the city’s many Italian spots.

11. Buca di Beppo (Nationwide)

Founded in Minneapolis in 1993, Buca di Beppo quickly became known for its festive, family-style Italian dining. Its walls are decorated with vintage photos and bold décor, creating a celebratory environment. The menu leans into Italian-American staples such as oversized meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmigiana, all served in shareable portions. While it is a chain, it stands out for turning dinner into an event, making it a go-to for birthdays, reunions, and group celebrations. Its combination of food, fun, and flair makes it truly distinctive.

12. Artusi (Seattle, WA)

Artusi is a modern Italian restaurant located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, blending rustic tradition and contemporary flair. Since opening in 2011, it has earned acclaim for its handmade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful small plates. The space is casual yet polished, designed for both date nights and lively dinners with friends. While the menu shifts with the seasons, Artusi maintains a commitment to Italian flavor profiles with Pacific Northwest sensibilities.