10 Best Italian Restaurants in the US You Need to Try

Italian cuisine has long held a cherished spot in America’s culinary heart. In 2025, the US is home to a thriving Italian food scene, with chefs and restaurateurs drawing from traditional roots while embracing innovation. From the bustling streets of New York City to the sunny avenues of Los Angeles, we’ve identified the best Italian restaurants that consistently impress with authenticity, creativity, and impeccable service.

Here are ten Italian restaurants you need to know about if you’re serious about savoring the best Italian food in the US

1. Carbone – New York, NY

Carbone, established in 2013 by chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi, is a Greenwich Village institution that pays homage to mid-century Italian-American dining. The restaurant’s signature dish, Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, has garnered widespread acclaim, contributing to Carbone’s status as a culinary landmark in New York City.

The ambiance at Carbone is a blend of nostalgia and sophistication, featuring tuxedoed waitstaff and a menu that elevates classic Italian-American dishes. This combination has made it a favorite among celebrities and food enthusiasts alike.

Highlights:

• Michelin-starred NYC landmark
• Famous for Spicy Rigatoni Vodka
• Retro 1950s decor and white-jacketed servers
• Frequented by celebrities and food critics
• Reservations booked months in advance

2. Osteria Mozza – Los Angeles, CA

Osteria Mozza, located in Los Angeles, is a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its high-quality Italian cuisine. The establishment features a white Carrara marble Mozzarella Bar, where Chef Nancy Silverton showcases freshly imported mozzarella, ricotta, and burrata.

The restaurant’s menu emphasizes seasonality and includes exquisite handmade pasta, grilled meats, and signature desserts like the Rosemary Olive Oil Cakes. Osteria Mozza’s commitment to traditional Italian flavors and its all-Italian wine list have solidified its reputation as a premier dining destination in Los Angeles.

Highlights:

• Mozzarella bar is one of the best in the US
• Chef Nancy Silverton is a James Beard Award winner
• Elegant interior with warm, ambient lighting
• Extensive Italian wine selection
• Known for tagliatelle with oxtail ragu and panna cotta

3. Felix Trattoria – Los Angeles, CA

Felix Trattoria, situated on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in California, is the brainchild of Chef Evan Funke, a two-time James Beard-nominated chef known for his dedication to traditional Italian pasta-making techniques.

The restaurant offers a menu inspired by the culinary traditions of regional Italy, enriched with ingredients sourced from California’s finest family farms. Felix’s commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship has made it a standout in the Los Angeles dining scene.

Highlights:

• Pasta is handmade daily in a glass-enclosed lab
• Features dishes from Northern, Central, and Southern Italy
• Seasonal, locally sourced produce
• Intimate and rustic atmosphere
• Funke’s cookbook and Netflix features increased its profile

4. Rezdôra – New York, NY

Rezdôra, located in New York City’s Flatiron District, is a Michelin-starred osteria that brings the flavors of Emilia-Romagna to the United States. Chef Stefano Secchi, originally from Modena, Italy, leads the kitchen, offering a menu that showcases traditional cuisine from the region.

The restaurant is celebrated for its handmade pasta and slow-cooked sauces, made with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Rezdôra’s dedication to authenticity and excellence has earned it a place among New York City’s top Italian dining establishments.

Highlights:

• Pasta tasting menu includes five distinct dishes
• Signature dish: Uovo Raviolo (egg yolk ravioli)
• Michelin star for culinary precision
• Cozy but upscale ambiance
• Emphasis on Modenese traditions

5. Macchialina – Miami Beach, FL

Macchialina, located in Miami Beach, is an energetic Italian taverna known for its bold, seasonally inspired cooking. Chef Michael Pirolo, a James Beard Semifinalist, leads the kitchen, offering a menu that emphasizes clean flavors, fresh ingredients, and rustic accents.

The restaurant’s wine program features predominantly Italian wines sourced from estate-grown grapes and boutique growers. Macchialina’s commitment to quality and authenticity has made it a favorite among locals and visitors seeking a genuine Italian dining experience in Miami.

Highlights:

• Award-winning rustic Italian cuisine
• Handmade pasta and seasonal ingredients
• Indoor and sidewalk café seating
• Known for dishes like Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
• Recognized as one of South Florida’s top food destinations

6. Strega – New Haven, CT

Strega, situated in New Haven, Connecticut, is one of the modern Italian restaurants recognized for its authenticity and quality. In 2023, Gambero Rosso, Italy’s top food and wine authority, awarded Strega the prestigious “Due Forchette” or two forks, a distinction granted to only a handful of US-based Italian establishments.

Owned by Chef Danilo Mongillo, a native of Southern Italy, Strega eschews Americanized dishes in favor of modern interpretations of traditional Italian cuisine. Each dish reflects the chef’s commitment to artisanal techniques and the use of premium Italian imports.

Highlights:

• Awarded by Gambero Rosso in 2023
• Known for handmade pasta and inventive plating
• Menu avoids cliché Italian-American dishes
• Sleek, contemporary design with open kitchen
• Sister location in Milford also highly rated

7. Torrisi – New York, NY

Torrisi Bar & Restaurant is located in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood and represents the refined culinary evolution of Italian-American cuisine. Opened in 2022 by Major Food Group, the restaurant has already received a Michelin star and was named one of the 50 best restaurants in America by The New York Times in 2023.

Chef Rich Torrisi crafts a highly curated prix-fixe menu that explores Italian-American heritage while integrating innovative fine-dining techniques.

Highlights:

• Michelin-starred within its first year
• Prix-fixe only dining format
• Inventive dishes like clam Caesar and lobster ravioli
• Elegant yet inviting atmosphere
• Part of the acclaimed Carbone culinary group

8. Antico Nuovo – Los Angeles, CA

Antico Nuovo offers a refined Italian experience inspired by the rustic charm of the countryside. Located in LA’s Koreatown, the restaurant showcases ancient techniques preserved through modern culinary execution, gaining national recognition including praise from The New York Times.

Led by Chef Chad Colby, Antico Nuovo blends old-world pasta making with a warm, neighborhood restaurant ethos. Expect refined dishes in an understated but polished space.

Highlights:

• Frequently named among LA’s best restaurants
• Emphasis on handmade pasta and dry-aged meats
• Inspired by Italy’s central and northern regions
• Open kitchen and rustic yet modern décor
• Chef Colby formerly of Chi Spacca and Mozza

9. Bottega – Birmingham, AL

Bottega, the brainchild of James Beard Award-winning chef Frank Stitt, fuses Italian elegance with Southern charm. Set in a neoclassical building in downtown Birmingham, the restaurant offers two dining experiences: a formal dining room and a more casual café.

The menu blends authentic Italian ingredients with local produce, resulting in a unique and regionally inspired take on Italian fare.

Highlights:

• Elegant Southern-Italian fusion
• Seasonal dishes like rabbit saltimbocca and house-made agnolotti
• Iconic arched windows and marble-clad interiors
• Extensive wine list with Old World emphasis
• Stitt is a foundational figure in Alabama’s food renaissance

10. Giacomo’s – Boston, MA

Giacomo’s Ristorante is a cornerstone of Boston’s North End, famed for its hearty portions, long lines, and no-reservations policy. The dining experience is loud, fast, and unforgettable, serving up some of the city’s best Italian food in a tightly packed space.

Expect rich, authentic Italian-American dishes with a loyal local following.

Highlights:

• Beloved for seafood pasta and chicken parmigiana
• Cash-only policy and long wait times add to the charm
• North End staple with a devoted following
• Generous portions and fast service
• Classic red-sauce vibes with family-run energy

The United States boasts a remarkable range of Italian restaurants, each offering a unique take on beloved classics while pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine. Whether it’s the nostalgic charm of Giacomo’s in Boston or the Michelin-recognized flair of Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles, each restaurant on this list brings something extraordinary to the table.

As Italian food continues to evolve in America, these establishments remain leaders in quality, innovation, and cultural celebration. So next time you’re planning a dinner out, consider making a reservation at one of these outstanding Italian restaurants. Your taste buds will thank you.