The most iconic Italian restaurant in every state

ALABAMA: Gianmarco's Restaurant in Birmingham

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.

ALASKA: In Bocca Al Lupo in Juneau

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.

ARIZONA: Marcellino Ristorante in Scottsdale

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.

ARKANSAS: Bruno's Little Italy in Little Rock

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.

CALIFORNIA: Fior d'Italia in San Francisco

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.

COLORADO: Gaetano's in Denver

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.

CONNECTICUT: Mystic Pizza in Mystic

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."

DELAWARE: Mrs. Robino's in Wilmington

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.

FLORIDA: Christini's Ristorante Italiano in Orlando

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.

GEORGIA: La Grotta Ristorante Italiano in Buckhead, Atlanta

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.

HAWAII: Arancino in Honolulu

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.

IDAHO: Luciano's Italian Restaurant in Boise

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.

ILLINOIS: The Village in Chicago

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.

INDIANA: Iaria's Italian Restaurant in Indianapolis

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.

IOWA: Tumea & Sons in Des Moines

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.

KANSAS: Garozzo's in Kansas City

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.

KENTUCKY: Pompilio's in Newport

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."

LOUISIANA: Pascal's Manale in New Orleans

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.

MAINE: Via Vecchia in Portland

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.

MARYLAND: Il Pizzico in Rockville

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.

MASSACHUSETTS: Regina Pizzeria in Boston

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.

MICHIGAN: Buddy's Pizza in Detroit

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.

MINNESOTA: Yarusso Bros in St. Paul

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.

MISSISSIPPI: Giardina's Restaurant in Greenwood

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.

MISSOURI: Jasper's Italian Restaurant in Kansas City

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.

MONTANA: Lucca's in Helena

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.

NEBRASKA: Orsi's Italian Bakery & Pizzeria in Omaha

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.

NEVADA: Piero's Italian Cuisine in Las Vegas

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.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: The Rosa in Portsmouth

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.

NEW JERSEY: Chef Vola's in Atlantic City

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.

NEW MEXICO: Trombino's Bistro Italiano in Albuquerque

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.

NEW YORK: Lombardi's in New York City

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.

NORTH CAROLINA: Amedeo's Italian Restaurant in Raleigh

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.

NORTH DAKOTA: Spaghetti Western in Fargo

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.

OHIO: Guarino's in Cleveland

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.

OKLAHOMA: Pete's Place in Krebs

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.

OREGON: Nostrana in Portland

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.

PENNSYLVANIA: The Victor Café in Philadelphia

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.

RHODE ISLAND: Camille's in Providence

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.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Villa Tronco in Columbia

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.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Maribella Ristorante in Sioux Falls

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.

TENNESSEE: Caffé Nonna in Nashville

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.

TEXAS: Rosie Cannonball in Houston

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.

UTAH: Valter's Osteria in Salt Lake City

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.

VERMONT: Sarducci's in Montpelier

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.

VIRGINIA: Luigi's Italian Gourmet in Roanoke

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.

WASHINGTON: The Pink Door in Seattle

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.

WEST VIRGINIA: Fazio's Italian Restaurant in Charleston

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.

WISCONSIN: Calderone Club in Milwaukee

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.

WYOMING: Calico Restaurant and Bar in Jackson

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.