Describing Americans‘ love for Italian cuisine as mere affection is an understatement; it’s a genuine obsession. Whether it’s the allure of lasagna, the comfort of pizza, the simplicity of spaghetti, or the decadence of tiramisu, the appetite for Italian flavors knows no bounds.
With approximately one in eight restaurants in the United States dedicated to serving Italian dishes, you’re spoiled for choice with over 25+ authentic Italian side dishes for your your main course. The widespread adoration for these culinary delights is a testament to the enduring and widespread appeal of Italian gastronomy in the hearts and palates of Americans.
Upon arriving in Italy, you might be surprised to discover that the iconic spaghetti with oversized meatballs isn’t a common dish. Additionally, Italian pizza differs significantly from the Americanized versions.
Despite the variance in authenticity, the delectable nature of Americanized Italian cuisine remains undeniable, satisfying taste buds without complaint. Check out for our 35 most popular Italian foods that will captivate you 2023.
In urban areas, In T0p 20 Restaurant to Go for Italian Food in Las Vegas, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences. To guide you to the most mouthwatering options, we’ve compiled a ranking of Italian chain restaurants — from those that fall short to the absolute cream of the crop. Here, we have also written Top 29 Italian Foods That Will Make Your Mouth Water.
- Osteria Francescana (Modena, Italy)
- Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy)
- Piazza Duomo (Alba, Italy)
- Dal Pescatore (Canneto sull’Oglio, Italy)
- Enoteca Pinchiorri (Florence, Italy)
- La Pergola (Rome, Italy)
- Il Palagio (Florence, Italy)
- Osteria Mozza (Los Angeles, USA)
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Naples, Italy)
- Ristorante Gambero Rosso (San Vincenzo, Italy)
- Marea (New York City, USA)
- Spiaggia (Chicago, USA)
- Quince (San Francisco, USA)
- Bestia (Los Angeles, USA)
- Giacomo’s Ristorante (Boston, USA)
- Vetri Cucina (Philadelphia, USA)
- Il Gabbiano (Miami, USA)
- Carbone (New York City, USA)
- RPM Italian (Chicago, USA)
- Acquerello (San Francisco, USA)
- Il Fornaio (Various locations, USA)
- Angelini Osteria (Los Angeles, USA)
- Felidia (New York City, USA)
- Il Baretto al Baglioni (Milan, Italy)
- Trattoria Santarosa (Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy)
- Il Canto (Siena, Italy)
- Il Mulino (Various locations, USA)
- Osteria del Pescatore (Cernobbio, Italy)
- Cipriani (Various locations worldwide)
- Il Latini (Florence, Italy)
- La Ciccia (San Francisco, USA)
- Il Terrazzo Carmine (Seattle, USA)
- Antica Pesa (Rome, Italy)
- Don Alfonso 1890 (Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, Italy)
- Casa Tua (Miami, USA)
- Il Pastaio (Beverly Hills, USA)
- La Bottega del Buon Caffè (Florence, Italy)
- Il Gatto e la Volpe (Florence, Italy)
- Il Capriccio (Waltham, USA)
- Osteria Langhe (Chicago, USA)
- RPM Steak (Chicago, USA)
- Il Forno di Gennaro (Positano, Italy)
- Ristorante Cracco (Milan, Italy)
- Il Palio (Siena, Italy)
- Il Falconiere (Cortona, Italy)
- Lungarno Bistrot (Florence, Italy)
- Il Gatto Nero (Cernobbio, Italy)
- Il Piccolo Principe (Viareggio, Italy)
- Trattoria da Burde (Florence, Italy)
- Il Pomodorino (Capri, Italy)
- Il Riccio (Capri, Italy)
- Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia (Milan, Italy)
- Il Gambero Rosso (San Pietro in Cariano, Italy)
- Il Riccio (Capri, Italy)
- Il Molo (Boston, USA)
- Il Melograno (Monopoli, Italy)
- Il Ristoro del Cambio (Turin, Italy)
- Il Buco (New York City, USA)
- Il Palagetto (Florence, Italy)
- Il Cascinale Nuovo (Moncalvo, Italy)
- Il Drago e la Farfalla (Pisa, Italy)
- Il Patio (Bologna, Italy)
- Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria (New York City, USA)
- Il Ghiottone Umbro (Perugia, Italy)
- Il Bacaro del Sambuco (Siena, Italy)
- Il Ritrovo (Positano, Italy)
- Il Fontanaro (Panicale, Italy)
- Il Testamento del Porco (Bari, Italy)
- Il Focolare (Montegridolfo, Italy)
- Il Paladino (Recanati, Italy)
- Il Profumo dei Sapori (Rome, Italy)
- Il Saraceno (Trani, Italy)
- Il Sorpasso (Rome, Italy)
- Il Vicolo (Verona, Italy)
- Il Piastrino (Montepulciano, Italy)
- Il Gatto e la Strega (Milan, Italy)
- Il Desco (Verona, Italy)
- Il Caffè di Roma (Rome, Italy)
- Il Rifugio (San Martino di Castrozza, Italy)
- Il Vicoletto (Dublin, Ireland)
- Il Cascinalenuovo (Montiglio Monferrato, Italy)
- Il Ritrovo degli Amici (Sorrento, Italy)
- Il Grillo Brillo (Bologna, Italy)
- Il Roseto (Vigevano, Italy)
- Il Passetto (Ancona, Italy)
- Il Brigante (Positano, Italy)
- Il Doge (Venice, Italy)
- Il Vero Alfredo (Rome, Italy)
- Il Covo (Positano, Italy)
- Il Ghiottone (Sorrento, Italy)
- Il Cardinale (Turin, Italy)
- Il Viaggiatore (Viterbo, Italy)
- Il Buongustaio (Siena, Italy)
- Il Canneto (Martina Franca, Italy)
- Il Ristoro di Ama (Gaiole in Chianti, Italy)
- **Il Borgo Antico
Read more: How To Make Perfect Italian Donuts In Les Time
Italian Food Restaurant Chains
Here are the compiled list of Notable Italian restaurants in the United States. From the bustling streets of New York City to the sun-kissed shores of Miami, get ready to savor the perfect pasta at Marea in NYC, experience the warmth of Giacomo’s Ristorante in Boston, and discover the art of pizza-making at Pizzana in Los Angeles.
Join us as we celebrate the delicious and diverse offerings of these Italian culinary gems scattered across the American culinary landscape by checking them out.
New York City:
- Marea
- Babbo
- Del Posto
- L’Artusi
- Il Mulino
- Carbone
- Lupa Osteria Romana
- Scalini Fedeli
- Maialino
- Felidia
Chicago:
- Spiaggia
- RPM Italian
- Piccolo Sogno
- Quartino
- Osteria Langhe
- Coco Pazzo
- Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
- RPM Steak
- Volare Ristorante Italiano
- Mia Francesca
San Francisco:
- Quince
- Acquerello
- A16
- Cotogna
- Perbacco
- SPQR
- Il Fornaio
- Tommaso’s Ristorante Italiano
- Flour + Water
- La Ciccia
Los Angeles:
- Bestia
- Drago Centro
- Il Pastaio
- Angelini Osteria
- Jon & Vinny’s
- Osteria Mozza
- Maccheroni Republic
- Rossoblu
- Pizzana
- Valentino
Boston:
- Giacomo’s Ristorante
- Mamma Maria
- Carmelina’s
- Il Capriccio
- Ristorante Fiore
- Antico Forno
- Regina Pizzeria
- Il Molo
- Da Vinci Ristorante
- Pagliuca’s
Philadelphia:
- Vetri Cucina
- Osteria
- Amis Trattoria
- Little Nonna’s
- Le Virtù
- Gran Caffe L’Aquila
- La Famiglia Ristorante
- Radicchio Cafe
- Pizzeria Vetri
- Mr. Martino’s Trattoria
Miami:
- Il Gabbiano
- Cipriani Downtown Miami
- Osteria del Teatro
- Prime Italian
- Macchialina
- Scarpetta
- Cibo Wine Bar
- Strada in the Grove
- Fratelli Milano
- Casa Tua
Las Vegas:
- Carbone
- Sinatra
- Rao’s
- Costa di Mare
- Il Mulino New York
- Piero’s Italian Cuisine
- Buddy V’s Ristorante
- Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
- Battista’s Hole in the Wall
- Scarpetta
Washington, D.C.:
- RPM Italian
- Filomena Ristorante
- Lupo Verde
- RPM Steak
- Al Tiramisu
- Carmine’s
- Centrolina
- Fiola Mare
- RPM Italian
- The Red Hen
Seattle:
- Il Terrazzo Carmine
- Il Bistro
- Assaggio Ristorante
- Barolo Ristorante
- Spinasse
- Tavolàta
- How to Cook a Wolf
- Ristorante Machiavelli
- List
- Il Corvo Pasta
Houston:
- Coltivare
- Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen
- North Italia
- Damian’s Cucina Italiana
- Sorrento Ristorante
- Roma Ristorante
- Da Marco Cucina e Vino
- Vincent’s
- Brennan’s of Houston
- Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino
Atlanta:
- Antico Pizza Napoletana
- La Tavola Trattoria
- Il Giallo Osteria & Bar
- Donetto
- Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante
- Pricci
- Sotto Sotto
- No. 246
- Osteria Mattone
- Cibo e Beve
This list includes a mix of fine dining and casual Italian restaurants across various cities in the United States. Keep in mind that restaurant landscapes can change, so it’s always a good idea to check recent reviews and ratings for the most current information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Olive Garden
2. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
3. Maggiano’s Little Italy
4. Buca di Beppo
5. Cucinova
Yes, Italy does have chain restaurants, though they are less prevalent compared to other countries. Some international chains may have a presence, but independent, locally-owned eateries are more common, emphasizing regional and traditional Italian cuisine.
Trattoria: A casual, family-friendly eatery offering traditional, home-cooked Italian dishes.
Osteria: A more casual and simple establishment, often serving regional specialties and wine.
Ristorante: A formal dining restaurant, providing a diverse menu featuring refined Italian cuisine in an upscale setting.
FAQ
Are Italian restaurant chains in the United States authentic to Italian cuisine?
- While some Italian restaurant chains strive for authenticity, many incorporate Italian-American influences into their menus. Expect a mix of traditional Italian flavors and Americanized adaptations.
What types of dishes can I expect to find at Italian restaurant chains?
- Italian restaurant chains typically offer a variety of pasta dishes, pizzas, salads, and appetizers. Some may also feature seafood, steaks, and desserts. Menus can vary between chains.
Do Italian restaurant chains in the U.S. have vegetarian or gluten-free options?
- Many Italian restaurant chains provide vegetarian and gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary preferences. However, the availability of these options can vary, so it’s advisable to check the menu or inquire with staff.
Are reservations necessary at popular Italian restaurant chains?
- While not always required, reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours. Popular Italian restaurant chains like Olive Garden and Carrabba’s may experience high demand, and securing a reservation can ensure a smoother dining experience.
Can I find Italian restaurant chains outside of the United States?
- Some well-known Italian restaurant chains have expanded their presence globally, making it possible to find them in various countries. However, the menu offerings and ambiance may be adapted to suit local preferences in international locations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Italian restaurant chains in the United States offer a blend of traditional flavors and Americanized adaptations. While authenticity varies, these chains provide accessible and diverse options for those seeking Italian-inspired cuisine. Whether embracing the comfort of casual dining or the refinement of formal settings, they contribute to the widespread love for Italian flavors across diverse palates.