The most iconic Italian restaurant in every state

• Italian restaurants nationwide are often rich in history and beloved by their local communities.
• Fior d’Italia in San Francisco is widely recognized as the oldest Italian restaurant in the country.
• We identified iconic Italian restaurants based on customer reviews, their reputations, and local history.

ALABAMA: Gianmarco’s Restaurant in Birmingham

NEBRASKA: Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria in Omaha

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.

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