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Italian food is one of those rare cuisines that everyone in the family seems to agree on. Classic Sicilian or Neapolitan pizza is always a welcome sight. You can’t go wrong with fresh pasta—a dish which comes in virtually every shape and size and can be paired with any sauce you please from marinara to pesto to Alfredo. Then, when you consider all the cheeses, fine wines, artisan bread like focaccia, and the glorious desserts and pastries—it’s really one of the dreamiest and most delectable compilations of fare ever created.
Many people will say you have to try Italian dishes straight from the source in order to properly experience and appreciate their grandeur. But, if you know where to look, you can find the bona fide tastes of Tuscany, Sicily, and beyond right here in the U.S.
For decades, eager chefs, restaurateurs, and fans of Italian cuisine have worked to bring its beloved recipes and cooking styles stateside. Now, the cuisine can be found in every corner of the country in pizza shops, gelato stands, wine bars, Italian delis, coffee shops, and, of course, traditional ristorantes—a few of which have even multiplied following their success and now stand as noteworthy chains.
Some of these chains have remained somewhat modest and regional, while others have cut ribbons in every state. Some keep their menus more authentic, while the rest put an American twist on the classics. But, they each have their own unique origins, essence, and quirks, and there are a select lot that have truly mastered their art.
Here are the absolute best Italian restaurant