There’s something universally comforting about old-school Italian food—the smell of garlic in the air, red sauce bubbling on the stove, and family photos on the wall. These are the kinds of places where recipes have been passed down for generations and regulars are treated like famiglia.
We scoured the country to find the best traditional Italian restaurants still operating today, picking one from each state. Each spot offers a unique slice of Italian-American history and flavor you won’t want to miss.
1. Gianmarco’s Restaurant
Tucked away in the Homewood neighborhood of Birmingham, Gianmarco’s delivers Northern Italian comfort with the warmth of Southern hospitality. The family-owned spot has been serving dishes like mushroom ravioli with truffle cream and veal piccata since 2003.
Step inside and you’ll find a cozy, brick-lined setting filled with locals who know exactly what to order. A visit here feels more like dining at a friend’s home than at a restaurant, and that’s exactly the point.
2. Sorrento’s
Anchorage might be the last place you’d expect to find a red-sauce institution, but Sorrento’s has been dishing out Italian-American classics since the 1970s. Locals rave about the four-cheese penne al forno and veal marsala, served in a setting that feels frozen in time (in the best way). With checkered tablecloths, framed family photos, and friendly service, Sorrento’s offers a warm, familiar hug in the form of pasta.
3. RigaTony’s Authentic Italian
Step into RigaTony’s and you’re transported to a Little Italy that just happens to be in the heart of Tempe. Since 1994, this spacious, vintage-style eatery has been a local favorite for its baked rigatoni, Italian hoagies, and creamy tomato basil soup.
The interior, decked out in wood, stained glass, and cozy booths, sets the mood for a proper Italian feast. It’s a time capsule that captures everything people love about old-school Italian dining.
4. Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking
Housed in a charming Victorian-style building, Ermilio’s brings Italian hospitality to the Ozarks with flair. With decades of service under its belt, the menu is built on family recipes and local loyalty. Guests love building their own pasta bowls, pairing creamy Alfredo with spicy Italian sausage or traditional meatballs.
The cozy upstairs bar, attentive servers, and nightly crowds prove that good food and a welcoming atmosphere never go out of style.
5. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto
Originally opened in 1950, Filippi’s is a beloved staple of San Diego’s Little Italy. You’ll walk through an old-school Italian deli to reach the dining room, where red-checkered tablecloths and hanging Chianti bottles set the tone.
Locals swear by the pizza piled high with mozzarella and the pasta dishes swimming in robust marinara. It’s a bustling, no-frills kind of place that delivers exactly what you want: hearty portions and classic flavors.
6. Paravicini’s Italian Bistro
This lively neighborhood bistro has been serving big bowls of red-sauce bliss since 2003. Paravicini’s, founded by Chef Franco Pisani, brings together Italian tradition and Colorado warmth in every dish.
Whether it’s the spaghetti with giant meatballs or the veal saltimbocca, the flavors are bold and satisfying. The setting is casual yet charming, with Tuscan touches that transport you straight to Italy—without ever leaving the Rockies.
7. Salute
Set in the heart of downtown Hartford, Salute blends contemporary flair with old-school comfort. Since 2010, this lively spot has earned a devoted following for dishes like sweet potato ravioli and sausage tortellini in a creamy rose sauce.
The friendly staff know their regulars by name, and the energetic dining room is always abuzz. Salute manages to strike that rare balance between modern innovation and timeless Italian soul.
8. Ristorante Attilio
In the heart of Wilmington’s Little Italy, Ristorante Attilio has been a neighborhood favorite since 1985. Inside, you’ll find wood-paneled walls, white tablecloths, and the kind of warm, no-fuss service that turns newcomers into regulars. Their handmade ravioli and spaghetti with clam sauce are pure nostalgia on a plate. It’s not just dinner—it’s a comforting reminder that some traditions are best left untouched.
9. Fratellino Ristorante
Don’t let the unassuming facade fool you—inside Fratellino is some of the most heartfelt Italian cooking in all of Florida. Owned by third-generation restaurateur Beto DiCarlo, this Coral Gables gem offers impeccable hospitality and dishes like ossobuco alla Milanese that melt in your mouth.
The vibe is warm and elegant, like a sophisticated family dinner. With accolades from food critics and customers alike, it’s become a true Miami-area favorite.
10. Pasta da Pulcinella
For nearly three decades, this Midtown Atlanta bungalow has been home to one of the city’s most charming Italian eateries. Pasta da Pulcinella specializes in inventive pasta dishes with deep roots in Italian tradition.
Their tortelli di mele—apple and sausage stuffed ravioli in sage butter—is legendary. Housed in a converted early-1900s building, the restaurant oozes romantic ambiance, making it a go-to for anniversaries, date nights, and pasta lovers of all stripes.
11. Taormina Sicilian Cuisine
With a view of Waikiki and flavors straight out of Sicily, Taormina brings the best of both worlds to Hawaii. Known for its uni pasta and truffle-infused carbonara, the menu reflects both island freshness and Italian elegance. Chef Hiroyuki Mimura crafts dishes with a focus on seafood and Sicilian tradition, offering a sophisticated but approachable take on Italian cuisine. It’s the kind of place where every bite feels like a coastal getaway.
12. Luciano’s
In Boise’s quiet culinary scene, Luciano’s stands out for its commitment to homemade comfort. The Tuscan-inspired interior, with soft lighting and cozy booths, makes it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
House-made pastas and rich sauces like lemon-caper chicken and classic Bolognese bring customers back again and again. With its welcoming service and consistent quality, Luciano’s has become a beloved neighborhood staple.
13. Trattoria Demi
Steps from Northwestern University, Trattoria Demi is the kind of no-frills trattoria that earns its reputation the old-fashioned way: by serving solid, satisfying Italian food. For over 30 years, they’ve been dishing out hearty plates of pasta and signature meatballs in a small, intimate space. The sidewalk terrace adds to its charm during warmer months, making it a prime spot for casual dining that still delivers big on flavor.
14. Mama Carolla’s Old Italian Restaurant
Housed in a romantic 1920s villa, Mama Carolla’s feels like a secret Italian garden hidden in the heart of Indianapolis. String lights, bubbling fountains, and stucco walls set the mood before you even see the menu. Guests return for favorites like rosemary chicken lasagna and spinach ravioli, served with warmth and old-world flair. It’s the kind of place where ambiance and authenticity walk hand-in-hand.
15. Tumea & Sons
This family-run gem in Des Moines has been serving up old-school Italian-American comfort food since the early ’90s. Known for its generous portions and DIY pasta combos, Tumea & Sons is beloved by locals who know their way around a meatball. From veal marsala to lemon chicken, every dish feels like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. It’s unfussy, familiar, and downright delicious.
16. Cinzetti’s Italian Market
Cinzetti’s isn’t your typical Italian restaurant—it’s a sprawling Tuscan village-inspired buffet that combines spectacle with substance. With chefs stationed at open kitchens and cobblestone paths underfoot, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. Signature dishes include wood-fired pizzas, pasta primavera, and creamy risottos. Whether you’re after variety or volume, Cinzetti’s delivers with flair and flavor.
17. Silvio’s Italian Restaurant
Silvio’s carries on a rich tradition of Italian-American cooking, led by restaurateur Bill “Silvio” Melillo. Known for its signature marinara sauce and welcoming charm, this cozy spot brings hearty, homemade fare to the Louisville dining scene.
Crowd favorites include spaghetti with meatballs, baked ziti, and veal Parm—each dish a tribute to family recipes passed down through generations. It’s the kind of place where everyone feels like a regular.
18. Vincent’s Italian Cuisine
Uptown New Orleans has no shortage of iconic eateries, but Vincent’s stands out with its bold flavors and Sicilian soul. Opened in 1989, the restaurant delivers serious comfort in the form of veal chop Milanese, stuffed artichokes, and toasted ravioli. Inside, warm brick walls and vintage photos create a dining experience that’s equal parts elegant and homey. It’s a must-stop for anyone craving traditional Italian in the Big Easy.
19. Solo Italiano
Solo Italiano proves that Italian food can be both rustic and refined. Helmed by Genoa-born chef Paolo Laboa, the menu is a tribute to Northern Italian flavors made with local Maine ingredients. House-made pastas shine—especially the hand-rolled trofie with basil pesto. The setting is sleek but welcoming, ideal for both a casual bite and a special night out. It’s a fresh take on old-world tradition, rooted in authenticity.
20. Manalù Italian Restaurant
This family-run gem is a favorite in Frederick, known for its warm hospitality and homestyle Neapolitan fare. Manalù is named for owner Marco Pontecorvo’s wife and daughter, and the personal touch shows in every dish. From the wood-fired pizzas to the penne alla vodka, everything is made with love and authenticity. It’s a restaurant that invites you to sit back, relax, and mangia like you’re one of the family.
21. Giacomo’s Ristorante
No trip to Boston’s North End is complete without a stop at Giacomo’s, a neighborhood icon where the line out the door is as legendary as the lobster ravioli. Since 1993, this tiny, no-reservations trattoria has been winning hearts with its generous portions and no-nonsense charm.
The seafood linguine is a must, brimming with clams, mussels, and shrimp in a spicy red sauce. It’s loud, it’s bustling, and it’s deliciously old-school in every way.
22. Mario’s Restaurant
For over 75 years, Mario’s has been the kind of Italian steakhouse where tuxedoed waiters, red leather booths, and table-side flambé are still very much in fashion. Opened in 1948, this Detroit institution is pure Rat Pack glamour.
Known for classics like Steak Diane and veal Parm, the food is rich, comforting, and unpretentious. Whether you’re headed to a show or simply hungry for nostalgia, Mario’s delivers with vintage charm and big Italian-American flavor.
23. Yarusso Bros Italian Restaurant
Family-owned since 1933, Yarusso Bros is the oldest Italian restaurant in St. Paul—and it tastes like it. With wood-paneled walls, checkered floors, and photos of generations past, this place is a living tribute to Italian-American heritage. The menu is full of red-sauce staples, with meatballs the size of your fist and all-you-can-eat spaghetti Sundays. For locals, Yarusso’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a rite of passage.
24. Cerami’s Italian Restaurant
Originally opened in 1977 and revived in 2006, Cerami’s is a beloved comeback story in Flowood’s dining scene. The focus here is on classic Southern Italian comfort—think lasagna layered to perfection and spaghetti served with rich, slow-cooked sauces.
Live music often fills the space, adding to the restaurant’s homey, festive feel. It’s not just dinner at Cerami’s—it’s a reunion with a tradition that never should’ve left.
25. Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill
In St. Louis’s historic Italian neighborhood known as The Hill, Charlie Gitto’s has been the gold standard since 1981. The ambiance is old-school elegant, with wood paneling and white tablecloths setting the stage.
Their toasted ravioli—crispy, meat-filled, and served with marinara—is the stuff of local legend. Whether you’re in for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, Charlie Gitto’s offers a taste of Italian-American tradition done right.
26. Ciao Mambo
Ciao Mambo brings big Italian flavor to Big Sky Country. With an energetic vibe, open kitchen, and walls covered in Italian phrases, it’s part show, part supper. Signature dishes like the linguine alla puttanesca and the creamy vodka sauce fusilli come piled high and loaded with flavor. It’s a crowd-pleasing spot with generous portions, friendly staff, and just enough kitsch to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a bustling Roman trattoria—Montana-style.
27. Avoli Osteria
Refined yet unpretentious, Avoli Osteria offers a Northern Italian escape right in Omaha’s Dundee neighborhood. Open since 2013, it’s a newer addition with an old soul. Chef-owner Dario Schicke focuses on clean flavors and seasonal ingredients, crafting dishes like sweet corn risotto and truffle carbonara.
With a cozy, candlelit dining room and a carefully curated wine list, Avoli is where Italian fine dining meets Midwestern warmth.
28. Piero’s Italian Cuisine
Vegas is known for flash, but Piero’s delivers old-school swagger. Since 1982, this classic supper club has welcomed celebrities, politicians, and pasta lovers with equal enthusiasm. The dark wood interiors, leather booths, and impeccable service recall a bygone era.
Signature dishes include osso buco and seafood risotto, and Sinatra himself used to be a regular. It’s not the strip—but it is the strip’s best-kept Italian secret.
29. Campo Enoteca
This sleek downtown bistro may look modern, but the soul of Campo Enoteca is purely traditional. Focused on handmade pasta and farm-to-table ingredients, the menu balances rustic charm with upscale execution. Diners rave about the arancini, rich Bolognese, and delicate carbonara.
It’s the kind of place where every dish feels handcrafted and every detail—down to the fresh herbs—is just right. A go-to for anyone craving Italian comfort with a fresh twist.
30. Catherine Lombardi
Named after the owner’s grandmother, Catherine Lombardi isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a tribute to generations of Italian-American cooking. Nestled above a lively bar in downtown New Brunswick, this elegant space delivers old-world comfort with elevated flair.
Recipes like Sunday gravy and goat cheese ravioli are made with care and reverence. Add in the leather banquettes and crackling fireplace, and you’ve got a cozy corner of New Jersey that feels like home.
31. M’tucci’s Italian
Bursting with energy and flavor, M’tucci’s is where old-school Italian meets Southwest charm. Since opening in 2013, it has grown into a local favorite, serving up house-made pastas, tender meatballs, and wood-fired pizzas.
The atmosphere is lively, the service is warm, and the menu balances classic staples with bold regional twists. It’s a delicious mashup of tradition and creativity that proves Italian food knows no borders.
32. Patsy’s Italian Restaurant
An institution in the heart of Manhattan since 1944, Patsy’s is the quintessential old-school Italian restaurant. Known for being Frank Sinatra’s favorite spot, this family-run gem continues to serve up timeless classics like eggplant rollatini, chicken contadina, and perfectly tender veal chops.
The atmosphere is pure vintage charm—white tablecloths, tuxedoed servers, and a wall of fame packed with celebrity patrons. It’s a must for anyone chasing the golden age of Italian-American dining.
33. Gravy
Don’t let the name fool you—Gravy serves up refined Italian comfort food with a Southern soul. Located in downtown Raleigh, this welcoming eatery is known for its house-made pastas, creamy polenta, and meatballs that could rival your Nonna’s. The vibe is cozy and modern, with exposed brick walls and candlelight. It’s a fresh, local take on Italian tradition that manages to feel both new and nostalgic.
34. Nardello’s Pizza
Bringing East Coast Italian flavor to the Northern Plains, Nardello’s is known for its thin-crust pizzas, cheesy garlic knots, and hearty Italian sandwiches. It’s more casual than some entries on this list, but what it lacks in white tablecloths, it makes up for in heart and hometown pride.
This no-frills eatery delivers old-school favorites with consistency and flair, proving that great Italian-American food can flourish anywhere.
35. Marcella’s Ristorante, Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Marcella’s feels like a lively Roman trattoria dropped into the Short North neighborhood of Columbus. With shareable plates, a bustling open kitchen, and a menu packed with hits like calamari fritti and ricotta-stuffed gnocchi, it’s no wonder this spot draws crowds nightly. It’s a modern love letter to Italian classics—bold, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Plus, the wine list and happy hour specials keep the good vibes flowing.
36. Stella Modern Italian Cuisine
Blending rustic ingredients with upscale presentation, Stella brings a chic twist to old-school Italian dining. House specialties like pancetta-wrapped meatloaf and four-cheese flatbread are both comforting and creative. Set in a stylish, urban space, Stella’s warm service and vibrant flavors make it a go-to for OKC locals craving pasta with personality. It’s traditional Italian reimagined with heartland flair.
37. a Cena Ristorante
a Cena offers a warm, candlelit refuge from Portland’s rainy streets and delivers Italian cuisine with authentic soul. This neighborhood spot is beloved for its handmade pastas—especially the short rib ravioli and house tagliatelle.
The menu rotates seasonally, keeping things fresh while honoring the classics. It’s a romantic, intimate space that rewards slow dining and good conversation, the way Italian meals are meant to be enjoyed.
38. The Victor Café
More than just a restaurant, The Victor Café is a cultural experience. Located in South Philly, this opera-themed trattoria has been serenading guests since 1918. The waitstaff—many of whom are classically trained singers—break into arias between courses.
Meanwhile, the food is hearty and authentic, with standout dishes like veal saltimbocca and rigatoni Bolognese. It’s a dining experience that delights all the senses.
39. Andino’s Italian Restaurant
A cornerstone of Providence’s Federal Hill, Andino’s has been dishing out Italian-American favorites since 1988. The vibe is old-school mob movie—red leather booths, dim lighting, and Sinatra on the stereo.
Known for its stuffed peppers, veal Parm, and generous pours of Chianti, Andino’s captures the spirit of Rhode Island’s rich Italian heritage in every bite. It’s the kind of joint where the sauce is always simmering and everyone’s part of the family.
40. Villa Romana Italian Restaurant
Decked out in murals of the Roman countryside and glowing chandeliers, Villa Romana has been transporting guests to Italy for over 30 years. The menu is loaded with time-honored dishes like eggplant Parmigiana, veal scaloppine, and house-made pastas.
What makes it truly unique is the warm welcome from the owners, who often visit tables and treat guests like long-lost relatives. Dining here is a mini vacation with a side of garlic bread.
41. Roma Ristorante Italiano
In a quiet corner of Aberdeen, Roma Ristorante Italiano serves up big flavors with even bigger heart. The menu leans into Italian-American staples like fettuccine Alfredo, lasagna, and chicken marsala, all made with a clear attention to detail. The setting is humble, but the experience is full of old-fashioned charm. It’s a comforting reminder that no matter how small the town, great Italian food always finds a way.
42. Moto Cucina + Enoteca
Moto brings a dash of sleek sophistication to the Gulch district of Nashville. While it leans contemporary, the flavors stay rooted in Italian tradition. Signature dishes like ricotta cavatelli, roasted chicken with rosemary jus, and fire-kissed flatbreads have made it a local favorite.
The industrial-chic space, moody lighting, and extensive wine list make it perfect for date night or special occasions. It’s new-school style with old-school soul.
43. Coltivare Pizza & Garden
Hidden in a quiet neighborhood near downtown Houston, Coltivare turns garden-grown ingredients into unforgettable Italian dishes. The menu changes frequently, but favorites like black pepper spaghetti and roasted cauliflower pizza have a cult following.
The cozy dining room and herb-lined patio give it a homegrown feel, while the food is anything but ordinary. It’s where rustic Italian roots and Gulf Coast freshness meet on one inspired plate.
44. Valter’s Osteria
Valter’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to Tuscany. Founded by the late Valter Nassi, this sleek, marble-accented eatery continues to charm guests with its impeccable service and deeply personal menu. Diners rave about the spinach and ricotta gnocchi and the tableside Caesar salad.
Every detail, from the crisp linens to the curated wine list, reflects Valter’s commitment to excellence. It’s a fine-dining experience steeped in heart and history.
45. Trattoria Delia
Tucked into a former carriage house, Trattoria Delia offers rustic elegance and Northern Italian comfort. The exposed stone walls, roaring fireplace, and candlelit tables make it one of the coziest spots in Burlington. The food is equally soul-warming—wild boar ragu, risotto with seasonal vegetables, and a robust wine list to match. It’s the kind of place where every dinner feels like a special occasion.
46. Trattoria Villagio
Located in a charming 19th-century building in downtown Clifton, Trattoria Villagio blends classic Italian flavors with a dash of countryside romance. From the house-made burrata to hearty entrées like braised short ribs over pappardelle, everything is prepared with an eye toward tradition. Whether you’re sipping wine on the patio or nestled indoors by candlelight, it’s easy to forget you’re still in Virginia.
47. Cinque Terre Ristorante
Inspired by the Ligurian coast, Cinque Terre Ristorante brings the flavors of Northern Italy to the Pacific Northwest. Seafood stars on the menu—branzino, lobster gnocchi, and mussels in white wine sauce—alongside vibrant pasta dishes.
With warm lighting, oceanic accents, and thoughtful service, it’s an intimate escape from the Seattle bustle. It’s both an homage to coastal Italy and a proud part of the city’s culinary fabric.
48. Figaretti’s Restaurant
Since 1945, Figaretti’s has been a Wheeling mainstay for red-sauce Italian done right. The star here is the homemade spaghetti sauce, slow-simmered and sold by the jar to loyal fans. The menu sticks to comforting classics like manicotti, meatballs, and veal cutlets, all served in a casual, family-friendly setting. It’s simple, satisfying, and dripping in tradition—just how Italian food should be.
49. Tenuta’s Italian Restaurant
A fixture in Bay View since 2003, Tenuta’s strikes the perfect balance between family-run charm and culinary ambition. The food is bold—spicy arrabbiata, saffron risotto, and indulgent tiramisu—and the wine list is thoughtfully curated. The intimate setting and attentive service make it a hidden gem for locals and a worthy destination for visitors. It’s Milwaukee comfort with a Mediterranean heart.
50. Calico Italian Restaurant & Bar
Set against the backdrop of the Teton Range, Calico has been a Jackson Hole favorite since the 1960s. Originally a dance hall, it now serves hearty Italian-American fare in a rustic, cabin-style setting.
Expect wood-fired pizzas, lasagna layered with béchamel, and an expansive lawn where kids can play while parents sip Chianti. It’s laid-back, welcoming, and full of mountain-town charm—the perfect finale to this cross-country tour of old-school Italian gems.
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