The Best Authentic Italian Restaurants in Every U.S. State: 2026 Editor’s Picks
Discover the best authentic Italian restaurant in every U.S. state in 2026. From hidden neighborhood trattorias to award-winning icons, explore where to find real pasta, lasagna, and unforgettable Italian dining near you.
Fiamma Sun Valley in Ketchum, Idaho: Meet the Chefs
We sat down with Chef Britt Rescigno (Chopped Champion & 3x Tournament of Champions semifinalist) and Chef Kinsey Leodler-Rescigno of AAA four-diamond rated Fiamma Sun Valley in Ketchum, Idaho. Fiamma believes that a fulfilling meal is more than what’s on the plate—it’s an experience that engages all the senses.
The Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Nyitre Rogers of The Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, in Rancho Mirage, California. Dine in an elegant setting with panoramic views of Coachella Valley at this Palm Springs restaurant.
Madrina in Webster Groves, Missouri: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Tim Adams of Madrina in Webster Groves, Missouri. Madrina celebrates the spirit of Italian family dining with a contemporary menu rooted in time-honored recipes. Plates are crafted for sharing, inviting communal meals around tables built for conversation. A warm, neighborhood atmosphere completes the experience.
Othello’s in Norman, Oklahoma: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Tammy Weiss of Othello’s Italian Restaurant in Norman, Oklahoma. Othello’s has stood on Campus Corner since 1977, when Pasqual Benso opened the cozy Italian spot that became a Norman institution. Celebrated for authentic family recipes and wallet-friendly prices, it’s a local favorite.
Brunello Ristorante Italiano in Seattle, Washington: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Jonathan Ruiz of Brunello Ristorante Italiano in Seattle, Washington. Brunello Ristorante anchors Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood with the quiet confidence of a beloved local institution. Warm and inviting, the restaurant specializes in handcrafted pastas that showcase traditional Italian techniques and seasonal ingredients.
First Look: Alila Mayakaoba Riviera Maya, a Hyatt Hotel
Alila Mayakoba, a Hyatt Hotel, is a nature-first beachfront sanctuary. The resort marries tranquil Caribbean shoreline with shimmering lagoons to create a unique coastal escape. The resort’s open, flowing architecture blends seamlessly with lush mangroves and native landscaping, while living Mayan traditions and a holistic approach to wellness infuse every guest experience.
First Look: Sibbjäns, Gotland Island
Sibbjäns, a regenerative farm stay set on the windswept landscape of Sweden’s Gotland Island, transforms a former horse farm into a sustainable retreat. Guests sleep in thoughtfully handcrafted suites, enjoy hyper-seasonal farm-to-table dining and “Viking wellness” rituals rooted in local traditions.
First Look: OKU Bodrum
Set on the sun-drenched northern coast of the Bodrum peninsula, OKU Bodrum arrives as an adults-only sanctuary in one of Europe’s most coveted getaways.
Shakti Prana Lodge in Kumaon, India: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Yeshi of Shakti Prana Lodge in Kumaon, India. Perched at 7,000 feet, the solar-powered Prana Lodge is an architectural jewel of stone, glass, timber and copper, designed to frame the Himalayan panorama. True to its name—Prana, or “breath” in Sanskrit—the lodge offers sweeping vistas of Nanda Devi and a program of seasonal guest chefs.
Sea Glass at Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Ramiz Jasic of Sea Glass at Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Chef Jasic carries deep inspiration from his roots and childhood moments in his mother's kitchen. He believes that "food should always tell a story."
Cranelli’s in Lone Tree, Colorado: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Jimmy Crane of Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant in Lone Tree, Colorado. Step inside Jimmy and Lasinda’s welcoming, family-run restaurant and savor signature favorites such as lasagna, linguine with clams, or their house Italian margarita. Don’t miss the tranquil, cozy patio seating for a relaxed meal.
PepeNero in Traverse City, Michigan: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Giorgio Lo Greco of PepeNero in Traverse City, Michigan. The kitchen marries two traditions: the freshest ingredients of Northern Michigan and the timeless craft of Italian cooking. Expect local, farm-picked produce, sustainably raised meats, and carefully sourced seafood alongside authentic Italian essentials.
First Look: Crystal Cove Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Perched along one of Barbados’ most celebrated coastlines, Tribute Portfolio, Crystal Cove reimagines island living across 88 thoughtfully designed rooms. Crystal Cove is just 15.9 miles from Grantley Adams International Airport.
The Roosevelt Room in Troy, New York: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Michael Moscatiello of The Roosevelt Room in Troy, New York. The restaurant has the energy of a big city—upscale, modern American fine dining. They aim to be creative while incorporating global ingredients. The bar is exceptional, featuring an extensive selection of craft cocktails for every palate.
Calogero's Old World Italian in Naperville, Illinois: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Salvatore Carollo of Calogero’s Old World Italian in Naperville, Illinois. Raised in the heart of Little Italy in the Bronx, with extensive travel back and forth to Italy, Chef Carollo came of age in a culture where food shapes life itself. In his kitchen, that reverence for tradition shows in every loaf and pizza: dough is handcrafted and allowed a patient 48-hour fermentation.
Bruno’s Pizzeria in Santa Fe, New Mexico: Meet the Chefs
We sat down with Chef Vincenzo, a third-generation pizzaiolo, and Chef Angelo, a fourth-generation pizzaiolo, of Bruno’s Pizzeria in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Bruno’s pays homage to Nonno Giordano Bruno, who journeyed from Milano, Lombardia, to New York and forged a life as a master pizzaiolo.
Mileta in Lexington, Kentucky: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Alex Green of Mileta in Lexington, Kentucky. Mileta presents a contemporary scratch kitchen where handmade pastas and seasonally driven plates take center stage. The menu highlights pristine ingredients and thoughtful technique—each dish composed with clarity and care.
Pastaio Trattoria Italiana in Wintersville, Ohio: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Giuseppe DiGristina of Pastaio Trattoria Italiana in Wintersville, Ohio. Pastaio. Standouts include a Sicilian-style swordfish tomahawk and a comforting bolognese—made from a rich blend of veal, beef and pork.
Marcello’s Italian Eatery in Monroe, Connecticut: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Chef/Owner Nick Devellis of Marcello’s Italian Eatery in Monroe, Connecticut. Marcello’s is a contemporary, upscale Italian restaurant born from a lifetime in the hospitality industry. Here, each dish is more than food; it’s a carefully crafted work of culinary art.