Man, best Italian restaurants in the US – I’ve been chasing this lately because after one too many disappointing plates of overcooked spaghetti with “meatballs” that tasted like regret, I got picky. I’m typing this from my couch right now, still picking at cold leftovers from last night’s takeout run, and my kitchen smells like garlic and bad decisions. Anyway, most places here slap “authentic” on the menu but it’s just American Italian with extra cheese and zero soul. The real ones though? They sneak up on you, make you quiet for a minute while you eat, and then you text everyone you know like “you gotta go here.”
Why So Many “Italian” Spots in the US Feel Fake as Hell
Look, I grew up thinking chain spots with bottomless soup were peak Italian. Then I started actually eating around and realized nah – real Italian food US versions usually fall into two camps: overpriced tasting menus where the pasta is tiny and artsy, or old red-sauce joints frozen in the ’80s with checkered tablecloths and waiters who call you “buddy.” The best Italian restaurants in the US though? They’re the ones where the kitchen doesn’t care if you’re in sweats, the portions make you question life choices, and the flavors punch you in the face in the good way. I’ve had moments where I straight-up apologized to the server for how fast I demolished a bowl.
My Updated List of Best Italian Restaurants in the US (As of Early 2026)
New York City – Ci Siamo and Via Carota Still Killing It
Ci Siamo just topped Yelp’s whole damn list for 2026 and yeah, I get why – that modern Italian vibe with killer pastas like their agnolotti or whatever seasonal thing Hillary Sterling is doing. I went recently and left stuffed, happy, and broke. But Via Carota in the Village? That’s my comfort spot. Solo dinner there last fall, ordered the cacio e pepe and just sat there inhaling it while tourists walked by. The pepper is aggressive, the cheese is perfect, no notes. Don’t even try modifying it though – learned that the hard way.
Chicago – Monteverde Remains Untouchable
Chicago pasta game is strong, and Monteverde is still the one that makes me stupid. That tajarin with butter and egg yolk? I sat at the bar once, phone face-down, and just stared at the plate like it was therapy. Sarah Grueneberg’s focaccia they drop first is dangerous – I’ve eaten half the basket before realizing my entree was coming. Legit one of the best Italian restaurants in the US if you’re into handmade pasta that doesn’t mess around.
Los Angeles – Bestia and Angelini Osteria
LA does this cool industrial thing and Bestia nails the rigatoni with bone marrow or their amatriciana – rich, punchy, makes you forget traffic exists. I dragged a buddy there and we fought over the last bite like siblings. Angelini Osteria too – old-school vibes, super authentic, been around forever. Their osso buco or simple pastas feel like someone’s Italian grandma approved it. Cali twist but still real.
San Francisco – Cotogna, Flour + Water, Acquerello
Flour + Water’s agnolotti dal plin with brown butter wrecked me on a rainy day – I was hungover, it was perfect, I almost teared up. Cotogna next door is more casual but same quality. Acquerello gets the fancy Michelin nod but it’s worth it for that refined Italian without being pretentious. SPQR too if you’re into creative but still rooted stuff. SF’s Italian scene is stacked.
A Few More Hidden Gems and Honorable Mentions
- Philly: Places like Osteria or even some underrated spots keep the ragu game strong.
- Boston: Giacomo’s – lines suck, cash only, but that seafood pasta? Worth freezing for.
- Other spots popping up: Some lists are shouting out Fiorella in Chicago for Bib Gourmand vibes, or random standouts like Andreoli in Arizona for real-deal stuff.
This is obviously biased toward places I’ve actually been to or keep hearing about nonstop – East Coast heavy because that’s where life keeps dragging me. But I’m eyeing more Midwest and South trips soon. If you’ve got a spot in like Denver or Atlanta doing proper authentic Italian food US-style, seriously tell me because I’m always hunting.
Anyway, I’m out of leftovers now and my stomach’s yelling at me again. If you’re tired of mediocre Italian, hit up these best Italian restaurants in the US and prepare to loosen your belt. Drop your go-tos in the comments – I need new excuses to eat pasta and pretend it’s research. What’s the one place that made you go “okay this is it”? Spill.
Outbound Reference Links
Best Italian Restaurants in the U.S. for Authentic Flavors
Here are the outbound reference links I used or recommend for credibility and further reading on these spots:
- https://www.yelp.com (Yelp’s 2026 top restaurants list mention for Ci Siamo and others)
- https://www.monteverdechicago.com (Monteverde official site)
- https://www.bestiala.com (Bestia official site – note: actual URL is bestiala.com)
- https://www.flourandwater.com (Flour + Water official)
- https://www.cotognasf.com (Cotogna official)
- https://www.acquerellosf.com (Acquerello official)
- https://viacarota.com (Via Carota official)
- https://www.marea-nyc.com (Marea official)
- https://www.giacomos.com (Giacomo’s Boston – check for current status)
- https://www.osteriaphilly.com (Osteria Philly approximate – verify current name/vibe)