6 Best Italian Restaurants in America, In keeping with Chefs

Chefs reveal the perfect Italian eating places in America for genuine flavors.

With its wealthy flavors, high quality elements and timeless enchantment, Italian delicacies is widely known world wide. From completely al dente pasta to savory sauces and wood-fired pizzas, it’s a meals that mixes simplicity with depth. While you’ll clearly discover the perfect in Italy, if a visit abroad isn’t within the playing cards, there are a couple of spots within the U.S. that rival the genuine flavors of Italian kitchens.
To discover out the place to get the perfect Italian meals, Eat This, Not That! requested cooks to share their prime picks. Here are the highest spots that made the record.

Buca di Beppo

For a comfy, informal night time, Buca di Beppo serves giant parts, scrumptious meals, and a energetic, family-style ambiance that makes each meal really feel like a particular gathering. “This family-style Italian chain is fun for families and larger groups, but can also make a charming date spot,” says Kelly Jaggers, private chef, cookbook author, recipe developer, meals photographer, meals stylist, and founding father of the recipe weblog Evil Shenanigans. She explains, “Food comes out on bountiful platters, and they have all the Italian-American classics. On top of tasty food, they have a fun astrosphere with the walls covered in photos and knick-knacks reminiscent of an old-time basement.”

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Carbone

For a higher-end chain, Carbone is the perfect, in keeping with Chef Kelly. “Elegant yet fun, Carbone combines high-end cuisine with an elevated, fun environment,” she says. “The Rigatoni Vodka is a well-known signature dish and well worth trying, but they are also known for their Italian-style steaks and seafood and fish.” Chef Kelly provides, “If you and your group are willing, a multi-course family-style meal is an excellent way to enjoy many of the tasty pastas and grilled dishes they offer. If you enjoy cocktails, the bar offers a lot of tasty cocktails as well as wine offerings that can be selected with the help of their sommelier.”

Coltivare

While you would possibly consider Texas because the spot for BBQ, which it’s, there’s additionally wonderful Italian. In Houston, Coltivare is capturing the eye of diners and culinary execs like Michelle Wallace, chef, proprietor & pitmaster, B’tween Sandwich Co and Top Chef Season 21 Contestant. “Coltivare is a rustic neighborhood Italian restaurant that just feeds your soul,” she says. “They grow many items that appear on their menu and you can tell. The freshness of ingredients is on point! I love the nod to the Gulf, which appears throughout their menu as well. Chef Michelle adds, “From the fresh pasta and the amazing pizzas, it truly is delicious Italian food.”

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Maggiano’s delivers Italian‑impressed, Italian‑American dishes which are broadly loved by diners and kitchen-masters like Saul Ramos, chef-partner at Chicago’s Forte Hospitality Group (Ithaki, Sapori Trattoria, Butcher & the Bear). “The best lasagna is at Maggiano’s Little Italy, hands down!, he says. “It has 30 layers of pasta, with lots of béchamel and Bolognese sauce that make for a little piece of heaven in every bite.”

Mario’s Italian Cafe

Calling all Coachella followers! If you’re heading to the pageant, don’t miss Mario’s Italian Cafe. It’s a regional chain within the Coachella Valley and it’s a go-to for Rachel Kirk, residence chef and recipe developer for LaughingSpatula.com. “Mario’s is the quintessential old school Italian restaurant of yesteryear,” she says. “Fun big Italian countryside motifs on the wall, and every location is always busy, especially during snowbird season. Kirk adds, “They’re known for their $5 giant glasses of wine, but you’ll be shocked at how good the lasagna is. It has a homemade taste, and I like that the portion is big, but not overly huge.”6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

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La Stella Cucina Verace

For true, genuine Italian fare, the award-winning La Stella Cucina Verace in Dallas, TX, is the place to go, in keeping with Chef Kelly. “Downtown Dallas has a gem in family-owned La Stella,” she says. “The Southern Italian menu focuses on elevated home cooking and includes house-made pasta, steaks, seafood, and homemade desserts. Chef Kelly adds, “The atmosphere is elegant but fun, and the service is top-tier. Owners are present in the dining room and will make sure you have everything you need, including recommendations when you are unsure what to order!”

Heather Newgen