These Are The Best Italian Restaurant In 20 Major US Cities According To Yelp Reviews
Craving a no-miss Italian meal in a city you just landed in? I dug through Yelp-validated roundups and data-driven lists to spotlight the most beloved Italian go-to in 20 major U.S. cities.
Some are red-sauce classics, others are pizza legends, and a few bend the rules in delicious ways. Consider this your cheat sheet when you want serious flavor without second-guessing.
1. New York City: Ci Siamo
New York rewards bold flavor, and Ci Siamo brings it with smoky, hearth-kissed Italian cooking. Think blistered focaccia, plush pastas, and char-licked vegetables that taste like they were designed for your second glass of Barolo.
The room is stylish without trying too hard, and service feels smooth and dialed in.
Yelp love comes from consistency and that fire-forward personality. You get upscale energy without the cold shoulder, and plates that balance comfort and polish.
If you want a reservation that feels like a sure thing, this is your move.
Go heavy on the pastas and any seasonal special off the hearth. Save space for dessert.
You will walk out already planning your return.
2. Los Angeles: That Pizza Place
LA loves a great slice, and That Pizza Place delivers the goods without pretense. Expect crisp-edged pies, tangy sauce, and toppings that feel thoughtfully sourced rather than overstacked.
It is the kind of room where you settle in, split a salad, and watch pies glide from the oven to happy tables.
Yelp folks rave about reliable bakes and friendly faces behind the counter. You taste the care in small touches like a proper char and a dough with personality.
Add a glass of red or a fizzy Italian soda and you are set.
Pro tip: order a classic margherita, then one wild-card pie. Finish with cannoli.
You will leave grinning and sauced.
3. Chicago: Giordano’s
When in Chicago, you owe yourself a deep-dish moment, and Giordano’s is the crowd-backed standard. The signature stuffed pizza arrives like a celebration, molten with cheese and a bright, herby tomato lid.
It is indulgent, unapologetic, and perfectly suited to a city that embraces big flavors.
Yelp fans love the consistent bake and friendly pacing that lets you linger. You will wait for the pie, but that first cut makes time evaporate.
Salads, wings, and thin-crust options round things out for your crew.
Order classic sausage or spinach for the truest read. Share generously and plan a scenic walk after.
It is comfort food, Chicago-style, and absolutely worth the fork-and-knife commitment.
4. Houston: Fabio’s Artisan Pasta
Fabio’s Artisan Pasta feels like stumbling into a neighborhood secret. Fresh pasta is the star, with silky strands and stuffed shapes that hold sauces like a dream.
The space is unflashy but warm, letting the textures and aromas do the talking.
Yelp regulars highlight al dente precision and sauces that taste slow-cooked and soulful. You will find seasonal touches and portions that satisfy without knocking you out.
Service is attentive in a way that feels like family.
Start with a simple cacio e pepe or a sage-brown-butter ravioli to taste the technique. Grab a tiramisu if it is on.
You will leave feeling like you discovered Houston’s pasta heartbeat.
5. Philadelphia: Gran Caffe L’Aquila
Gran Caffe L’Aquila brings Roman swagger and cafe warmth under one roof. You can drop in for espresso and gelato or sit down for a full pasta spread that tastes straight from Italy.
The room has that polished Euro glow without feeling stiff.
Yelp standouts mention buoyant textures in the pastas and deeply flavored sauces. Service is crisp, desserts are legit, and the gelato selection is a conversation starter.
It is easy to turn a quick stop into a leisurely meal.
Order a classic like carbonara, then follow with an amaro and gelato flight. You will feel transported without leaving Center City.
It is a versatile, repeatable win.
6. San Francisco: Capo’s by Tony Gemignani
Capo’s channels Prohibition-era swagger with serious pizza chops. Expect thick, caramelized-crust pies and saucy, cheesy bliss that pairs with dim lights and red leather booths.
It is Italian-American nostalgia, tightened up with chefly precision.
Yelp fans praise the crust textures, from crackly edges to pillowy centers. The menu has range, but pizza steals the spotlight, with toppings that feel classic and balanced.
Cocktails lean strong and timeless.
Grab a square pan pie and a Caesar, then split a meatball starter. Book ahead since the room fills quickly.
If you want San Francisco pizza theater with heart, this is the ticket.
7. Seattle: Il Terrazzo Carmine
Il Terrazzo Carmine is Seattle’s move when you want classic Italian done right. Think delicate pastas, veal mains, and sauces that whisper luxury without shouting.
The room is timeless, with white tablecloths and lighting that flatters every plate.
Yelp regulars call out impeccable service and pacing. You feel taken care of, courses land gracefully, and the kitchen hits old-school notes with fresh finesse.
It is equally great for celebrations and quiet Tuesday splurges.
Order a seasonal pasta and a branzino or veal dish to share. Finish with panna cotta and espresso.
You will leave warm, happy, and plotting your next anniversary here, even if it is months away.
8. Denver: Panzano
Panzano sits downtown and delivers a confident take on modern Italian. Gnocchi arrive like clouds, sauces are bright and balanced, and there is just enough char on proteins to keep things interesting.
The bar hums with locals grabbing spritzes and small plates.
Yelp fans nod to steady execution and friendly staff who guide you well. Gluten-free options are taken seriously, which regulars appreciate.
It feels both polished and approachable, the kind of spot you can rely on.
Start with calamari or bruschetta, then move to a seasonal pasta or braised short rib. Save room for a nutty panna cotta.
You will exit energized, not overstuffed, and ready for Denver nights.
9. San Diego: Petrini’s
Petrini’s is San Diego comfort on a plate. Red-sauce favorites anchor the menu, with pizzas that please a crowd and pastas that hit the nostalgia button.
The vibe is family-first, with servers who remember your order by the second visit.
Yelp regulars cheer the value and consistency. Dishes arrive hot, portions are generous, and the marinara tastes like Sunday dinner.
You will find simple salads and a wine list that covers the bases.
Go classic with spaghetti and meatballs or a hearty lasagna, then share a pizza for the table. Finish with spumoni.
It is the kind of dependable Italian spot you wish every neighborhood had.
10. Dallas: Lucia
Lucia feels like a special-occasion whisper in the Bishop Arts District. Handmade pastas and house charcuterie show off finesse, with menus that shift and keep regulars chasing the next plate.
The room is intimate, reservations precious, and service calm and attentive.
Yelp diners highlight how the flavors feel precise without being fussy. Sauces shine, textures land perfectly, and bites evolve as you go.
It is a date-night slam dunk and a foodie pilgrimage.
Ask for guidance on a pasta progression and split a meat course. Dessert is not an afterthought, so save room.
You will leave convinced that Dallas does refined Italian as well as anyone.
11. Phoenix: Florencia Pizza Bistro
Florencia Pizza Bistro keeps it casual and craveable. The pies lean crisp with airy rims, sauce pops with acidity, and toppings land in that sweet spot between classic and fun.
It is the kind of place where you grab a booth and lose track of time.
Yelp love focuses on consistent bakes and kind service. Prices feel fair, and the menu covers families and date nights without stress.
Calzones and sandwiches round out the carb parade.
Order a pepperoni with hot honey if it is available, plus a veggie-forward option. Pair with a cold beer or Italian soda.
You will walk out plotting your next pie combo.
12. San Jose: Bertucelli’s La Villa
Bertucelli’s La Villa is part deli, part Italian comfort sanctuary. Gnocchi and ravioli fly out by the pound, sandwiches are stuffed generously, and the vibe screams neighborhood institution.
Expect a line, quick smiles, and food that travels well or eats even better on the spot.
Yelp regulars swear by the fresh pasta texture and unfussy deliciousness. Sauces taste homestyle, and the deli case is a dangerous wonderland.
You get value, heft, and flavor in every order.
Grab a hot Italian sandwich and a container of gnocchi for later. Snag tiramisu if you see it.
You will feel like you found San Jose’s Italian heartbeat hiding in plain sight.
13. Austin: Red Ash
Red Ash brings fire and flair to downtown Austin. Think live-fire steaks sharing the stage with confident pastas, all kissed by smoke and big seasoning.
The room buzzes, the bar hustles, and you feel plugged into the city the moment you sit.
Yelp fans point to bold flavors and portions that satisfy. Service handles the rush with grace, and the menu invites sharing.
It is celebratory without being stuffy, ideal for groups or an amped-up date night.
Order a pasta to split and a wood-fired steak, plus a veggie from the grill. Finish with something chocolatey.
You will leave full, happy, and already texting friends about your next visit.
14. Jacksonville: Carmines Pie House
Carmines Pie House is the Jacksonville slice stop you dream about midweek. Expect hefty, satisfying pies, both deep and thin, with a sauce that keeps you reaching for another bite.
The room is casual, a little retro, and always buzzing.
Yelp regulars cheer the friendly team and reliable bakes. Wings, salads, and garlic knots round out the table, making it easy to please everyone.
Value is strong, portions generous, and leftovers are practically guaranteed.
Try a classic supreme and a white pie, then grab extra napkins. Finish with a sweet pizza knot if they have it.
You will roll out smiling and carb-content.
15. San Antonio: Capos Pizza
Capos Pizza keeps San Antonio happily sauced and sliced. The crust hits that foldable sweet spot, cheese browns nicely, and toppings stay balanced rather than overloaded.
It is a no-fuss, flavor-first operation that nails the basics.
Yelp mentions highlight speed, kindness, and pies that taste as good on takeout as they do hot at the counter. Prices feel friendly, and regulars swear by lunch specials.
It is the definition of a reliable neighborhood joint.
Order a pepperoni and a veggie pie, plus garlic knots for the table. Add crushed red pepper and enjoy.
You will leave with a new default pizza plan in San Antonio.
16. Columbus: Borgata Pizza Cafe
Borgata Pizza Cafe brings neighborhood charm and well-crafted pies to Columbus. The dough has character, the sauce snaps, and the toppings feel thoughtful without being fussy.
It is comfy, bright, and built for repeat visits.
Yelp diners brag about consistent bake quality and helpful staff. Salads are crisp, pastas hold their own, and lunch deals are easy wins.
You can roll solo, bring kids, or make it a low-key date.
Get a half-and-half pie to explore, add a side of meatballs, and finish with a dessert special. Grab a local beer on tap.
You will leave with a new weeknight favorite locked in.
17. Indianapolis: OP Italian Indy
OP Italian Indy feels polished yet relaxed, the kind of place where a Negroni and a bowl of pasta turn any night around. Sauces are layered, noodles cooked with confidence, and mains carry a subtle smoke from the oven.
Service is smooth and welcoming.
Yelp fans appreciate steady execution and a menu that respects classics while nudging them forward. Portions satisfy without dragging you down.
The room suits business dinners and birthdays alike.
Start with burrata, then a seasonal pasta or wood-fired chicken. Ask about dessert specials.
You will leave content, energized, and ready to call this your Indianapolis Italian standby.
18. Charlotte: The Fig Tree Restaurant
The Fig Tree balances Italian soul with a fine-dining sensibility. Set in a historic home, it feels intimate, with service that anticipates needs before you speak.
Plates show restraint and polish, letting ingredients sing.
Yelp guests praise the tasting-like flow and thoughtful wine pairings. Pastas are delicate, proteins perfectly cooked, and sauces quietly complex.
It is a place to slow down and savor.
Order a pasta course mid-meal and share an elegant entree. Ask for pairing guidance.
Dessert seals the night, and you leave feeling like Charlotte just whispered something lovely and lasting.
19. Washington, D.C.: Rose’s Luxury
Rose’s Luxury is not strictly Italian, but the pasta makes waves. The menu shifts often, blending comfort and curiosity in a room that buzzes with joy.
Service is famously kind, making every table feel like regulars.
Yelp fans love the balance of fun and finesse. You will find a pasta that becomes the night’s anthem, supported by surprising small plates.
It is vibrant, social, and easy to love.
Grab a reservation if you can, and go family-style. Order at least one pasta and let the team guide you.
You will leave floating, already plotting the next visit.
20. Detroit: Supino Pizzeria
Supino Pizzeria is Detroit’s beloved pie shop with East Coast vibes. The crust lands thin yet sturdy, sauce leans bright, and toppings stay smartly restrained.
The room is minimal, all about that hot-from-the-oven rhythm.
Yelp regulars hype the balance and consistency. Slices taste clean and satisfying, and whole pies travel like champs.
Prices feel right, lines move fast, and the staff stays upbeat.
Order a classic red with sausage and peppers, plus a white pie to compare. Add chili flakes and enjoy.
You will leave convinced that simplicity, done right, beats fancy every time.
