From a lowly dish of buttered spaghetti to the finest saltimbocca alla Romana, there is nothing like Italian food to satisfy the palate. Italian cuisine is not just pasta, although most Americans probably believe that Italians eat lasagna or ravioli every day at lunch time. Not true! Interestingly enough, lasagna, ravioli and tiramisu are special dishes usually reserved for Sunday lunches or special occasions in most Italian households.

Of course, those who dine at Italian restaurants in the United States will find that pasta dishes are the mainstay of the Italian restaurant menu. However, when you are perusing the menu at some of the fine Italian restaurants listed on this site, make sure you look beyond the pasta dishes. Some of the finest chicken, beef and fish dishes are found within the Italian cuisine.

The best Italian restaurants in the U.S. combine the finest Italian cuisine with the most embracing Italian ambience. Food in Italy is not just about the taste, but also the presentation and the surroundings. Anche l’occhio vuole la sua parte, say the Italians: “The eyes want their part.” So to have an authentic Italian experience here in America, look for restaurants that are known for their décor and food presentation—not just their chef.

Where are the best Italian restaurants in the United States? You’ll want to look at more than cities with the highest population of Italians—that does not necessarily equate to having the best Italian restaurants. According to some unofficial on-line polls, the best Italian restaurants in the United States are found in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Boston. We have included listings and reviews of some of the finest Italian restaurants in these cities on the following pages. Take a look and plan your next visit!