The most iconic Italian restaurant in every state

From historic pizza joints to elevated Italian restaurants serving up pasta and dessert, these are the most iconic Italian restaurants in every state.Stefania Pelfini la Waziya/Getty ImagesItalian restaurants nationwide are often rich in history and beloved by their local communities.Fior d'Italia in San Francisco is widely recognized as the oldest Italian restaurant in the country.We identified iconic Italian restaurants based on customer reviews, their reputations, and local history.Across America, beloved Italian restaurants consistently serve up creamy pastas, loaded pizzas, and more to legions of local fans.We rounded up the most iconic Italian restaurants in every state based on customer reviews, local history, longevity, cultural significance, and the standout dishes that keep diners coming back.From historic institutions like Fior d'Italia in San Francisco — widely believed to be the oldest Italian restaurant in the country, dating back to 1886 — to beloved neighborhood staples like Mystic Pizza in Connecticut, these are the most iconic and enduring Italian restaurants in every state.ALABAMA: Gianmarco's Restaurant in BirminghamGianmarco's Restaurant.Destiny R./YelpGianmarco's Restaurant is a Birmingham staple founded by a father-and-sons trio who have brought generations of Italian family recipes to the city for nearly 20 years.The upscale yet welcoming spot is known for handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and signature dishes, such as veal Parmesan and house-made gnocchi, all served in an intimate, old-world setting.ALASKA: In Bocca Al Lupo in JuneauIn Bocca Al Lupo.King L./YelpIn Bocca Al Lupo is led by six-time James Beard award-nominated chef Beau Schooler and brings a modern, handmade approach to Italian cooking in downtown Juneau.The restaurant has earned a loyal following for its fresh, house-made pastas, creative small plates, and seasonal ingredients, offering a refined take on Italian cuisine in Alaska's capital.ARIZONA: Marcellino Ristorante in ScottsdaleMarcellino RistoranteMarcellino Ristorante/YelpMarcellino Ristorante is led by Italian-born chef Marcellino Verzino, who brings decades of culinary experience to his Scottsdale establishment.The intimate restaurant is known for fresh pastas, seafood, and rotating regional dishes that highlight authentic Italian methods of cooking.ARKANSAS: Bruno's Little Italy in Little RockBruno's Little Italy.Wendy G./YelpBruno's Little Italy has been a Little Rock institution since 1949, founded by Italian immigrants who helped shape the city's dining scene.The longtime favorite is known for classic red-sauce dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, baked lasagna, and hearty portions served in a nostalgic, old-school setting complete with red-and-white checked tablecloths.CALIFORNIA: Fior d'Italia in San FranciscoFior d'Italia.Fior d'Italia/Getty ImagesFior d'Italia, founded in 1886, is widely recognized as the oldest Italian restaurant in the United States.The historic San Francisco institution is famous for classic dishes like cioppino, veal parmigiana, and house-made pasta, served in a space that reflects more than a century of Italian-American dining tradition.COLORADO: Gaetano's in DenverGaetano's.Harlee S./YelpGaetano's has been a cornerstone of Denver's historic Northside since 1947 and was once used as a headquarters of sorts for the infamous Smaldone crime family, one local radio outlet reported.The storied Italian restaurant is known for classics like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parmesan, and rich red sauces, all served in a space filled with local history.CONNECTICUT: Mystic Pizza in MysticMystic Pizza.Nate W./YelpMystic Pizza opened in 1973 in Mystic, Connecticut, but it wasn't until the late '80s that the pizzeria became famous worldwide after screenwriter Amy Jones visited the eatery and decided to set her movie there.The movie, starring Julia Roberts and shot on location at the pizzeria, was released in 1988. "Mystic Pizza" became a national phenomenon, drawing many tourists to the pizza eatery to try "A Slice of Heaven."DELAWARE: Mrs. Robino's in WilmingtonMrs. Robino's Restaurant.Emma S./YelpMrs. Robino's opened in 1940 and has remained a family-run Italian restaurant for generations.The cozy Wilmington staple is beloved for its homey atmosphere and classic dishes like lasagna, ravioli, and meatballs, made with longtime family recipes.FLORIDA: Christini's Ristorante Italiano in OrlandoChristinis Ristorante Italiano.Amritha J./YelpChristini's Ristorante Italiano has been a fine-dining destination in Orlando since 1984, founded by restaurateur Chris Christini.The elegant, old-school restaurant is known for tableside service, handmade pastas, and signature dishes like veal saltimbocca, along with a vast wine cellar, nightly music, and roses given out to every female customer.GEORGIA: La Grotta Ristorante Italiano in Buckhead, AtlantaLa Grotta Ristorante Italiano.La Grotta Ristorante Italiano/YelpLa Grotta has been a Buckhead favorite since

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