Pasta may be rooted in Italian tradition, but its reach in the United States is expansive and diverse. From house-made tagliatelle in rustic trattorias to inventive takes on gnocchi in Michelin-starred kitchens, America’s best cities for pasta are serving dishes that satisfy both purists and culinary explorers. If you’re a pasta lover with a travel itch—or just a hungry local—these ten cities should be on your radar.
- New York City, NY
With its deep Italian-American heritage and wave of modern pasta bars, New York is arguably the country’s pasta capital. Restaurants like I Sodi, Rezdôra, and Lilia deliver handmade perfection, while Little Italy and Arthur Avenue keep old-school flavors alive.
Explore more on Eater NY and NYCgo. - Los Angeles, CA
From Silver Lake to Santa Monica, LA’s pasta scene is both innovative and ingredient-driven. Chefs like Evan Funke (Felix) and Nancy Silverton (Osteria Mozza) lead the way in handmade Italian fare, with an emphasis on regional technique and market-fresh ingredients.
Check out Discover Los Angeles. - Chicago, IL
Chicago’s pasta game blends cozy and upscale. Spots like Monteverde, RPM Italian, and Ciccio Mio offer pasta made in-house daily, while Little Italy on Taylor Street keeps tradition intact.
Read more from Thrillist Chicago. - San Francisco, CA
Bay Area chefs lean into rustic Northern Italian cooking with California’s bounty of fresh produce. Restaurants like Flour + Water, Penny Roma, and Cotogna are must-visits for serious pasta lovers.
Explore San Francisco Travel. - Philadelphia, PA
Home to one of the strongest Italian-American communities in the U.S., Philly’s South Street and East Passyunk neighborhoods are pasta havens. Look to Le Virtù, Ristorante Pesto, and Vetri Cucina for everything from rigatoni to ravioli.
Plan your trip with Visit Philly. - Boston, MA
Boston’s North End is legendary for Italian cuisine. Try handmade pasta at Giacomo’s, Mamma Maria, and The Daily Catch. The city’s devotion to tradition makes it a top stop for classics done right.
Explore more on Boston USA. - Washington, D.C.
The capital’s Italian scene has boomed in recent years, thanks to restaurants like RPM Italian, Sfoglina, and Red Hen. D.C.’s international vibe ensures both authentic and creative pasta dishes.
Visit Washington.org. - Portland, OR
Portland might surprise you with its pasta prowess. Spots like Ava Gene’s and Grassa highlight regional Italian traditions with a farm-to-table ethos.
Discover more with Travel Portland. - New Orleans, LA
Better known for gumbo and beignets, New Orleans has a quietly thriving Italian culinary legacy. In areas like Metairie and Uptown, restaurants such as Domenica and Avo offer bold, inventive pastas with Southern flair.
Explore New Orleans Tourism. - Las Vegas, NV
From celebrity chef outposts to hidden gems off the Strip, Vegas is a pasta lover’s playground. Costa di Mare, Carbone, and Esther’s Kitchen deliver everything from lobster linguine to spicy rigatoni.
Plan a foodie trip with Visit Las Vegas.
Final Bite
Whether you’re chasing carbonara in New York or squid ink tagliatelle in San Francisco, these cities prove that pasta in the U.S. is thriving. With regional diversity, chef-driven creativity, and deep cultural roots, they offer some of the best bowls of pasta this side of the Atlantic.
