Italian food isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing a lifestyle. It’s about savoring the flavors that make people smile, and sharing a passion for authentic recipes that evoke memories of beautiful places and rich cultures. The Top Italian Restaurants guide, which has been mapping the best Italian eateries around the world since 2016, recognizes this unique connection. Eating Italian food anywhere is like taking a culinary journey through Italy, dreaming of sun-kissed coastlines, vibrant cities and rolling hills.
This year’s guide features a fresh approach to classifying restaurants—gone are the categories of gamberi, replaced by a unified system that includes taverns, trattorias, bistros, and hotel fine dining all under the same umbrella. However, the spicchi for pizzerias and bottiglie for wine lists remain.
Trendsetting Dishes and the Rise of Italian Cuisine Abroad
What’s hot in the international Italian food scene? Cacio e pepe, a simple but flavorful pasta dish, has surpassed even classic dishes like carbonara and lasagna in popularity. Neapolitan pizza art is spreading like wildfire even in less-known cities, while Roman pinsa, a delicious flatbread with a fluffy crust, is gaining attention even more abroad than in its hometown. While traditional Italian dishes like fifth quarter and soups are still finding their footing on the global stage, some timeless classics are reigning supreme: vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce), creamy burrata, flavorful truffles, spaghetti with tomato sauce, Milanese-style schnitzel, and, of course, decadent tiramisu.
This international culinary success can be attributed to a new generation of Italian chefs who are taking their skills abroad and sharing their passion for authentic Italian cuisine. Many of these chefs are finding fulfilling careers outside Italy and are contributing to the global rise of Italian food.
Top Italian Restaurants 2023: Awards and Recognition
The Top Italian Restaurants 2023 guide recognizes the outstanding achievements of Italian chefs and restaurants around the world. A total of 30 restaurants have earned Tre Forchette (three forks), 20 pizzerias have received Tre Spicchi (three slices), and 20 wine lists have been awarded Tre Bottiglie (three bottles). Seven special prizes highlight the best of the best in the world of Italian cuisine.
Profiles of Award-Winning Restaurants
The Chef of the Year award goes to Antonio Mermolia, who works just a short distance from the White House at the elegant Fiola restaurant. His creative and elegant style, inspired by the Mediterranean region, has wowed diners with complex flavors and ingenious combinations.
LA Puglia, a restaurant in Los Angeles, has been named the Restaurant of the Year. This charming eatery transports diners to the heart of Puglia, a region in southern Italy, with authentic dishes and flavors that are true to the region.
Pino Posteraro, chef and owner of Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca in Vancouver, has been awarded the Guardian of Tradition Award. For over 23 years, Cioppino’s has been a beacon of classic Italian cuisine, using high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques.
Da Vittorio, a renowned Italian restaurant, has opened a new location in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The Cerea brothers, known for their successful restaurant in Italy, have expanded their reach to Asia and are sharing their love of Italian food with a new audience.
8 e ½ Bombana, a restaurant in Macao, takes the Wine List of the Year award. This extensive wine list, curated by sommelier Marino Braccu, features a diverse selection of Italian wines, from rare vintages to artisan-produced bottles.
Carpaccio, a restaurant in Paris, has earned the Lunch of the Year award. This elegant restaurant is known for its perfectly prepared dishes, including its famous carpaccio.
Napulè, a pizzeria in Zurich, Switzerland, has been named the Pizzeria of the Year. This popular pizzeria is known for its delicious pizzas, made with high-quality ingredients and perfectly-leavened dough.
Italian Cuisine: A Legacy of Flavor and Passion
The Top Italian Restaurants guide is a testament to the global impact of Italian cuisine. From classic dishes to modern interpretations, Italian food continues to captivate diners around the world. The passion and dedication of Italian chefs and restaurateurs are bringing authentic Italian flavors to new audiences and ensuring that the legacy of Italian cuisine continues to thrive. The guide not only celebrates the best of Italian food, but also highlights the importance of preserving tradition while embracing innovation.
