14 Best Italian Restaurants in Michigan to Try in 2026
Michigan’s culinary landscape offers more than just pasties and Coney dogs—it’s home to some seriously spectacular Italian eateries that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Rome, Naples, and Milan.
From wood-fired pizzas that bubble with perfection to handmade pasta that melts in your mouth, the Great Lakes State has mastered the art of authentic Italian cuisine.
Whether you’re craving classic comfort dishes or contemporary twists on traditional favorites, these restaurants deliver exceptional experiences that’ll have you saying “Mamma mia!” with every bite.
Get ready to explore fourteen incredible spots where Italian passion meets Michigan hospitality in the most delicious ways imaginable.
1. Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar – Shelby Township
Nestled in the heart of Shelby Township at 49521 Van Dyke Ave, Da Francesco’s has been serving up authentic Italian masterpieces that make nonnas everywhere nod with approval.
This family-owned gem brings Old World charm to suburban Michigan with recipes passed down through generations. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between fancy-enough-for-date-night and comfortable-enough-for-family-dinner.
Their homemade pasta dishes are legendary, with each noodle crafted with the kind of care that turns a simple meal into an unforgettable experience. The marinara sauce tastes like it simmered for days, bursting with tomato-y goodness and aromatic herbs.
Service here feels like being welcomed into someone’s home—attentive without being stuffy, friendly without being intrusive. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just Tuesday, Da Francesco’s transforms ordinary evenings into extraordinary memories.
The portions are generous enough to share or save for tomorrow’s lunch (though you probably won’t want to).
2. Mani Osteria & Bar – Ann Arbor
Right in the buzzing heart of Ann Arbor at 341 E Liberty St, Mani Osteria redefines what Italian dining can be with its fresh, innovative approach to classic dishes.
The chefs here aren’t afraid to experiment, creating flavor combinations that honor tradition while embracing creativity. Their seasonal menu changes regularly, showcasing the freshest ingredients Michigan has to offer alongside imported Italian specialties.
Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a stylish Milan eatery, complete with sleek décor and an energy that’s both sophisticated and welcoming. The open kitchen lets you watch culinary magic happen in real-time, adding theater to your dining experience.
Every plate arrives looking like edible artwork, almost too beautiful to disturb—almost. The flavors back up the presentation with bold, well-balanced tastes that dance across your palate.
Perfect for impressing out-of-town guests or treating yourself to something extraordinary after a long week.
3. Paesano Restaurant & Bar – Ann Arbor
Located at 3411 Washtenaw Ave, Paesano has been an Ann Arbor institution for decades, proving that when you get Italian food right, people keep coming back generation after generation.
This isn’t the place for trendy fusion experiments—Paesano sticks to what works, delivering consistently excellent traditional Italian fare that tastes like comfort in edible form. Their veal dishes are particularly outstanding, tender and flavorful in ways that’ll ruin you for lesser versions.
The restaurant radiates old-school charm with its intimate dining spaces and décor that hasn’t changed much over the years (and doesn’t need to). Regulars have their favorite tables, and servers remember faces and orders from visit to visit.
Portion sizes lean toward the generous side, so come hungry or prepare to take home tomorrow’s lunch. The breadbasket alone could be a meal, warm and perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
4. Palio – Ann Arbor
Situated at 347 S Main St in downtown Ann Arbor, Palio brings upscale Italian dining to the college town with elegance that never feels pretentious.
Named after Siena’s famous horse race, this restaurant captures the excitement and passion of Italian culture in every carefully prepared dish. The menu reads like a love letter to Northern Italian cuisine, featuring regional specialties you won’t find at your typical red-sauce joint.
Fresh seafood flown in regularly meets locally-sourced produce in combinations that highlight the best of both worlds. Their risotto achieves that creamy, perfectly al dente texture that separates amateur attempts from professional mastery.
The atmosphere skews romantic, making it ideal for anniversaries, proposals, or convincing someone you’re much fancier than you actually are. Soft lighting, attentive service, and thoughtful details create an environment where conversations flow as smoothly as the expertly crafted dishes.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends when Ann Arbor’s food lovers flock here.
5. Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina – Ann Arbor
At 3050 Washtenaw Ave #112, Bigalora proves that pizza isn’t just food—it’s a spiritual experience when done correctly in a blazing wood-fired oven.
Watching the pizzaiolos work is mesmerizing as they stretch dough, arrange toppings with artistic precision, and slide pies into the roaring oven, its high heat creating crusts with that ideal combination of crispy edges and chewy centers.
But don’t sleep on their non-pizza offerings—the salads burst with freshness, and their pasta dishes hold their own against any standalone Italian restaurant. The casual, energetic vibe makes it perfect for families, groups, or solo diners sitting at the counter watching the action.
Prices remain reasonable despite the high quality, making Bigalora a go-to spot when you want authentic Italian without breaking the bank. Their commitment to using Michigan-grown ingredients whenever possible adds local flavor to Italian tradition.
6. Pietro’s Italian Restaurant – Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids locals have been flocking to Pietro’s at 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE since it opened, drawn by aromas that could guide you there with your eyes closed.
This family-run establishment treats every guest like long-lost relatives returning home for Sunday dinner. The menu showcases Italian-American classics executed with skill and genuine affection for the cuisine.
Their lasagna deserves its own fan club—layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce baked to bubbly perfection that requires strategic cooling time unless you enjoy burning your tongue. The chicken parmigiana arrives on a plate barely large enough to contain its generous proportions, smothered in melted mozzarella that stretches with every forkful.
Pietro’s doesn’t try to be trendy or reinvent the wheel; it simply does traditional Italian-American food exceptionally well, which is precisely what keeps people coming back year after year. The warmth extends beyond the food to the service, creating an experience that feels genuinely special.
7. Amore Trattoria Italiana – Comstock Park
Tucked away at 5080 Alpine Ave NW in Comstock Park, Amore Trattoria lives up to its name by serving food prepared with genuine love and passion.
The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a quaint trattoria somewhere in the Italian countryside, complete with rustic touches and an ambiance that immediately puts you at ease. Small enough to feel intimate but spacious enough to never feel cramped, the dining room strikes that perfect balance.
Chef-driven specials change regularly based on seasonal availability and creative inspiration, meaning there’s always something new to discover alongside the reliable favorites. Their approach to Italian cuisine emphasizes simplicity—letting quality ingredients shine without unnecessary fuss or overcomplication.
The pasta is made fresh in-house, and you can taste the difference in every perfectly textured bite. Service strikes that sweet spot between professional and personable, making solo diners feel welcome and large groups feel accommodated.
Amore proves you don’t need to be in a big city to find outstanding Italian food.
8. Trattoria Stella – Traverse City
Perched at 830 Cottageview Dr in beautiful Traverse City, Trattoria Stella combines stunning location with cuisine that matches the breathtaking scenery.
This isn’t your typical tourist-trap restaurant capitalizing on its prime real estate—Stella delivers serious culinary credentials alongside those gorgeous views. The menu changes seasonally to showcase Northern Michigan’s incredible agricultural bounty alongside imported Italian ingredients.
Their commitment to farm-to-table dining means your meal likely includes produce, meats, and cheeses from nearby farms, creating a true sense of place. The pasta dishes demonstrate technical mastery, with house-made noodles cooked precisely to order and sauced with restraint that lets each component shine.
Dining here feels special without being stuffy, sophisticated without being intimidating. The converted historic building adds character and charm that new construction simply cannot replicate.
Whether you’re visiting Traverse City or lucky enough to live there, Trattoria Stella represents Northern Michigan Italian dining at its absolute finest.
9. PepeNero – Traverse City
At 700 Cottageview Dr Suite 100, PepeNero brings contemporary Italian flair to Traverse City with a menu that respects tradition while embracing innovation.
The name means “black pepper” in Italian, hinting at the restaurant’s philosophy of using bold, quality ingredients to create memorable flavors. Walking in, you immediately notice the modern aesthetic—clean lines, thoughtful lighting, and an overall vibe that feels current without being cold.
Their antipasti selections could honestly serve as a full meal, offering creative takes on classic Italian starters that are perfect for sharing (or not—we don’t judge). The wood-fired pizzas achieve that perfect Neapolitan-style crust with a slightly charred exterior and pillowy soft interior.
Service moves at a comfortable pace that encourages lingering over multiple courses and good conversation. The kitchen’s attention to detail shows in every element, from the perfectly dressed salads to the thoughtfully plated entrees.
PepeNero proves Traverse City’s dining scene can compete with much larger cities.
10. Aurora On The Lake – Commerce Township
Commerce Township’s hidden gem sits at 2323 Union Lake Rd, where Aurora On The Lake offers Italian cuisine with views that’ll make you forget you’re in Michigan.
The waterfront location provides stunning backdrops for your meal, especially during sunset when the lake glows golden and the atmosphere becomes downright magical. But Aurora doesn’t rely solely on its gorgeous setting—the food stands proudly on its own merits.
Their seafood preparations showcase both Italian coastal traditions and the restaurant’s access to quality fresh fish. The branzino, prepared Mediterranean-style with herbs and olive oil, tastes like vacation in edible form.
During warmer months, the patio becomes one of metro Detroit’s most desirable dining spots, so plan accordingly and make reservations early. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every seat gets a view, creating an airy, open feeling even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Aurora manages to feel both upscale and approachable, fancy enough for celebrations but welcoming enough for regular visits.
11. Ottava Via – Detroit
Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood welcomed a game-changer when Ottava Via opened at 1400 Michigan Ave, bringing serious Italian credentials to the city’s evolving food scene.
While often celebrated for its handmade pastas, pizzas, and regional Italian dishes, Ottava Via’s culinary program is led by its own in-house team.
The menu reads like a culinary tour of Italy’s diverse regions, from Northern risottos to Southern seafood preparations. Their handmade pasta program is exceptional, featuring shapes and preparations you won’t find at chain restaurants.
The space itself captures Detroit’s industrial heritage with exposed brick and modern touches that create a sophisticated urban vibe. Watching the kitchen team work through the open design adds energy and excitement to your meal.
Ottava Via represents Detroit’s culinary renaissance—confident, creative, and absolutely delicious from start to finish.
12. Giovanni’s Ristorante – Detroit
Since opening its doors at 330 Oakwood Blvd, Giovanni’s Ristorante has been serving Detroit’s Italian-American community and beyond with recipes that taste like history.
This is old-school Italian-American dining at its finest—the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers are made to feel like they’ve been coming for years. The red-sauce dishes here set the standard that others aspire to reach.
Their spaghetti and meatballs might sound simple, but one bite reveals the magic that happens when quality ingredients meet time-tested techniques and genuine care. The meatballs are tender, perfectly seasoned spheres of joy that pair beautifully with tangy, slow-simmered marinara.
Giovanni’s doesn’t chase trends or try to be something it’s not—it simply continues doing what it’s done well for decades. The portions are generous, the prices fair, and the atmosphere warm and inviting.
This is the kind of restaurant that makes you understand why people become regulars.
13. La Dolce Vita – Detroit
At 17546 Woodward Ave, La Dolce Vita brings the sweet life promised by its name to Detroit’s diverse dining landscape with flavors that sing.
The restaurant captures that joyful Italian spirit where food isn’t just sustenance—it’s celebration, connection, and passion rolled into every dish. Bright, welcoming décor sets a cheerful tone before you even glance at the menu.
Their approach balances classic preparations with creative specials that keep the menu exciting for repeat visitors. The chicken dishes showcase various regional Italian preparations, each highlighting different flavor profiles and cooking techniques.
Service here radiates genuine hospitality, the kind where servers actually care about your experience rather than just going through the motions. The kitchen maintains consistency across visits, meaning your favorite dish tastes just as good the tenth time as it did the first.
La Dolce Vita proves that great Italian food doesn’t require fancy surroundings or pretentious attitudes—just skill, quality ingredients, and heart.
14. Buddy’s Pizza (Original Location) – Detroit
The legendary birthplace of Detroit-style pizza sits at 17125 Conant St, where Buddy’s has been creating square, crispy-edged masterpieces since 1946.
While technically a pizzeria, Buddy’s deserves recognition in any discussion of Michigan’s Italian food scene for literally inventing a pizza style that’s conquered the nation. The signature square pies feature cheese spread to the edges where it caramelizes against the pan, creating those coveted crispy corners.
Sauce goes on top in true Detroit fashion, applied in racing stripes that add tangy brightness to balance the rich cheese. Beyond pizza, their Italian dinners and appetizers hold their own, though most people come for those iconic pies.
The original location maintains that nostalgic, no-frills atmosphere that reminds you this is where it all began. Generations of Detroit families have celebrated birthdays, graduations, and ordinary Tuesdays at Buddy’s.
Visiting the original location feels like a pilgrimage for pizza lovers—a chance to taste history in its most delicious form.