All 13 Michelin Star Italian Restaurants in the USA in 2024
While Italian is one of the most popular cuisines in the U.S., there are currently only 13 Michelin star Italian restaurants across the country. These fine dining establishments serve up some of the most impressive and ingenious takes on Italian gastronomy in the country today.
From Los Angeles and NYC to locations you may not expect to be home to Michelin-star restaurants, such as Boulder, Colorado, this list covers all of the Italian spots with a coveted Michelin star. Whether you want to make a reservation or just learn more about the country’s best Italian eateries, read on for a complete overview of the Michelin star Italian restaurants in the USA.
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The 13 Michelin Star Italian Restaurants in the USA
1. Sorrel, San Francisco, CA
Sorrel has been awarded a Michelin star every year since 2019. This Michelin star Italian restaurant is known for its emphasis on California-inspired cuisine with an Italian twist and commitment to local ingredients.
The Vibe
The atmosphere is casual but chic at this stylish Michelin star Italian restaurant. It’s notably a perfect spot for a date night or an upscale celebration with friends.
What to Order
The seasonal tasting menu, which usually features eight exquisite courses, is the star of the show. There’s also a five-course tasting menu and a bar menu that you can enjoy at the stunning marble bar and includes delicacies like fresh oysters, sourdough focaccia and Kaluga caviar.
Sorrel | 3228 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA 94115 | $$$$
2. Acquerello, San Francisco, CA
One of the city’s oldest fine dining restaurants and a constant on the list of Michelin star restaurants in San Francisco, a meal at Acquerello is like stepping back in time. From the classic furnishings to the genteel staff who always remember your name, this is old-school luxury dining at its finest.
The Vibe
Dining at Acquerello is a stylish, creative and entertaining affair. The elegant décor which highlights traditional Italian design juxtaposes the chef’s novel culinary vision.
What to Order
The seasonal tasting menu, with optional wine pairing, is a must-try. A vegetarian variation that is bound to surprise and delight is available as well. Dishes on both menus change frequently but can include things like corn custard with truffle and crispy leeks and butter-poached Maine lobster with mandarin and fennel.
Acquerello | 1722 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA 94109 | $$$$
3. Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles, CA
As one of only two Michelin star Italian restaurants in Los Angeles, Osteria Mozza is a must-visit eatery for lovers of high-quality Italian food in the City of Angeles. Helmed by Chef Nancy Silverton, the restaurant focuses on traditional Italian cooking with a twist and strongly emphasizes sustainability to the point where it has also achieved a Michelin Green Star.
The Vibe
Osteria Mozza is a classically designed Michelin star Italian restaurant, combining traditional Italian restaurant accents and warm dark wood with a modern, high-end touch. Along with table dining in the main restaurant, you can eat at the beautiful marble bar or in the charming courtyard.
What to Order
Osteria Mozza's seasonal menus are rich in Italian delicacies. Expect only the best cheese, cured meats and handmade pasta. Notably, don’t miss out on ordering a few dishes from the mozzarella bar, such as a buffalo mozzarella tasting board or burrata with peach and prosciutto.
Osteria Mozza | 6602 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 | $$$$
4. Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, Los Angeles, CA
In 2020, the California outpost of the Florentine legend, Gucci Osteria opened. As part of a family of contemporary Italian eateries located worldwide, this Michelin star Italian restaurant embodies the style and elegance of the fashion house as well as the creativity and culinary philosophy of its head chef.
The Vibe
‘Sexy cool’ is the vibe that this Michelin star Italian restaurant effortlessly creates with an intimate space that is colorful, inviting and, of course, fashionable. One of the most well-known Michelin star restaurants in Los Angeles, it remains a popular choice for a fun lunch or glamorous date night.
What to Order
From the creative amuse-bouche to the whimsical names of each dish, the entire menu at Gucci Osteria is designed to entertain and captivate. Choose from an innovative array of dishes with quirky names, such as Risotto Camouflaged as Pizza and Breakfast at Gucci.
Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura | 347 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 90210 | $$$$
5. Caruso's, Montecito, CA
Located in the stunning Rosewood Hotel on Miramar Beach, Caruso’s is another of the Michelin star Italian restaurants which also has a Michelin Green Star. It offers a seasonal menu that showcases the finest local ingredients complemented by an extensive wine list.
The Vibe
After walking through manicured lawns to enter the dining room, you'll be met with tables draped with crisp white linen and stylish leather booths. Like most Michelin star Italian restaurants, this space exemplifies elegance and the ocean views offer something extra without the need for over-the-top décor.
What to Order
The seafood on offer stays true to this Michelin star Italian restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and is sourced primarily from local vendors. While the menu rotates with the seasons and ingredient availability, the bluefin tuna crudo, Monterey black cod and saffron gnocchetti with Catalina scallops are top choices when on offer. There’s also a carefully curated chef’s menu.
Caruso’s | 1773 S. Jameson Lane, Montecito, CA 93108 | $$$$
6. Rocca, Tampa, FL
Rocca made waves in 2023 when it became the first Michelin star Italian restaurant in Tampa, Florida. The restaurant blends the traditional Italian dining experience with Chef Bryce Bonsack’s commitment to modern gastronomy.
The Vibe
Rocca's friendly, bustling vibe might make you forget that you are dining at one of the best Michelin star Italian restaurants. But don’t be fooled — when the dishes reach your table, all thoughts of casual dining disappear. The food is beautifully plated, and the flavor combinations are exciting and new, showcasing exactly why this is considered one of the top Tampa restaurants.
What to Order
Pasta is the no-brainer option when dining at this renowned Michelin star Italian restaurant. Options include spaghetti al limone and gnocchi with eggplant. If you want to splurge, indulge in caviar service or the mozzarella cart (or both) and don’t leave without ordering a few elevated Italian desserts.
Rocca | 323 W. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33602 | $$
7. Boia De, Miami, FL
At last count, there were only 14 Michelin star restaurants in Miami, with Boia De being the only Michelin star Italian restaurant on the list. Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer have brought their brand of cool to Boia De, with a short but sweet menu bursting with flavor.
The Vibe
The last thing you would expect in a Miami strip mall would be a Michelin star Italian restaurant. But that’s precisely where you will find Boia De. The stage is set when you spot the neon pink exclamation sign at the entrance. Inside you'll find funky wallpaper, free merch in the bathrooms, dark green walls and stylish marble countertops.
What to Order
It would be remiss to come to Boia De and not order pasta. And that pasta should be the king crab tagliolini nero. Add to your order what some critics have called “the best chopped salad in the world,” and end your feast with the spectacularly unique crispy tiramisu.
Boia De | 5205 NE, Second Ave., Miami, FL 33137 | $$$
8. Fiola, Washington, D.C.
Fiola is the flagship restaurant of internationally acclaimed Chef Fabio Trabocchi. Born and raised in Italy, Trabocchi brings his passion for local produce and traditional Italian recipes to one of the best Michelin star restaurants in D.C. Showcasing Adriatic and Romanesque cuisine in a new, charming fashion, this Michelin star Italian restaurant has been wowing diners since 2011.
The Vibe
Think country lodge meets retro dining room, and you have Fiola. The staff is attentive and eager to help and the wine list is accessible and vast. All in all, it is an ideal choice for a special celebration.
What to Order
Start by ordering a drink from the unique cocktail menu at this Michelin star Italian restaurant before moving on to dishes like tuna crudo and gnocchi al burro. End the experience with a selection of delectable desserts
Fiola | 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 | $$$$
9. Masseria, Washington, D.C.
Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s first restaurant, Masseria, is a direct nod to the agricultural estates and farmhouses found in the Puglia region of Italy, where he grew up. This Michelin star Italian restaurant focuses on the best ingredients and the most authentic recipes, making it a can’t-miss when in the nation’s capital city.
The Vibe
This Michelin star Italian restaurant is relaxed and rustic with a high-end farmhouse feel and an open kitchen to watch the chefs at work.
What to Order
Opt for the chef's tasting menu, which combines signature dishes with traditional favorites. While exact dishes on the tasting menu at this Michelin star Italian restaurant vary, you will likely get to enjoy handmade pasta, freshly baked focaccia and seafood specials.
Masseria | 1340 Fourth St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 | $$$$
10. Torrisi, NYC, NY
Torrisi, part of Major Food Group, is an NYC bar and dining room inspired by Little Italy and the city’s eclectic dining scene. It is also one of Manhattan's buzziest Italian restaurants.
The Vibe
This Michelin star Italian restaurant features warm exposed brick walls, elegant furniture and a view into the kitchen, adding to the excitement of the space. Like most Michelin-star restaurants in NYC, it is full any time of the week, so reservations are a must.
What to Order
What sounds familiar is anything but at Torrisi. Traditional Italian dishes blend with the multi-cultural cuisine of NYC, with options like octopus nha trang, cucumbers New Yorkese and capellini Cantonese with a half or whole lobster, all of which redefine what you would expect from an Italian Michelin-starred restaurant.
Torrisi | 275 Mulberry St., New York, NY 10012 | $$$$
11. Rezdôra, NYC, NY
Chef Stefano Secchi and David Switzer have created a fabulous showcase for the rich and varied cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy at their Michelin star Italian restaurant, Rezdôra. A regular on lists of the best Italian restaurants in NYC, the menu is replete with nonna-inspired specials and Northern Italian wines.
The Vibe
With its fun atmosphere, bustling bar section and popular music selection, this is a Michelin star Italian restaurant where you can let your hair down, relax and enjoy your meal.
What to Order
Indulging in a pasta course or even the pasta-tasting menu is a must. Getting smoked burrata with zucchini and mint to start and the 60-day dry-aged rib eye as a main is the perfect complement to the homemade pasta dishes. Rezdôra offers a delightfully seasonal dessert menu as well.
Rezdôra | 27 E. 20th St., New York, NY 10003 | $$$$
12. Francie, NYC, NY
A convivial brasserie in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Francie is a successful collaboration between Christopher Cipollone and John Winterman. This Michelin star Italian restaurant exudes a casual neighborhood charm, with a menu filled with classic favorites.
The Vibe
Francie has a modern vibe accented by warm elements like mood lighting and exposed brick walls. The open kitchen at this top Michelin star restaurant in the USA adds a touch of NYC bustle to this otherwise relaxed eatery.
What to Order
The lobster ravioli can’t be missed. Other popular and unique dishes include halibut with brown butter and soufflé cakes with seaweed butter and green meyer lemon caviar.
Francie | 134 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249 | $$$$
13. Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder, CO
Frasca Food and Wine is a unique entry on the list of Michelin star Italian restaurants due to its location outside of hubs like NYC, San Francisco and D.C. This restaurant introduces diners to the cuisine of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in northeastern Italy. In addition to traditional Italian techniques, prepare to be surprised by Alpine and Slavic elements at this renowned Boulder restaurant.
The Vibe
If you are looking for an unstuffy, high-end dining experience, look no further than Frasca. This Michelin star Italian restaurant feels like a neighborhood trattoria, with a robust wine list and friendly servers to complement the exquisite food.
What to Order
While the menu may be Italian, the produce is wholeheartedly Coloradan, with an emphasis on local ingredients. Creative dishes to try include striped bass with chanterelle conserva, corn and pollen and tagliatelle di pomodoro with wild langoustine.
Frasca Food and Wine | 1738 Pearl St., Boulder, CO 80302 | $$$$
Enjoy Michelin Star Quality Italian Foods Near You
Dining at one of the best Michelin star Italian restaurants is always a memorable experience but if you don’t live near any of the 13 on this list, you can still enjoy amazing, high-quality food via local culinary experiences. For example, taking a food tour near you helps with the discovery of new eateries, including the best fine-dining restaurants.
Alternatively, hire one of many private chefs near you for an unforgettable evening in the comfort of your home. No matter the occasion, you can expect a gourmet meal from a professional chef in the cuisine of your choice without lifting a finger.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
If you love high-quality Italian cuisine, a trip to at least one of these Michelin star Italian restaurants in the USA has to be on your bucket list. From eateries prioritizing sustainability or authentic recipes to those putting a modern or fusion twist on classic dishes, you’re sure to find an Italian Michelin star restaurant that serves up just what you’re after.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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