Finding Italian food that’s both authentic and affordable can feel like a balancing act—especially in major U.S. cities where fine dining often dominates the spotlight. But nestled between high-end trattorias and fast-casual chains are mid-range Italian gems that serve handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and regional specialties without the fine dining price tag.
From New York to Los Angeles, here’s a curated list of mid-range Italian restaurants that deliver full flavor and satisfying portions—all for a price that won’t drain your wallet.
New York City: Rubirosa
Located in Nolita, Rubirosa is a local favorite known for its thin-crust vodka pizza, classic red sauce dishes, and warm, family-style ambiance. Pastas like the rigatoni alla vodka or cavatelli with sausage fall squarely in the $18–$24 range, offering elevated comfort food without a sky-high bill.
Also explore more spots on Eater NY’s mid-priced Italian picks.
Chicago: Sapori Trattoria
Tucked into Lincoln Park, Sapori Trattoria delivers rustic Italian charm with an extensive pasta menu—many under $20. Their homemade gnocchi, wild mushroom ravioli, and truffle-infused specials are perennial crowd-pleasers.
Los Angeles: Uovo
Uovo offers a pared-down, pasta-focused menu inspired by Bologna and Rome, with dishes like tagliatelle bolognese and tonnarelli cacio e pepe—all priced around $15. The concept is minimalist, but the flavor is anything but.
Austin: Patrizi’s
This no-frills pasta truck Patrizi’s delivers hand-rolled noodles, rich sauces, and big flavor with a side of casual charm. Dishes like “The Great Leopold” and cacio e pepe hover around $13–$16.
See more mid-tier Italian spots on Thrillist’s Austin dining guide.
Boston: Trattoria Il Panino
One of the North End’s go-to options, Trattoria Il Panino balances quality and accessibility. Expect classic dishes like veal saltimbocca and lobster ravioli, with most mains between $18–$26.
Seattle: The Pink Door
The Pink Door in Pike Place blends Italian-American fare with theatrical flair. Homemade pastas like pappardelle with lamb ragu offer a cozy but refined take on regional classics. Most plates land between $20–$30.
Denver: Bar Dough
Bar Dough keeps things creative with wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and seasonal fare in the $15–$25 range. The ricotta gnocchi and squid ink campanelle are menu standouts.
Washington D.C.: The Red Hen
A neighborhood favorite in Bloomingdale, The Red Hen offers wood-grilled mains and house-made pasta like rigatoni with fennel sausage and Calabrian chili. Mains are mostly under $30.
These restaurants prove that you don’t need a white tablecloth to enjoy exceptional Italian cuisine. From iconic city establishments to under-the-radar gems, the mid-range scene is thriving—bringing handmade pasta and bold flavors within easy reach.
