Hole-in-the-Wall Italian Restaurants Guy Fieri Says You Need to Visit

With a last name like Fieri (pronounced "Fee-eddy" if you want to impress your friends), you know there’s got to be some serious Italian flavor in the Mayor of Flavortown's DNA. Italian through his paternal grandfather, Guy Fieri has visited enough Italian joints across the U.S.A. and Italy to be ready to open his own Italian restaurant. And open one he did.

This month, Fieri opened the doors of Guy Fieri’s Trattoria at El Dorado Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio, featuring adventurous dishes like a 68-layer lasagna. But before you visit the restaurant he opened, here are some Italian restaurants he has featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" over the years that you have to visit. 

Related: Bonkers Recipes from 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives' to Make at Home

Los Angeles

This classic Italian deli in downtown Los Angeles has been serving hearty sandwiches and traditional Italian fare since 1929. Fieri was taken away by the generous portions and authentic flavors, their longevity and consistent quality. 

Related: 51 Best Old-School Italian Restaurants in America

Collodi, Italy

To honor his Italian roots and a last name that means "proud" in Italy, in 2015, Guy took his Triple D crew on a feast to the country of his ancestors. For a taste of authentic Tuscany, Fieri recommends the mom-and-pop gem in the birthplace of Pinocchio, Collodi — La Taverna dei Miracoli da Mangiafuoco. Fieri couldn't get enough of their Spaghetti Mangiafuoco, a dish bursting with garlic, capers, anchovies, and cherry tomatoes. And don't miss their lamb — tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. 

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Boston

Located in Boston’s Financial District, Casa Razdora is renowned for its fresh handmade pasta and warm, friendly service. Fieri enjoyed their porcini cascioni, stuffed with mushrooms, sausage, and gorgonzola, which he described as "outrageous."

Florence, Italy

According to Guy Fieri, you don't have to go to Naples to eat authentic pizza. Run by four passionate brothers, Gustapizza brings a taste of Naples right to Florence. Fieri recommends their Calabrese Pizza with fresh mozzarella and spicy salami, for a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and fiery kick.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Paravicini's Italian Bistro, meaning "for the neighborhood," is a community favorite in Colorado Springs. Chef Franco Pisani serves fresh, hearty Italian meals from family recipes. Guy Fieri praised their Veal Giuseppe, declaring it "a real-deal, old-school Italian dish," loaded with veal, cherry peppers, Kalamata olives, and sausage.

Florence, Italy

At Fratelli Briganti, family and flavor come first. This spot, a hit on Triple D, left Guy Fieri raving about their Spaghettini de Briganti. Made with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil, this dish shows how simple ingredients can create something spectacular. Their wood-fired pizza is also a must-try.

Nashville, Tennessee

If you're in the mood for authentic, down-to-earth Italian food, Caffé Nonna is the perfect spot, according to Fieri. This laid-back Italian restaurant is known for its rustic, hearty dishes. The inventor of "donkey sauce" was blown away by their Lasagna Nonna — an eight-layer masterpiece packed with butternut squash, spinach, pasta, ricotta, and sautéed Swiss chard, all topped off with two sauces and loads of cheese.

San Francisco

If you're in San Francisco and craving authentic Italian-American comfort food, Fireri says Rocco's Cafe is the place to be. Family-owned from the start, Rocco's takes pride in its consistent quality and generous portions. Rocco himself has been delighting customers for generations with his grandfather's famous recipes. The most popular dishes include the rich Bolognese and Clams and the famous, super juicy chicken.

New York

For a classic red-sauce Italian vibe in New York, Fieri recommends John's of 12th Street — a spot that's been around for over a century. You gotta try their handmade veal meatballs or the original Tuscan Ragu — both are crowd-pleasers. And don't forget to wash it down with a perfectly chilled bottle of Marsala wine.

John's nails the old-school, homestyle Italian experience. With top-notch service and even a surprising array of delicious vegan options, it's a community favorite and a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine.