From old-school red-sauce joints to contemporary trattorias rolling out inventive noodles, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has showcased plenty of spots where pasta takes center stage. Use this list to map out a carb-friendly road trip or to add a few destinations to your culinary bucket list. Every restaurant below earned a place on the show and remains a reliable bet when nothing but a great plate of pasta will do.
1. Rino’s Place — East Boston, MA
This intimate neighborhood favorite balances soulful Italian-American comfort with attention to craft—think house-made noodles, slow-simmered sauces, and portions big enough to conquer the fiercest appetite. Its appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives cemented Rino’s reputation as the go-to spot for pasta devotees visiting Boston.
2. Lillian’s Italian Kitchen — Santa Cruz, CA
Family recipes and a cozy, living-room atmosphere make Lillian’s Italian Kitchen’s feel like Sunday dinner any night of the week. Featured on the show for its from-scratch approach, the kitchen turns out pastas highlighting local produce and California’s laid-back vibe while staying true to classic Italian flavors.
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3. Café Citti — Kenwood, CA
Perched in Sonoma wine country, Café Citti marries Northern Italian tradition with the region’s agricultural bounty. Fans discovered through Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives flock here for generous bowls of pasta that pair effortlessly with a local pinot—and for that comforting trattoria feel that makes lingering over lunch almost mandatory.
4. Mama Cozza’s — Anaheim, CA
Mama Cozza’s has served Orange County since 1965 and is the epitome of a time capsule Italian restaurant—warm wood paneling, checked tablecloths, and recipes passed down for generations. The Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives spotlight emphasized the restaurant’s commitment to hearty, tradition-forward pasta that tastes like nostalgia in every bite.
5. La Piazza al Forno — Glendale, AZ
While La Piazza al Forno is often praised for its wood-fired pizzas, its pasta program impressed Guy Fieri just as much. House-made noodles, imported Italian ingredients, and a philosophy that “simpler is better” make this Phoenix-area favorite essential for pasta enthusiasts.
6. Pastabilities — Syracuse, NY
A Syracuse institution since the 1980s, Pastabilities makes its noodles daily and isn’t afraid to experiment with shapes, flavors, and sauces. The episode dedicated to this spot showcased its lively open kitchen and creative pasta ethos—proof that innovation and comfort can share the same plate.
7. Caffé Nonna — Nashville, TN
In a city better known for hot chicken, Caffé Nonna offers a welcome carb-focused detour. Its segment on the show showed how the chefs honor Old-World techniques—slow-simmered sauces, careful seasoning, and just-cooked-to-order pasta—bringing a taste of the Italian countryside to Music City.
8. Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria — Geyserville, CA
Though famed for artisanal charcuterie and wood-fired pies, Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria wowed Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives viewers with its pasta program, which was built on locally sourced ingredients and slow-food sensibilities. The result is a dining experience where noodles hold their own alongside award-winning salumi.