Italian Restaurants in California – Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Italian Restaurants in California

When Guy Fieri rolls into California in his iconic red Camaro, Italian cuisine is always on the menu. Since 2008, the Mayor of Flavortown has spotlighted 22 Italian restaurants across the Golden State, and with 19 still serving up authentic dishes today, these spots have proven they’ve got serious staying power. From the sun-soaked streets of San Luis Obispo to the vibrant neighborhoods of Los Angeles, these restaurants average an impressive 4.5-star rating—a testament to their commitment to quality.

Among the standouts, Donna Jean in Sherman Oaks delivers plant-based Italian that even the most devoted carnivores can’t resist, while Eastside Market Italian Deli in Los Angeles has been slinging legendary sandwiches and housemade sausages for generations. Over in Hollywood, Delancey Pizzeria & Bar proves that wood-fired perfection is alive and well on the West Coast. Each of these Triple D-approved gems shares a 4.7-star rating, earning their place among California’s finest Italian dining destinations. Whether you’re craving classic red sauce comfort or innovative coastal cuisine, Guy’s California Italian picks won’t disappoint.

Donna Jean

Donna Jean

Permanently Closed

Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.7
Episode 567: Flavortown Flavorfest
AmericanItalianVegan/Vegetarian
Delancey Pizzeria & Bar

Delancey Pizzeria & Bar

Still Open

Hollywood, Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.7
Episode 323: Chew and Brew
ItalianPizza
Eastside Market Italian Deli

Eastside Market Italian Deli

Still Open

Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.7
Episode 215: L.A. Eats
ItalianSandwich
Catelli’s

Catelli’s

Still Open

Geyserville, California

★★★★☆ 4.7
Episode 141: Bar Food and Bon Bons
Italian
Pazzo

Pazzo

Still Open

San Carlos, California

★★★★☆ 4.6
Episode 373: Italian, Hawaiian and Colombian
ItalianPizzaHawaiian
Brick & Fire

Brick & Fire

Still Open

Eureka, California

★★★★☆ 4.6
Episode 234: Big Time Bites
Italian
Pizzeria Luigi

Pizzeria Luigi

Still Open

San Diego, California

★★★★☆ 4.6
Episode 53: Real Deal Italian
ItalianPizza
Flour House

Flour House

Still Open

San Luis Obispo, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 539: From Breakfast to the Boot
ItalianBreakfastPizza
Black Market Liquor Bar

Black Market Liquor Bar

Still Open

Studio City, Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 516: Champion Chefs
SeafoodItalianVegan/Vegetarian
South End

South End

Permanently Closed

Venice, Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 510: Top-Notch Toppings
AmericanItalianPizza
Bettina

Bettina

Still Open

Santa Barbara, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 500: Interesting Italian
ItalianPizza
The Real Italian Deli

The Real Italian Deli

Still Open

Palm Desert, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 487: Stellar Sandwiches and Big-Time Burgers
ItalianBurgerSandwich
Grana

Grana

Still Open

Chico, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 397: Coming Together in Cali
Italian
Rosine’s Restaurant

Rosine’s Restaurant

Still Open

Monterey, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 248: Stuffed and Twisted
AmericanItalianBreakfast
Ivanhoe

Ivanhoe

Still Open

Ferndale, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 232: Guy's Hometown Tour
Italian
Spirito’s Italian Diner

Spirito’s Italian Diner

Still Open

Carlsbad, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 217: From the Heart
ItalianPizza
Pizzeria Luigi

Pizzeria Luigi

Still Open

North Park, San Diego, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 216: All San Diego, All the Time
ItalianPizza
Rocco’s Café

Rocco’s Café

Permanently Closed

San Francisco, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 74: All Over The Map
AmericanItalianBreakfast
Mama’s Meatball

Mama’s Meatball

Still Open

San Luis Obispo, California

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 536: Just Like Mom
Italian
The Original Barone’s Famous Italian

The Original Barone’s Famous Italian

Still Open

Valley Glen, Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 324: Global Greats
ItalianChickenPizza
Mama Cozza’s

Mama Cozza’s

Still Open

Anaheim, California

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 116: Tried and True
ItalianPizza
Little Napoli

Little Napoli

Still Open

Carmel, California

★★★★☆ 4.3
Episode 250: From Standards to Standouts
Italian