Posted November 15, 2017 at 12:40 PM | Updated November 15, 2017 at 01:02 PM
Neal Blake | MLive.com
Pictured is pasta from Osteria Rossa in Grand Rapids.
On our search for Michigan's Best Italian restaurant, we found that our great state is home to some incredible authentic Italian food, from old school red sauce joints to contemporary trattorias with new takes on traditional favorites.
We, the Michigan’s Best search team of John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman, tasted our way across Michigan, visiting places near and far, mapping out MLive reader recommendations and other great places we heard about. As always, you readers know what you’re talking about, sending us to the best of the best. During our journey, we got to experience everything from white tablecloth places, to red-checked classics, to places that did mostly take out, and even a sweet little sausage shop. We traveled more than 2500 miles, from Marquette to Stevensville, Bay City and Ann Arbor, from Flint to West Michigan, and all over metro Detroit.
Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com
Pictured is the ceiling at La Cantina in Paw Paw.
The commitment to authentic Italian cuisine is something is on the rise in Michigan. Years ago, if you ate Italian it almost universally meant Sicilian cuisine, interpreted with American ingredients heavy on the red sauce and garlic. Now, with both the availability of authentic Italian imports and the interest in Italian regional cuisine, we are lucky to get to enjoy a variety of Italian flavors here in Michigan.
Cory Morse | MLive.com
Pictured are Jenna and Maurizio Arcidiacono from Amore Trattoria in Grand Rapids.
It was astonishing to see the number of husband and wife teams or whole families running most of these restaurants. Many have worked side by side for years, decades for some. A few joked with a wink and a smile about a little rolling pin in the back for arguments. But these families are pouring their heart and souls into their restaurants, and it shows. The passion that they bring to both the business and the food on the table is impressive.
Amy Sherman | asherma2@mlive.com
Pictured are the owners and crew from Da Francesco's in Shelby Township.
Family is the most important thing to Italians, and what really set this search apart was how each restaurant truly believes their customers are family. The warmth of welcome, the generosity of spirit, and the true sense of community we found at each place was refreshing and most enjoyable. You may enter these establishments a stranger, but you’ll leave as a friend.
Here are Michigan’s Best Italian restaurants, plus two newcomers to watch. We are also honoring one special owner with our "Spirit of Italy" award.
Amy Sherman | asherma2@mlive.com
Pictured is veal from Cello restaurant in Howell.
Best Italian restaurant Newcomer Awards
Our Newcomer award highlights two places that we were pleased to see doing so well right out of the gate. Both have only been open a few months, but are nailing it on food, wine and service. They might not be on your radar yet, but they should be.
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