The US is a melting pot of cultures, giving Americans access to different foods from all over the world. One of the most popular cuisines is Italian, with many cities having a "Little Italy" full of Italian restaurants. However, many don't know how Italian cuisine became so popular in the US, so here's a brief history of Italian food in America. 

The Origins of Italian Food in the US

Italian cuisine arrived in the US in the late 19th century, when the first Italian immigrants arrived. They held on to their culture through their cooking, and as they spread across the country, so did their cuisine. Italian restaurants started to crop up after World War II, when soldiers returned home from Italy and wanted to eat the food they had overseas.

Through the 50s and 60s, Italian food became a part of the regular American diet with cold cuts like salami and mozzarella, and in the 70s and 80s, Americans began creating Italian-inspired dishes like fettuccine Alfredo. Now, there are about 100,000 Italian restaurants in the country, and the cuisine has assimilated into American culture, with pasta, pasta sauces, and pizza being sold in most supermarkets. 

Popular Italian Cuisine by Region

Northeast

In the Northeast, pizza is incredibly popular. In New York City, the New York slice is famous, with many travelers visiting and insisting on having pizza there. 

Midwest

The Midwest has a wide range of Italian dishes they like, some of them being Italian beef, chicken Vesuvio, and an Italian dessert called Cassata cake. 

South

One of the most famous Italian dishes in the South is muffuletta, a sandwich made of meats, cheeses, and olive salads, which is usually served warm but can be heated to melt the cheese.

West Coast

On the West Coast, one of the most famous instances of Italian influence is in Cioppino, which is a fish stew that was created by Italian Americans in San Francisco. 

If you're craving Italian food in Groton, CT, visit Paul's Pasta Shop. This restaurant has been serving fresh, handmade pasta since 1988, giving it a reputation as the best Italian restaurant in Groton. Their menu changes constantly, frequently giving customers new dishes to try, including soups, salads, and sandwiches. For more information, call them at (860) 445-5276 and visit their website to view their menu options.