BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Baton Rouge boasts a rich and diverse food scene, with Italian cuisine holding a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. Whether you’re craving pasta, pizza, or an authentic Italian dining experience, there’s no shortage of incredible options in and around Baton Rouge. A recent National Pasta Association study revealed that pasta continues to be a favorite worldwide, with 73% of respondents enjoying it at least once a week. Beyond pasta, Italian restaurants are celebrated for their pizza, salads, and unique specialties. Here’s a look at the top 10 Italian restaurants in the Baton Rouge area, as ranked by Yelp reviewers. Di Giulio Brothers The Di Giulio Brothers Italian Cafe has been a neighborhood staple since 1987, according to the site. Location: 2903 Perkins Road Top Review: "Amazing food! Comfortable dining room. Service was solid. Will now be returning every time I visit BR!" Gino's Restaurant This authentic Italian restaurant has been family-owned and operated for over 40 years. Location: 4542 Bennington Ave., Baton Rouge Top Review: "Some of the best food that I have had at a restaurant, (anywhere). I have visited hundreds of eateries across America and Europe, so that is a significant statement." Monjunis Italian Cafe Monjunis is an Italian restaurant and grocery store in Baton Rouge and Shreveport. Shoppers can buy Monjunis brand pizza sauce, salsa and olive salad online and have it shipped directly to their door. At the restaurant, visitors can enjoy lasagna, ravioli, muffulettas and salads. Location: 711 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge Top Review: "This is my favorite Italian place in BR. We went last Saturday and had a wonderful dinner. The server was friendly and helped make a recommendation. We had some STRONG Italian margaritas, delicious entrees, and an affogato for dessert." Baton Rouge restaurant has new signature coffee line featuring New Orleans artist La Contea Ristorante La Contea is a family-owned and operated establishment that was started in Feb. 2017 with a modern Italian ambiance, while offering fresh products. Location: 7970 Jefferson Hwy, Suite F, Baton Rouge Top Review: "The ambiance is the perfect place for a nice dinner or lunch! There was very moody lighting so that everything was calm and elegant feeling. The service was great and we were seated very quickly. We got complimentary garlic rolls which were so good! I ordered the chicken parm and my friend ordered the carbonara." Nino's Nino's is a fine dining restaurant that has been in the Baton Rouge community for over 15 years. All dishes at Nino's are made of "the finest ingredients." Location: 7512 Bluebonnet Blvd. Top Review: "Everything was amazing! It's a small place so pretty intimate and the literal only drawback of the night was that it can get a little noisy when every table is filled. Everything else was phenomenal." Anthony's Italian Deli Anthony's Deli is a family-owned and operated restaurant known for its muffolettas, pressed sandwiches, and homemade spaghetti with house-made sausage. Location: 5575 Government St. Top Review: "Anthony's has been in business so long due to authentic Italian cuisine, including a great variety of take-out deli items. If you need some real Italian grocery items for your home, there's a good chance you can get them at Anthony's. However, if you would rather let them prepare your meal for you, that's an excellent option as well." Fratelli's Italian Grille The family-owned Italian grill reports to bring a touch of Mediterranean magic to every meal" and offers traditional recipes. Location: 14455 Wax Road Top Review: "I found Fratelli's this weekend when I was looking for a new place to eat truly good food. I was very happy with my dining experience. It's a small but quiet little gem of a place with booths and tables and a bar. Kind of old fashioned on the inside, quiet and welcoming." La Divina Italian Cafe The locally-owned Italian cafe serves coffee, breakfast, paninis, wraps and other lunch and dinner options. Location: 3535 Perkins Road, Suite 360 Top Review: "My favorite coffee shop near campus. Staff is always polite and friendly. Prices are very reasonable and food is consistent. Would recommend!" Bonta del Forno Ristorante This restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine made from quality ingredients with a huge wine selection. Location: 2660 Sac Au Lait Blvd., Denham Springs Top Review: "The food was amazing...Atmosphere as well. Will go there again.Wanted to try the deserts ... but was not able to after eating the main course and the delicious complementary garlic butter bread.The waitress helped me with the wine selection and the Moscat she recommended was very good." Randazzo's Italian Market This establishment is an Italian market and restaurant that offers authentic Italian meals with high-quality ingredients. The market offers a large variety of wines, meats and pasta. Location: 240 Capitol St., Denham Springs Top Review: "Family-owned and operated! Great Italian food we brought our Italian visitors and they loved the food said it was prepared and tasted great." Know of another great spot? If your favorite Italian restaurant didn’t make the list, email [email protected] to share your recommendation! 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