Italian food is one of the most popular cuisines in America, thanks to immigration and, surprisingly, World War II. Millions of Americans are descended from Italian immigrants who came in waves in the nineteenth century, bringing their food memories with them. Beloved dishes from many regions of Italy were adapted to American products.  World War II introduced American soldiers to new tastes, especially pizza and pasta. Back home, they searched for those flavors.

Why Italian food tastes great?

The first and most obvious reason Italian restaurants are so popular is the flavors.

Good Italian food is made with the freshest ingredients, flavorful herbs and simple sauces. The best Italian cooks “stay out of the way” of the best vegetables, seafoods and meats available. And then there’s the pasta! From toddlers to centenarians, pasta is everyone’s favorite. Especially when homemade.

There’s something for everyone

The variety offered in Italian restaurants is another reason that they are a favorite for foodies everywhere. Dine at an Italian restaurant like Arco and you’ll find a lot of different options, which makes it easy to please almost everyone. Beyond pasta, there are soups, stews, grilled meats, including steak; fish like branzino and salmon; seafood like shrimp and calamari; and many other options. Vegetarians and vegans will always be satisfied at an Italian restaurant. Arco’s minestrone, for example, is bursting with vegetables in a broth made simply from their juices.  That’s not to mention composed salads and pastas dressed with garden vegetables.

Food made with fresh ingredients

In Italy, farm to table dining is an ancient tradition. And Italy practically invented the “slow food” movement, where maximum flavor is coaxed from the freshest ingredients. Good Italian restaurants like Arco, make everything from scratch.

Exceptional food with wine

Not only is the food at Italian restaurants  delicious, but it pairs beautifully with wine. In Italy, no dinner is complete without a glass of red or white wine. Sparkling wine, like Prosecco, complements appetizers, like Arco’s cured meat and cheese tagliere. Ask your server at Arco for suggestions on pairing wine with the dishes you’ve chosen. We’ll guide you in the right direction.

Taste our Sardinian Italian dishes today!

If you are looking for a truly special experience at an Italian restaurant, we suggest venturing into Arco Cafe. Our authentic Sardinian cuisine is made with the freshest ingredients, all of which are locally sourced whenever possible. Visit us in New York City’s Upper West Side to see what makes our Italian Restaurant so unique. Book a table or order from our takeout menu today.