You most certainly do not need to be on the West or East Coast to experience noteworthy Italian cuisine in America. Cities such as Chicago, Nashville, and St. Louis feature some of America’s most exciting restaurants for contemporary Italian-inspired and classic dishes.

Recent openings and spring newcomers in these great food cities will include a much-anticipated solo venture from a Top Chef winner and former Spiaggia chef in Chicago, a glitzy U.S. debut from a famed Italian restaurateur in St. Louis, and a Sicilian street food spot coming to Nashville. Here are the new and upcoming Italian restaurants to know about.