You can find hundreds of Italian restaurants around LA, but in fact, there's no such thing as "Italian" food. Rather, this boot-shaped Mediterranean country is made up of at least 20 major regions, each with its own epicurean flair.
To wit: In the north, Piedmont and Lombardy produce rich, creamy dishes and hearty stews. Italy's breadbasket, Emilia-Romagna, is renowned for its meaty sauces, wholesome lasagna, and Modena's syrupy-yet-savory balsamic vinegar.