The Italian restaurant in America has changed in style over the past several decades probably more than any other genre of restaurant. Even as recently as 50 years ago, the phrase "Italian restaurant" conjured images of red and white checkered tablecloths, carafes of middling Chianti, and a red sauce-heavy menu with classics like chicken parmigiana that were more Italian-American than authentic Italian.

Then something interesting happened: People got bored, and a new breed of Italian restaurant came onto the scene, able to rival even the highest-end French dining rooms. Every state is home to scores of Italian restaurants - some old-school, some modern, some simple pizzerias - and we've tracked down the best one in every state as well as the District of Columbia.