Pasta has a way of bringing people together. From silky strands of fettuccine to hearty sheets of lasagna, it comforts, satisfies, and sparks joy at the dinner table. Well, one Michigan restaurant is serving a pasta so good, it’s been declared the state’s finest.
Michigan’s Best Pasta Dish
Lovefood recently set out on a nationwide quest to find the best pasta in every state, seeking dishes that combine authenticity, creativity, and that “can’t stop eating” quality.
Giovanni’s Ristorante via Facebook
Giovanni’s Ristorante via Facebook
In Michigan, the crown went to a Detroit treasure: Giovanni’s Ristorante. What began as a family carryout pizza parlor in 1968 has grown into an Old World Italian-American fine dining institution, deeply intertwined with Detroit’s history.
A Family Legacy of Italian Cuisine
Giovanni’s Ristorante has been a Detroit favorite for decades, beloved by locals and visitors for its warm, inviting atmosphere and authentic Italian flavors. Frances Cannarsa Truant (daughter of the restaurant’s namesake, Giovanni Cannarsa) often greets guests personally, while her son, Chef Randy Truant, carries on the family’s culinary traditions in the kitchen.
READ MORE: Here’s Another Contender For Michigan’s Best Pizza
Famous Guests and Local Favorites
The restaurant’s reputation has drawn famous diners over the years, including Frank Sinatra, George Clooney, and Celine Dion. With its combination of charm, history, and exceptional food, Giovanni’s remains a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Italy in Detroit.
Lasagne al Forno and Other Menu Highlights
In particular, Lovefood praises Giovanni’s lasagna: Lasagne al Forno, as the best pasta in Michigan.
👇BELOW: 20 MICHIGAN RESTAURANTS LOCALS SAY YOU NEED TO TRY👇
Giovanni’s Ristorante via Facebook
Giovanni’s Ristorante via Facebook
Layer upon layer of tender pasta, seasoned meat, creamy béchamel, and cheese are baked to bubbling perfection. Diners rave that they can’t stop eating it—or talking about it.
READ MORE: Revealing Michigan’s Top Burrito
Giovanni’s Ristorante via Facebook
Giovanni’s Ristorante via Facebook
Beyond lasagna, the menu impresses with house-made gnocchi in porcini cream, Cannelloni di Pesce with cognac-infused shrimp and scallops, Saltimbocca alla Romana, and Filetto alla Giovanni, a char-grilled petite filet mignon. Brick-oven pizzas, fresh salads, and standout seafood round out the offerings, making every visit a journey through Italy without leaving Detroit.
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Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill
Dining and Cooking