If you're looking for Italian food, it's doesn't get much more authentic than Oggi Cosi Si Mangia. Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the restaurant's small but fervent following swears by its mouthwatering fare. Its owner, Luigi 'Louis' Maglieri, says his family came from Molise, Italy, and every bite of every dish in the restaurant will transport you to his country.

"Our stuff is pretty traditional. My mom is a great cook and most of these are her recipes," he says. Some of his customers' favorites are the Chicken Marsala and Chicken Piccata, served with a side of angel hair pasta, the Pan-seared Salmon with brown butter lemon caper sauce, and the Cavatelli Arrabbiata with spicy crumbled sausage with lean pork.