GROWING UP in upstate New York meant that there was no shortage of Italian eateries, delis, pizzerias and bakeries. My family included, this region is brimming with Italian influences given that so many immigrated to the area many generations ago.

When relocating to Savannah, the expectation was that Italian food would be limited to Olive Garden and pizza would be sold exclusively by chain joints whose quality matched their prices. Over the past few years though, Savannah has shattered that speculation.