The development of Italian cuisine mirrors America’s rich political and geographic diversity. Richmond’s homegrown Italian food is no different, and finds its roots among the Italian immigrants who came to Richmond, making up as much as 10 percent of the local population in 1930.

Mediterranean influences bring fish and olives into culinary creations, carefully handcrafted ziti, cavatelli, and other types of pasta hail from southern Italy, and exquisite desserts such as tiramisu find origins in the north—combining for a tasty eating experience renowned for its ability to bring people together.