Under an hour to great Italian

Leone’s located in Springfield, Mass
The menu has one of the largest varieties of any restaurant on this list. More importantly though, everything you’ll order is always cooked to perfection. In a list full of great restaurants, it’s the little things that make each stand out. Leone’s has some of the best Italian Bread you’ll find anywhere. With a nice thick crust and a complimentary olive oil spread to boot, the bread truly makes the meal. Entrees are varied and each is excellent. Whether it be the “Pollo(Chicken) Bianco,” or a good ole’ fashioned steak, rest assured you can’t go wrong.

First and Last located in Hartford, Conn
Perhaps the oldest restaurant on this list, “First and Last” is about as traditional an Italian restaurant as you can get. The menu isn’t too expensive. You have some great pasta dishes and traditional specialties such as Veal Parmesan and Sausage and Peppers here. However, what really steals the show at this place is the pizza. First and Last’s Brick oven Pizza is to die for. Complimented by a fantastic thin crust, a perfect coating of olive oil and the freshest ingredients around. Try the “Neapolitan Pizza.” The place also has some fantastic bread.

Figaro’s located in Enfield, Conn
Easily featuring the largest menu on this list, Figaro’s is guaranteed to have something for everyone. Daily changing homemade soups are just the start to a great meal at this place. Nearly every Italian dish you can imagine is offered here. The Rigatoni Bolognese is a personal favorite, as is the Chicken Piccata. As a side, the restaurant’s unique “Sliced Potato ala Figaro” is incredible. The restaurant has a large dessert selection, but the standout here is truly the “Cassata” (canoli filled) cake.

Frigo’s located in Springfield, Mass
The only counter service restaurant on this list, Frigo’s is most likely the best deli you’ll find this side of New York City itself. Dozens of homemade hot meals are prepared daily, and the gourmet food, cheese and meat shops are all incredible. But what makes Frigo’s amazing are its very affordable and large sandwiches. Sandwiches made on what they call “Half Vienna” rolls are easily large enough for two people to share and are insanely cheap. Most on the menu from Chicken Parm, the Italian Cold Cut and house specialties such as “The Dante,” all use only the freshest ingredients and set you back only $5-7. Trust me, once you eat at Frigo’s you’ll never be able to stomach Subway again.

The Red Rose located in Springfield, Mass
A favorite spot for those taking in the evening’s Springfield Falcon’s Hockey Game, this classic Pizzeria offers a great pie with a great crust. Friday’s offer up the restaurants Pasta Fagoli soup, easily the best you’ll ever have. The rest of the menu is simple, the standard Italian fare. The sausage cacciatore is great. But sometimes the simplest things are best. Any pasta dish at the Rose is wonderful thanks to their lovely sauce, huge portions, and to die for meatballs and sausage. For the vegetarian, try the Baked Ziti.