Sometimes you just need to indulge in some Italian food. There’s something comforting about the tradition of starting off your meal by dabbing a slice of bread into dipping oil and then diving into a big bowl of pasta or a hearty serving of polenta. Luckily, Delaware has plenty of Italian restaurants to keep your mouth watering and your belly full. Here are nine favorites.

1. Soffritto Italian Grill (Newark)

There’s more to Italian fare than a large bowl of pasta, and Soffritto does it right. What makes this restaurant unique is that it was rated the number 1 Italian restaurant in the world (outside of Italy) by Ospitalita Italiana. You can easily show up in jeans, but you won’t feel out of place if you want to dress up for a date night or special occasion.

2. Capers and Lemons (Wilmington)

Grab a bite of gnocchi or a bowl of spaghetti at this Wilmington restaurant. They were voted best fresh pasta by Best of Delaware 2015. Since this is both a restaurant and market, you can take home some special treats after your meal, too!

3. Taverna (Newark)

Taverna was named Best Restaurant in Newark in the 2015 Best of Delaware rankings. My favorite is their homemade veal meatballs, which are served in a small portion as an appetizer and also come as a sandwich on the lunch menu. Their pizzas are outstanding, but the main courses really shine through. Save room for dessert – the fried dough with honey-orange syrup is a shareable sweet treat to end the meal.

4. Touch of Italy (multiple locations)

Touch of Italy has a casual atmosphere, with seating amongst meat and prepared food counters. Grab a meatball or eggplant parm sandwich for lunch, or try one of their outstanding pasta dishes. Everything is top-notch here, including the pastries and cookies!

5. Frank & Louie’s Italian Specialties (Rehoboth Beach)

More of a deli than a true Italian restaurant, Frank & Louie’s had to make the list because the food will blow your mind! You don’t have to be a vegetarian to appreciate their "Tiny Dancer," which is their mozzarella, tomato and basil hero. Mangia!

6. La Casa Pasta (Newark)

La Casa Pasta was

chosen as best Italian sauce by Best of Delaware, thanks to their thick bolognese and their subtle and garlicky seafood sauces, like the one in the seafood pescatore dish pictured above.

7. Franco’s Pizza & Pasta (Dover)

Franco’s is a local favorite for those living in and around Dover. You’re in for a real treat if you order the creamy lobster ravioli.

8. Frederica Pizza and Pasta House (Frederica)

Everything is made fresh in-house at this restaurant in Frederica. It consistently receives excellent reviews on crowdsourced food ranking sites, like Yelp and Zomato. The pizza is a favorite here, but I’m more of a fan of a gooey cheesy calzone. YUM!

9. Cafe Napoli Restaurant & Pizzeria (Wilmington)

Affordable prices and HUGE portions make it easy to split an entree… though you may want it all to yourself.

Honorable Mention - Ioannoni’s Specialty Sandwiches (New Castle)

Without a doubt, Ioannoni’s serves up the BEST Italian roast pork sandwiches in Delaware. Try it with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone for the full effect. You won’t be sorry. Seriously – do it.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to stuff my face! What are some of your favorite Italian restaurants in Delaware? Tell us about them in the comments.