Antonio’s Cucina Italiana was named Best Italian in Metro Detroit in ClickOnDetroit’s 2026 Vote 4 The Best competition.
Determined by votes from members of the Metro Detroit community, the award recognizes a restaurant tradition that began more than 60 years ago. Since Antonio Rugiero Sr. purchased the original Roman Village in Dearborn in 1964, the Rugiero family has remained committed to preparing authentic Italian-American dishes and welcoming guests with the warmth of a family gathering.
Today, that tradition continues across the family’s restaurant locations. Pasta is made fresh, sauces and soups are prepared in-house, bread is baked daily and many recipes have been passed down through generations. Signature dishes such as Gnocchi Rita Sauce, Chicken Antonio, homemade lasagna and Antonio Sr.’s hand-tossed pizza connect guests with the family’s Italian roots.
This recognition would not have been possible without the employees who uphold the restaurants’ standards each day or the generations of customers who have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and ordinary family dinners around the Rugiero family’s tables. The Best Italian award belongs to the entire Antonio’s and Roman Village community.