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The development of Italian cuisine mirrors the country's rich . 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.

With offering Italian-style dishes here in America, there are endless options to consider when craving the flavorful, savory tastes of "The Boot." compiled a list of the highest rated Italian restaurants in Portland, Maine on . Tripadvisor rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Some restaurants on the list may have recently closed. Click through these slides to see if your favorite trattoria made the list.