Italian food is known for its delicious flavors and fresh ingredients. From pasta dishes like spaghetti and lasagna to pizzas topped with cheese and tomatoes, Italian cuisine is loved by many around the world. There are also tasty desserts like tiramisu and gelato that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Italian food is all about enjoying good company and savoring each bite. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty bowl of pasta or a slice of pizza, Italian cuisine is sure to leave you wanting more. Here is a quick guide on what food to try in Italy.
20 best foods to try in Italy
Pizza Margherita
Originating from Naples, Pizza Margherita is a classic Italian dish that features a thin, wood-fired crust topped with fresh, ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. The combination of simple, high-quality ingredients creates a harmonious balance of flavors.
Pasta Carbonara
This beloved Roman pasta dish is made with spaghetti or rigatoni tossed in a creamy sauce. The sauce is created by combining eggs, grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, crispy pancetta or bacon, and freshly ground black pepper. The result is a rich and indulgent pasta dish that is deeply satisfying.
Cicchetti
Cicchetti is a delightful culinary tradition originating from Venice, Italy. Similar to Spanish tapas or French hors d’oeuvres, cicchetti are small bite-sized dishes that are typically enjoyed with a glass of wine or spritz. These tasty morsels showcase the creativity and flavors of the Venetian cuisine.
Fresh orange juice
Fresh orange juice is a must-try when visiting the stunning Amalfi Coast in Italy. Known for its abundant citrus groves and sun-kissed fruits, the region produces some of the most delicious oranges in the world.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a traditional Italian appetizer made with grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with ripe, diced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs on a crisp bread base.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert that layers ladyfingers soaked in espresso and coffee liqueur with a rich, creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar. It is typically dusted with cocoa powder and often served chilled. Tiramisu offers a perfect combination of textures and flavors, with the sweetness of the cream and the slight bitterness of the coffee.
Limoncello
Limoncello is a vibrant and refreshing lemon liqueur that hails from the beautiful country of Italy. Made from the zest of lemons, alcohol, water, and sugar, this bright yellow liqueur embodies the essence of citrus. The lemons used for limoncello are typically the Sorrento lemons, known for their fragrant peel and tangy flavor.
Spaghetti al nero di seppia
Spaghetti al nero di seppia, also known as squid ink spaghetti, is a unique and striking dish originating from Italy. The pasta gets its distinct black color from the addition of squid ink, which not only imparts a visually stunning appearance but also adds a subtle briny flavor to the dish. The spaghetti is typically cooked until al dente and then tossed in a sauce made with ingredients like olive oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, white wine, and, of course, the squid ink.
Cannoli
Cannoli is a popular Sicilian pastry that consists of crisp, fried pastry shells filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta cheese filling. The filling is often flavored with vanilla, chocolate chips, candied fruits, or pistachios. Cannoli are a deliciously indulgent treat with a delightful contrast of textures.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
This famous Tuscan dish features a thick-cut, grilled T-bone steak cooked to perfection. The meat is seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes rosemary, then grilled over a high flame. The result is a juicy and flavorful steak that is typically served rare or medium-rare.
Anchovies
Anchovies are a beloved ingredient in Italian cuisine, adding a burst of briny flavor to various dishes. These small, oily fish are often used as a flavor enhancer, rather than the main ingredient. Anchovies can be found in many classic Italian dishes, such as pasta alla puttanesca, where their intense saltiness complements the rich tomato sauce.
Straccetti con Rughetta
Straccetti con Rughetta is a mouthwatering Italian dish that features tender strips of beef sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and a generous amount of fresh arugula, also known as rughetta. The beef is thinly sliced and quickly cooked, resulting in succulent and flavorful meat that pairs beautifully with the peppery and slightly bitter arugula. The dish is often finished with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to add brightness and enhance the overall flavors.
Pasta Primavera
Italian pasta primavera is a vibrant and refreshing dish that celebrates the flavors of spring and summer. The term “primavera” translates to “spring” in Italian, and this dish is characterized by its abundance of fresh, colorful vegetables.
Aperol Spritz
Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail known for its refreshing and vibrant flavors. This delightful drink is made with Aperol, a bitter orange liqueur, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda water. The iconic Aperol Spritz is typically served over ice in a wine glass and garnished with a slice of orange. The bright orange color of the cocktail is visually appealing and perfectly captures the essence of a sunny afternoon in Italy.
Fritto Misto di Mare
Fritto Misto di Mare is a mouthwatering Italian seafood dish that is not to be missed. Translating to “mixed fried seafood,” this delectable dish features a delightful medley of various seafood delicacies lightly coated in a crispy batter and fried to perfection. The assortment typically includes an array of fresh seafood such as calamari, shrimp, small fish, and sometimes even scallops or octopus.
Bignè
Bignè, also known as “Italian cream puffs,” are delectable pastries that hold a special place in Italian cuisine. These delicate treats are made from choux pastry, a light and airy dough created by combining butter, flour, eggs, and water. The dough is then piped into small round shapes and baked until golden and crispy. Once cooled, the bignè are filled with a variety of delectable creams, such as vanilla, chocolate, or pastry cream.
Lobster tagliatelle
Lobster tagliatelle is a luxurious and mouthwatering Italian dish that combines the delicate flavors of lobster with perfectly cooked pasta. The dish features fresh lobster meat, typically sautéed in butter or olive oil, along with garlic, shallots, and aromatic herbs.
Panettone
Panettone is a sweet bread loaf that is traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season. It is made with a rich dough studded with dried fruits, such as raisins and candied orange peel. Panettone has a light and fluffy texture, and its sweet aroma fills the air during the holiday season.
