When it comes to food, Italy is definitely up there as one of the best countries in the world. There are so many delicious dishes to try, and it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 of the best foods to try when you’re in Italy.
1. Pizza
Italy is home to some of the best food in the world, and pizza is no exception. The thin crusts, delicious sauces, and wide variety of toppings make Italian pizza a cut above the rest.
Pizza in Italy is cooked in wood-fired ovens, giving it a unique flavor that can’t be found anywhere else. Whether you’re enjoying a slice at a local pizzeria or grabbing a slice to go, you’re sure to be impressed by the quality of Italian pizza.
So next time you’re in Italy, be sure to sample this classic dish. You won’t be disappointed.
2. Pasta
When it comes to pasta, there’s no place like Italy. Pasta is a staple of the Italian diet, and the country boasts a wide variety of regional pasta dishes. From spaghetti alla carbonara to tagliatelle al ragu, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What’s more, Italian pasta is typically made with high-quality ingredients, such as durum wheat flour and fresh eggs. This results in pasta that is both delicious and nutritious.
3. Panini
There’s nothing quite like a freshly made panini, hot off the press and stuffed with your favorite fillings. And in Italy, the home of the panini, there’s no shortage of delicious options to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a classic combo of ham and cheese or something a bit more adventurous, you’re sure to find the perfect panini to suit your taste. And with so many excellent cafes and restaurants serving up mouth-watering paninis, you’ll never be far from a delicious meal.
4. Gelato
Italy is known for many things: fashion, art, wine, and of course, gelato. This delicious frozen treat comes in an endless variety of flavors, from classic chocolate and strawberry to more exotic options like lavender and chestnut.
Gelato is made with milk, cream, and sugar, and the best gelaterias use only fresh ingredients to create their unique flavors. When in Italy, be sure to sample as many gelatos as you can; you won’t be disappointed!
5. Cannoli
Cannoli are a delicious Italian pastry that is enjoyed by people all over the world. They consist of a crispy shell filled with a sweet, creamy filling.
The traditional filling is made with ricotta cheese, but cannoli can also be filled with chocolate, fruit, or other flavors. Cannoli are thought to have originated in Sicily, and they are often served as a dessert or snack.
When in Italy, be sure to try freshly made cannoli for a truly delicious experience.
6. Arancini
Arancini are a delicious Italian food that consists of Rice balls that are coated in breadcrumbs and fried. The rice is usually mixed with some type of meat, vegetables, and cheese.
They are then formed into small balls and breaded. Arancini originated in Sicily but is now found all over Italy. They make a great appetizer or snack and can be served with a dipping sauce. If you’re ever in Italy, be sure to try this delicious food!
7. Focaccia
Focaccia is a type of flatbread that is popular in Italy. It is usually made with wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast, and it can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including olive oil, herbs, cheese, and vegetables.
Focaccia is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. However, it can also be made in a conventional oven. While focaccia is typically eaten as a snack or appetizer, it can also be served as a main dish.
For example, focaccia al pomodoro is a popular variation that is topped with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. No matter how it is enjoyed, focaccia is a delicious way to experience the flavors of Italy.
8. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a simple yet elegant dish that originated in Italy. Typically, it is made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, although there are many variations in this classic recipe.
The key to a good Caprese salad is to use the freshest ingredients possible. In Italy, this dish is often made with Buffalo mozzarella, which has a richer flavor than its cow’s milk counterpart.
The tomatoes should also be ripe and juicy, preferably from a local farm or garden. Lastly, the basil should be bright green and fragrant. When these ingredients are combined, they create a colorful and flavorful salad that is sure to please any palate.
9. Bruschetta
In Italy, bruschetta is more than just an appetizer. It’s a way of life. This simple dish consists of grilled bread that is rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and other ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and herbs. But despite its simplicity, bruschetta is incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
It’s the perfect way to start a meal or enjoy a glass of wine. And in Italy, there’s no better place to enjoy bruschetta than in Tuscany. The region is renowned for its delicious bread, olives oils, and fresh produce. So when you’re in Tuscany, be sure to order a plate of bruschetta. You won’t regret it.
10. Prosciutto and Melon
There’s nothing quite like a slice of prosciutto and melon to enjoy on a warm summer day in Italy. This classic combination is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and it’s so refreshing when enjoy it outdoors.
While you can find prosciutto and melon all over Italy, there’s something special about enjoying it in the Tuscan region. The melons here are incredibly fragrant and juicy, and the prosciutto is thinly sliced and absolutely delicious. If you’re lucky enough to be in Tuscany during the melon season, be sure to enjoy this classic dish!
11. Parmigiana
There’s nothing quite like a plate of piping hot parmigiana straight from the oven. This classic Italian dish is made by layering slices of eggplant, mozzarella, and tomato sauce, then baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
While it originated in the south of Italy, you can now find parmigiana all over the country. And while there are many different variations, each one is equally delicious.
Whether you try it with chicken, beef, or vegetables, parmigiana is sure to become one of your favorite Italian dishes. So next time you’re in Italy, be sure to give it a try!
12. Ossobuco
Ossobuco is a traditional Italian dish made with veal shanks braised in a flavorful broth. The word “ossobuco” comes from the Italian for “bone with a hole,” referring to the marrow-filled center of the shank.
While ossobuco is typically made with veal, it can also be made with lamb or pork. The meat is cooked slowly over low heat until it is tender and falls off the bone.
The dish is typically served with a side of risotto, making for a hearty and satisfying meal. Ossobuco is just one of many delicious dishes that can be found in Italy, a country with a rich culinary tradition.
13. Risotto
Anyone who has ever been to Italy will know that risotto is a national dish. This creamy rice dish is traditionally made with Arborio rice, broth, and Parmesan cheese, and it can be served as a main course or a side dish.
Risotto is said to have originated in the city of Milan, and it remains one of the most popular dishes in the region. When made correctly, risotto is a truly delicious dish.
The rice is cooked slowly so that it absorbs all the flavors of the broth, and the Parmesan cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor. Risotto can be made with a variety of different ingredients, but it always has that characteristic creaminess that makes it so popular.
14. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a delicious Italian dessert that consists of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone filling. It’s believed to have originated in the city of Treviso in the Veneto region of Italy, and its name comes from the Italian word “tiramisu,” which means “pick me up.”
Tiramisu is typically dusted with cocoa powder, though some variations may include chocolate shavings or espresso beans. Whether you’re craving a classic tiramisu or something with a twist, there’s sure to be a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds.
And what better place to enjoy this delectable treat than in its country of origin? So if you find yourself in Italy, be sure to indulge in a little tiramisu!
15. Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is one of Italy’s most beloved desserts. The name means “cooked cream,” and that’s exactly what it is: a rich custard made with cream, milk, sugar, and gelatin.
Panna cotta is typically flavored with vanilla, but other popular variations include coffee, chocolate, or caramel. The dessert originated in the Piedmont region of Italy, but it can now be found all over the country.
Panna cotta is usually served with a fruit coulis or sauce on top, making it a truly indulgent treat. If you find yourself in Italy, be sure to try this delicious dessert for yourself.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for some delicious food to try on your next trip to Italy, look no further than this list. From parmigiana to tiramisu, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip and get ready to enjoy some of the best food in the world!
