Top Italian Dishes You Have to Try

Pizza

Pizza is arguably Italy’s most iconic culinary export, instantly recognizable and universally loved. Originating in Naples, pizza started as a humble street food – a flatbread topped with simple ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, and herbs. Today, the variations are endless, from the classic Margherita with its basil, mozzarella, and tomato representing the Italian flag, to gourmet creations featuring truffles, prosciutto, and artisan cheeses.

The key to an exceptional pizza lies in the dough. Neapolitan-style pizza boasts a soft, slightly chewy crust, achieved through a slow fermentation process using high-quality flour and yeast. Roman-style pizza, on the other hand, features a thin and crispy crust. Whether you prefer it thin and crispy or thick and doughy, the perfect pizza is a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, with each ingredient complementing the others.

Beyond the classic Margherita, popular pizza varieties in Italy include the Quattro Formaggi (four cheese), Capricciosa (with artichoke hearts, ham, mushrooms, and olives), and Diavola (with spicy salami). No exploration of Italian cuisine would be complete without indulging in this beloved dish. From the bustling pizzerias of Rome to the charming trattorias of Florence, pizza in Italy is an experience not to be missed.

Pasta

Pasta, a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers worldwide. From the north to the south of Italy, countless pasta shapes and sauces have emerged, each telling a story of regional traditions and culinary ingenuity.

Among the most iconic pasta dishes is Spaghetti alla Carbonara, hailing from Rome. This deceptively simple dish features spaghetti coated in a silky sauce of eggs, guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. Another Roman favorite is Bucatini all'Amatriciana, where bucatini pasta is tossed in a spicy tomato sauce with guanciale and a touch of chili pepper.

Venturing north to Bologna, you'll encounter the rich and flavorful Tagliatelle al Ragù Bolognese. Flat tagliatelle noodles are the perfect canvas for this slow-cooked meat sauce, traditionally made with ground beef, pancetta, and vegetables. In Naples, the birthplace of pizza, you'll find the beloved Spaghetti alle Vongole. This dish showcases the freshest seafood, with spaghetti tossed in a fragrant sauce of white wine, garlic, olive oil, and, of course, clams.

These are just a few examples of the countless pasta dishes that have captivated taste buds around the globe. Whether you prefer your pasta simple and comforting or bold and flavorful, Italian cuisine offers a pasta dish for every palate.

Risotto

Risotto, a creamy and comforting rice dish, is a cornerstone of Northern Italian cuisine. Unlike fluffy, individually separated rice grains, risotto relies on starchy, short-grain rice varieties like Arborio or Carnaroli. These release their starches slowly during cooking, creating the dish's signature creamy texture. The process involves slowly adding warm broth, a ladleful at a time, to the rice, allowing it to absorb the liquid and release its starches before the next addition. This patient process, often done while constantly stirring, results in a luxuriously creamy and flavorful dish.

The beauty of risotto lies in its versatility. It serves as a blank canvas for an array of flavors, from the earthy simplicity of mushroom risotto to the vibrant saffron-infused Risotto alla Milanese. Seafood lovers revel in the delicate flavors of Risotto ai Frutti di Mare, while those seeking rich indulgence find solace in Risotto al Barolo, enriched with the bold character of Barolo wine. Whether enjoyed as a primo piatto (first course) or a satisfying main course, risotto exemplifies the Italian culinary philosophy of transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

Arancini

Arancini, meaning "little oranges," are delightful balls of fried risotto, originating from Sicily. These golden spheres are crispy on the outside and reveal a creamy, flavorful risotto center. Typically filled with ragu, mozzarella, and peas, arancini offer a burst of savory satisfaction with every bite. Their portability and deliciousness make them a beloved street food and appetizer throughout Italy. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or part of a larger meal, arancini are a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of Italian cuisine, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary delight.

From the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany to the sparkling shores of Naples, Italy's cuisine is a symphony of flavor, each dish a masterpiece crafted with passion and tradition.

Alessandro Moretti

Lasagna

Lasagna, a true cornerstone of Italian cuisine, holds a special place among the best dishes the country offers. This baked pasta dish, originating from the Naples area, features layers of fresh pasta alternating with rich ragù, creamy béchamel sauce, and generous amounts of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The magic of lasagna lies in its simplicity and the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked ragù, often simmered for hours with tomatoes, ground meat, and aromatic vegetables, infuses the dish with a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. The creamy béchamel sauce adds a touch of richness and binds all the layers together, while the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese provides a salty, umami kick. Each bite is an explosion of Italian comfort food at its finest. While countless variations exist throughout Italy, from the classic Lasagna Bolognese to vegetarian versions with spinach and ricotta, the essence of this dish remains the same: a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients transformed into a dish that is both comforting and celebratory. Whether enjoyed as a hearty family meal or a special occasion centerpiece, lasagna is a true testament to the enduring appeal of Italian culinary tradition.

Polenta

Polenta, a dish with ancient roots, holds a special place in the heart of Italian cuisine. Made from ground cornmeal, it transforms into a creamy and comforting delight that's as versatile as it is delicious. While often associated with Northern Italy, its popularity spans the entire country, with each region adding its own unique twist.

In its simplest form, polenta is cooked with water or broth until thick and creamy, then served piping hot. It acts as a blank canvas, ready to soak up the flavors of accompanying sauces, meats, or cheeses. Imagine a hearty stew nestled atop a bed of soft polenta, the flavors melding together in perfect harmony. Or picture a rich and cheesy polenta, baked to golden perfection, offering a crispy exterior and a soft, comforting interior.

From the creamy texture of polenta concia, enriched with butter and cheese, to the crispy delight of fried polenta squares, the possibilities are endless. Whether served as a humble side dish or a star attraction, polenta embodies the essence of Italian comfort food - simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Gelato

No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in the smooth, creamy delight that is gelato. This isn't just your average ice cream; gelato is churned at a slower rate, resulting in a denser, richer texture that melts in your mouth. The emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients shines through in every flavor, from classic pistachio and hazelnut to innovative combinations like ricotta with figs or lavender honey.

Top Italian Dishes
Dish Region Description Estimated Popularity (Google Search Volume)
Pizza Margherita Naples Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil Very High
Spaghetti Carbonara Rome Spaghetti pasta, eggs, guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper High
Lasagna Emilia-Romagna Layers of pasta, meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and Parmesan cheese High
Risotto alla Milanese Milan Risotto (Italian rice) cooked in broth with saffron, white wine, and Parmesan cheese Medium
Tiramisu Treviso Coffee-flavored dessert made with ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder High

Rome and Florence are considered gelato meccas, boasting countless artisanal gelaterias on almost every corner. Look for "gelato artigianale" signs, indicating the gelato is made in-house with fresh ingredients. Don't be afraid to sample a few flavors before you commit – the friendly gelatai (gelato makers) are always happy to help you find your perfect scoop. Whether you prefer it in a cup or a cone, gelato is the perfect way to cool down on a warm Italian day and experience the true essence of Italian culinary artistry.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is one of the most famous Italian desserts worldwide. This кофейно-flavored Italian dessert means "pick me up" or "cheer me up" in Italian. This no-bake dessert features layers of delicate ladyfingers (savoiardi) dipped in coffee, then layered with a creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar, often flavored with cocoa powder. Its origins are uncertain, but most food historians believe it originated in the Veneto region of Italy, specifically in Treviso, in the 1960s or 1970s. Tiramisu is a relatively recent addition to the canon of Italian cuisine, but its popularity has skyrocketed in recent decades, and it is now enjoyed in countless variations worldwide. The creamy texture of mascarpone cheese combined with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a dusting of cocoa powder creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that is both indulgent and satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a decadent dessert after a meal or as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee, tiramisu is a true celebration of Italian culinary ingenuity.

Coffee

While not a dish itself, coffee plays a starring role in Italian food culture. From the morning cappuccino to the post-dinner espresso, coffee punctuates the day for many Italians. It's an integral part of the social fabric, enjoyed in bustling cafes and quiet neighborhood bars alike. While you can find a wide range of coffee drinks in Italy, some stand out as true classics. The aforementioned cappuccino, a harmonious blend of espresso and steamed milk, is a breakfast staple. For a stronger caffeine kick, try a caffè macchiato, a shot of espresso marked with a dollop of foamed milk. In the afternoon, many Italians enjoy a caffè corretto, an espresso "corrected" with a splash of grappa, sambuca, or cognac. And no meal is truly complete without a final espresso, its intense flavor and aroma the perfect way to end a delicious Italian dining experience.

Wine

Italy, a country renowned for its culinary excellence, boasts a rich tapestry of flavors that extend far beyond its delectable dishes. When it comes to complementing the finest Italian cuisine, Italian wines reign supreme. From the crisp whites of the Veneto region to the bold reds of Tuscany, Italy offers a diverse range of wines to elevate any dining experience.

For starters like Caprese salad or Prosciutto e Melone, a refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio from the Friuli region is an excellent choice. Its zesty acidity and delicate fruit flavors perfectly balance the richness of the prosciutto and the sweetness of the melon.

Moving on to pasta dishes, the choice of wine often depends on the sauce. For tomato-based sauces like Amatriciana or Puttanesca, a medium-bodied red like Chianti Classico from Tuscany is a classic pairing. Its bright cherry flavors and subtle earthiness complement the tangy tomatoes without overpowering the other flavors.

When it comes to creamy pasta dishes like Carbonara or Alfredo, a full-bodied white like Chardonnay from the Trentino-Alto Adige region is an excellent choice. Its buttery texture and notes of ripe apple and pear complement the richness of the sauce.

For meat dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina or Ossobuco, a robust red like Barolo from Piedmont is a perfect match. Its complex aromas of rose petals, truffles, and leather, along with its firm tannins, stand up beautifully to the rich flavors of the meat.

And of course, no Italian meal is complete without a dessert wine. For sweet treats like Tiramisu or Panna Cotta, a glass of Moscato d'Asti from Piedmont is a delightful choice. Its delicate sweetness and aromas of orange blossom and honey complement the creamy desserts without being overly cloying.

Published: 19. 07. 2024

Category: Food & Drink