A trip to Italy is a dream for those who love wine, appetizers, and old buildings. Millions of tourists visit famous cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan each year to see their beautiful churches, palaces, and events. Tuscany is a popular place to relax in the countryside. No matter where you go, Italian food is amazing. You can say “Ottimo!” like the locals do when you enjoy a delicious meal. With so much to see in Italy, you’ll work up an appetite. Here are the top 10 Italian foods you must try on your next trip:
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
At the top of the list of must-try Italian foods is Spaghetti alla Carbonara. Italians love this dish, so savoring every bite is a tradition. While you might think Carbonara pasta is common worldwide, what makes it special is how it represents Italian cuisine. Made with Pecorino Romano cheese, fresh eggs, guanciale, and pepper, this spaghetti is delicious. And no, you won’t find any cream or milk in authentic Italian Spaghetti alla Carbonara.
Napoletana Pizza
Naples is a must-visit place with lots to see and delicious food to try. Consider including it in your travel plans and look for Italy tour packages that cover this region. One iconic dish from Naples is Napoletana Pizza, which will make you forget about your favorite pizza chain back home. Originally created in the 18th century by the poor, it’s now a popular food across Italy. Italian food culture values authenticity, so traditional recipes are often followed closely. A traditional Napoletana Pizza is made in a wood-fired oven, with hand-flattened dough topped with freshly crushed tomatoes, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, and basil. Sounds tempting, right?
Risotto
One of the most popular Italian dishes worldwide is Risotto. While some Italians prefer bread, creamy Risotto is a favorite in the country. This famous dish is often enjoyed by the elite because it’s made with high-quality and luxurious ingredients. For example, Risotto alla Milanese includes saffron, which is expensive. Risotto al Nero di Sepia is made with arborio rice, cuttlefish, and squid ink, all top-quality ingredients. To fully appreciate the richness of Italian cuisine like Risotto, it’s best to try it at upscale restaurants.
Arancini
Arancini is the next dish on our list of the top 10 Italian foods to try on your next vacation. These are rice balls made with arborio rice, filled with ragu, cheese, and optional sides like eggplant or peas. They’re often served as part of the first course or appetizers. Starting your meal with Arancini will awaken your taste buds and get you ready for the rest of the meal. Arancini is a traditional Sicilian dish, similar to its cousin Supplì in Rome. Be sure to try both versions and see which one you like best.
Fiorentina Steak
If you ask any Italian, whether they live in Italy or abroad, they’ll likely tell you that the best Italian food is the Fiorentina Steak. Also called Bistecca Fiorentina, this famous Italian dish holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. It’s a T-bone beef steak cooked for five to seven minutes, so the outside is grilled while the inside remains rare or medium-rare. True Italian food lovers insist on using beef from Tuscany, but you can also find good options in Rome, Milan, and Sicily. When ordering this steak, it’s based on weight, so be sure to ask the waiter for details before you order.
Polenta
A favorite dish in northern Italy that locals often enjoy is Polenta. It’s a kind of corn mush that goes great with meats, salads, and soup. This Italian food is worth trying because it’s simple yet flavorful. You might think Polenta is plain, but dishes like Polenta fritters or Polenta stew can be really satisfying. With all the activities you’ll be doing on your vacation in Italy, having Polenta for lunch or dinner can give your stomach a break.
Ossobuco
It’s well-known that Italian cuisine includes a lot of meat dishes. So, travelers who enjoy trying different meats on their vacation will love Italy. Ossobuco is a special dish made with veal shank cooked slowly on a low heat with meat stock, vegetables, and white wine. Veal is meat from young cows and is considered a delicacy in Europe. Since it’s a fancy dish, it’s best to try it at a high-end hotel or a top-rated restaurant.
Truffles
Italian food culture wouldn’t be the same without truffles from Umbria, Piedmont, and Tuscany. The rare white truffles have a strong smell, while the more common black ones are less fragrant. Both types of Italian truffles are unique and can’t be found anywhere else. They only grow in specific seasons with the right temperature and moisture. So, your trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without trying truffles in a savory or sweet dish.
Lasagne
An Italian food list isn’t complete without mentioning lasagna—it’s a must-have for locals! This famous dish is made with layers of pasta sheets, meaty ragu, bechamel sauce, and cheese, all baked in the oven. Authentic lasagna is topped with Parmigiano Reggiano for a tangy flavor rather than mozzarella. Once you try lasagna in Italy, you won’t want to go back. You might even find yourself planning another trip to Italy because nothing else will compare!
Gelato
If you love sweets, you’ll love trying artisan gelato in Italy. Some people think gelato is just like ice cream, but Italians disagree. Gelato has less fat, water, and air, which makes it more flavorful and sweet. Make sure to try some from a local seller while exploring the streets of Rome, Venice, or Florence—it’ll be like heaven in your mouth!
