Writer: Helena Bergström
Italian food is loved worldwide for its pure flavors, fresh ingredients and strong connection with tradition and regional identity. In Italy you can experience everything from rustic pasta dishes to elegant desserts and local delicacies.
What do you eat in Italy?
We have traveled in Italy many times, mainly with our camper, and often for extended periods. It must be said that our attitude towards Italian food is somewhat divided. There is plenty of Italian food that we like Love (the ingredients, the delicacies, the desserts!) while sometimes we think that Italian cuisine is a bit overrated or misinterpreted.
Yes, we just happened to write a slightly disturbed post about Why Italian Food Is Better Outside Italy. But having said that, there are of course many fantastically tasty delicacies and regional specialties that are worth trying!
Italian cuisine
Italian cuisine is based on relatively few but high-quality ingredients such as olive oil, tomatoes, cheese, fresh herbs and seasonal products. Each region has its specialties – from northern Italian risottos and butter-based dishes to the tomato, fish and vegetable-dominated cuisine of the south. Here we list Italian food – 25 dishes and specialties that might be worth trying!
1. Pizza Margherita
Pizza Margherita is one of Italy’s most famous dishes and has its origins in Naples. The pizza is made with tomato sauce from San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil and olive oil. The combination also symbolizes the flag of Italy with its red, white and green colors.
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2. Pasta Carbonara
Carbonara is a classic pasta dish from Rome that is often misunderstood outside of Italy. The authentic version contains eggs, pecorino romano, guanciale and black pepper – never cream. The result is a creamy and tasty dish with a clear saltiness.
3. Baked lasagna
Lasagne al Forno is a traditional oven dish with layers of pasta, long-cooked ragù and béchamel sauce. It is particularly associated with Emilia-Romagna and is often served during family gatherings and celebrations. We like to cook our own version, at home or in the camper.
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4. Milanese risotto
This golden risotto from Milan is characterized by saffron, which provides both color and taste. The risotto is creamy and slow-cooked with stock, butter and parmesan cheese, sometimes as a side dish with osso buco.
5. Spaghetti with mussels
Spaghetti alle Vongole is a classic dish from the Italian coastal areas, especially Campania. The spaghetti is served with fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, white wine and parsley – a simple but elegant dish with a clear sea character. One of our favorite dishes when it comes to Italian food!
6. Ossobuco
Osso buco is long-cooked veal leg from Lombardy. The meat becomes very tender and is traditionally served with gremolata – a mixture of lemon, garlic and parsley.
7. Parmigiano Reggiano
The hard cheese Parmigiano Reggiano is often called the king among cheeses and is produced in Northern Italy according to strict rules. It is stored for at least 12 months and is used both as a flavoring and as a delicacy on its own.
8. Parma ham
Prosciutto di Parma is an air-dried ham that is only salted and aged, without additives. It has a mild, nutty flavor and is often served thinly sliced, preferably with melon or fresh figs. We love this one!
9. Burrata
Burrata is a fresh cheese from Puglia that resembles mozzarella but has a creamy interior. When cut open, a mixture of cream and cheese comes out, making it especially popular in salads.
10. Buffalo mozzarella
Mozzarella di Bufala (buffalo mozzarella) is made from buffalo milk and has a richer taste than regular mozzarella. It is mainly produced in Campania and is usually eaten fresh.
11. Gnocchi
Gnocchi are small, soft pasta dumplings made from potatoes, flour and eggs. They are served with everything from tomato sauce to butter and sage and come in many regional variations.
12. Pesto alla Genovese
The classic pesto sauce Genoese pesto comes from Liguria and is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, pecorino and olive oil. It is mainly used for pasta, but also for soups and bruschetta.
13. Focaccia
Focaccia is a light bread that is often baked with olive oil and rosemary. The bread can be eaten as a snack, as a side dish or as a sandwich and is especially popular in Liguria.
14. Arancini
Arancini are fried rice balls from Sicily, often filled with minced meat sauce, mozzarella or peas. The balls are popular as street food and are available in various regional variants. We tried it a few times when we traveled through Sicily. Good!
15. Polenta
Polenta is made from cornmeal and has long been a staple food in northern Italy. It can be served creamy, grilled or fried and goes well with meat stews and mushroom dishes.
16. Florentine steak
Florentine steak (Bisteca alla Fiorentina) is an iconic steak from Tuscany in the form of a large T-bone steak that is quickly grilled and served very bloody. The meat traditionally comes from the Chianina cattle breed.
17. Vitello Tonnato
Vitello tonnato is a classic dish from Piedmont where thinly sliced veal is served cold with a creamy sauce of tuna, capers and anchovies.
18. Caprese
Caprese is a simple salad from the island of Capri with tomato, mozzarella and basil. The salad is often served as an antipasto, that is to say as a first small starter, and emphasizes the natural flavors of the ingredients. Good Italian food!
19. Minestrone
Minestrone is a hearty vegetable soup that varies by season and region. The soup often contains beans, pasta or rice and is a good example of Italian home cooking.
20. Ravioli
Ravioli are filled pastas that can contain anything from ricotta and spinach to meat or pumpkin. The dish is served with simple sauces so as not to overpower the taste of the filling.
21. Tagliatelle with ragù
This dish is the authentic version of what is often called spaghetti bolognese. The long-cooked meat sauce is served with wide ribbon pasta to better capture the flavor.
22. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a classic dessert from the Veneto region with layers of coffee-soaked Savoyard biscuits, mascarpone cream and cocoa. The name roughly means “cheer me up”.
23. Cannoli
Cannoli are Sicilian pastries with a deep-fried shell filled with sweet ricotta cream. They are often flavored with chocolate, pistachio or candied fruit. Very good!
24. Ice cream
Italian gelato differs from regular ice cream by its lower fat content and more intense flavor. It is often served in small gelaterias with an emphasis on natural ingredients. One of our absolute favorites when we travel through Italy!
25. Espresso
Espresso forms the basis of Italian coffee culture and is drunk quickly, often while standing at the bar. The coffee is strong, concentrated and served in small cups.
Italian food in a restaurant
So what is it like to experience Italian food locally in Italy? Well, it’s good to be aware of the Italian meal order (below). You absolutely do not have to eat all of these dishes, but you choose one or a few – in the correct order. Please note that the main course (secondo piattio) usually arrives ‘clean’ and that you can order side dishes (contorni) separately.
- Aperitif – A light drink before meals, which can be served occasionally.
- Antipasto – Starter that can consist of cold cuts and some acid.
- First course – The first hot course: pasta, risotto or soup.
- Second course – Main course: Often meat or fish, as “clean” as possible, i.e. without sauce or accessories.
- Contour – Accessories on a separate plate, for example potatoes, vegetables or salad.
- Dolce – A sweet ending, for example tiramisù, panna cotta, cake or pastry.
- Coffee – A small strong espresso to finish.
- Digestion – On more festive occasions: a small avec/liqueur.
Wine and other drinks in Italy
Italy is one of the world’s leading wine countries with large variations between regions. Famous wine regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont and Veneto produce everything from strong red wines to fresh sparkling wines. In addition to wine, espresso, aperitivo drinks such as Aperol Spritz and digestives such as grappa and limoncello play an important role in Italian drinking culture.
What are your experiences with Italian cuisine?
What are your experiences with Italian food? Please tell me!
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