Italian cuisine has long captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. More than just pizza and pasta, Italian food is a rich treasure trove of distinctive dishes, reflecting the culture, history, and diversity of each region. Join “Discovery To Wonders” as we explore famous traditional Italian dishes, a culinary journey that is both exciting and memorable.
Bolognese
Bolognese, also known as Ragù alla Bolognese, is a renowned meat sauce originating from the city of Bologna. The sauce is made from minced or finely chopped beef, combined with a small amount of pork, vegetables such as onions, celery, and herbs. A distinctive feature of traditional Bolognese is the minimal use of tomatoes, unlike the tomato sauce versions common worldwide. Italians typically enjoy Bolognese with tagliatelle or lasagna instead of spaghetti.
Close-up of traditional Bolognese sauce
Bologna, the birthplace of Bolognese sauce, is a beautiful city with the magnificent Piazza Maggiore, impressive medieval and Renaissance architecture, charming cafes, and world-class restaurants. It rightfully deserves its place as one of Italy’s top culinary destinations.
Pizza
Pizza, an iconic Italian dish, has become familiar to people all over the world. Pizza is made from a flat, round dough base, topped with cheese and tomatoes, then garnished with basil, olives, and oregano. The variety of pizza lies in its diverse toppings. Among the most famous are Margherita all Napoletana (Neapolitan-style pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil), Pizza Marinara (with tomatoes, garlic, and oregano), Pizza Quattro Stagioni (four-seasons pizza with four different toppings), Pizza Quattro Formaggi (four-cheese pizza), and Pizza Siciliana (Sicilian-style pizza with tomatoes, cheese, onions, and anchovies).
Neapolitan Margherita pizza with basil
Pizza is not only a delicious dish but also a part of Italian culture, reflecting the creativity and passion for food of its people.
Spaghetti
Pasta is an indispensable part of Italian cuisine, and spaghetti, with its long, thin strands, is the most popular type of pasta. Spaghetti is prepared in many different ways, creating dishes with flavors characteristic of each region. Some famous spaghetti dishes include Spaghetti Aglio Olio (with garlic and olive oil), Spaghetti al Pomodoro e Basilico (with tomato sauce and basil), Spaghetti Bolognese (with minced meat sauce), Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (with cheese and pepper), Spaghetti Alle Vongole (with clams), and Spaghetti Carbonara (with bacon).
Classic spaghetti strands in a dish
Each region in Italy has its own way of preparing spaghetti, creating diversity and richness for this dish. If you have the chance to visit Rome, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the famous Spaghetti Carbonara.
Lasagne
Lasagne is another famous baked pasta dish from Italy, loved worldwide. Traditional lasagna is made from layers of flat pasta sheets, interleaved with meat sauce, vegetables, and cheese. This dish originated in Naples, but today you can find lasagna everywhere in Italy.
Baked layers of lasagna with cheese
Lasagne is a hearty and flavorful dish, often served at family gatherings or special occasions.
Gnocchi
Gnocchi is a type of Italian pasta made from small, thick dumplings. Traditional gnocchi dumplings are made from potatoes and cheese, but depending on the region, they can be made from cassava flour, wheat flour, or breadcrumbs instead of potatoes.
Potato gnocchi served in a bowl
Gnocchi are usually boiled in salted water and served with various sauces. If you visit Tuscany and Lombardy, try Malfatti Gnocchi with ricotta cheese and spinach. In Naples and Campania, you should taste Strangulaprievete Gnocchi with fresh tomato sauce. And when in Sardinia, opt for Sardinia Malloreddus Gnocchi alla Campidanese, small gnocchi with sausage sauce.
Risotto
Rice is one of the staple grains in Italy, and risotto is a beloved rice dish. Risotto originated in the Lombardy region and has become one of the most popular Italian dishes. This classic Italian rice dish is prepared with meat, fish, or vegetable broth, onions, olive oil or butter, white wine, and Parmesan cheese.
Creamy risotto with herbs on top
Risotto has many variations, from luxurious truffle mushroom risotto to fresh seafood risotto.
Ravioli
Ravioli is a square-shaped pasta with filling. Ravioli fillings can vary by region. In Rome and the Lazio region, the filling is made with spinach, ricotta cheese, pepper, and nutmeg. Meanwhile, in Sardinia, the filling is made from a mixture of cheese and lemon.
Square ravioli pasta with sauce
Ravioli is often served with various sauces, or it can be deep-fried as an appetizer.
Tagliatelle
If you visit the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions, try tagliatelle pasta. This traditional Italian pasta is shaped like long, flat ribbons. Tagliatelle can be combined with many different sauces, but if you are in Bologna, enjoy traditional tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce.
Ribbon-like tagliatelle pasta
Tagliatelle is a simple yet flavorful dish, showcasing the refinement of Italian cuisine.
Pappardelle
Pappardelle is a wide, flat, and thick strand pasta originating from Tuscany. They are similar to tagliatelle from Bologna. Pappardelle is often eaten with chicken or beef sauce. Today, pappardelle is a popular pasta in Roman and Tuscan cuisine.
Pappardelle pasta with mushroom sauce
Pappardelle is a hearty dish and ideal for cold winter days.
Fettuccine
Fettuccine is a pasta characteristic of Tuscan and Roman cuisine. Fettuccine is shaped like ribbons. Traditional fettuccine is often served with chicken or beef sauce, but there are also other popular versions such as Fettuccine al Pomodoro (with tomatoes), Fettuccine Alfredo (with cream cheese), and seafood fettuccine.
Seafood fettuccine with flat noodles
Fettuccine is a versatile dish and can be combined with many different ingredients.
Carpaccio
Carpaccio is a traditional Italian appetizer made from thinly sliced meat or fish. Carpaccio originated in Venice, with the original version made from carp or beef. So, when you visit Venice, enjoy carpaccio to experience the distinctive flavor of this city.
Thinly sliced carpaccio with garnish
Carpaccio is a refreshing and delicate dish, often served at elegant parties.
Bistecca Fiorentina
Bistecca Fiorentina is a famous steak originating from Florence. Traditional Bistecca Alla Fiorentina is a bone-in steak grilled over charcoal, with a dark brown crust but still sweet, tender, and red inside. If you visit Tuscany and Florence, don’t miss the opportunity to savor authentic Bistecca Alla Fiorentina.
Large Bistecca Fiorentina steak grilled
Bistecca Fiorentina is a luxurious dish and the pride of Florentine cuisine.
Melanzane Alla Parmigiana
Melanzane Alla Parmigiana is a traditional Italian dish made from layers of crispy fried eggplant, interleaved with tomato sauce and parmesan cheese, then baked in the oven. Although it is a vegetarian dish, Melanzane Alla Parmigiana is sometimes also made with meat. This dish originated in the Sicily and Campania regions. If you visit Naples and Parma, enjoy authentic Melanzane Alla Parmigiana.
Baked Melanzane Alla Parmigiana with eggplant and cheese
Melanzane Alla Parmigiana is a delicious and nutritious dish, suitable for both vegetarians and meat-eaters.
Sea Urchins
Ricci di mare, or sea urchins, are a delicious and unique Italian delicacy. Sea urchins are eaten in Italy from Naples to Sicily. Italians often eat sea urchins fresh, scooped out of the shell with lemon juice, or served with pasta (pasta ai ricci di mare).
Fresh sea urchins on a plate
If you are a seafood lover, don’t miss the opportunity to try sea urchins when you visit Italy.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a famous Italian appetizer, consisting of grilled bread rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt. Bruschetta can be topped with cheese, tomatoes, prosciutto, Italian sausage, and various vegetables. The most popular version of Bruschetta is with fresh tomatoes and basil.
Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil topping
Bruschetta is a simple but delicious dish, often served at parties or as a snack.
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a hearty vegetable soup made with pasta, rice, and tomato broth. Minestrone is usually made with seasonal vegetables such as beans, potatoes, tomatoes, celery, and carrots. There is no fixed recipe for Minestrone soup, as it is often made from leftover vegetables and may include meat.
Hearty minestrone soup with vegetables
Minestrone soup is a nutritious and ideal dish for cold weather.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a world-famous hard cheese from the province of Parma in the Emilia Romagna region. Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard cow’s milk cheese, known as the ‘King of Cheeses’. Parmesan cheese is often grated over pasta, risotto, and salads, or eaten directly.
Block of Parmesan cheese with knife
If you visit Modena or Bologna, don’t miss the opportunity to taste authentic Parmesan Reggiano slices.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a popular Italian cheese made from Italian water buffalo milk. Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese with a very mild flavor. Although there are many different types of mozzarella cheese, authentic mozzarella from southern Italy is always buffalo mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala Campana).
Fresh mozzarella balls in water
Mozzarella cheese is an indispensable ingredient in many Italian dishes, such as pasta, Caprese salad, and pizza.
Gorgonzola Cheese
Gorgonzola is a famous Italian blue cheese. This marbled blue cheese can be used in many different ways, such as pizza toppings, dish ingredients, sauces, or served as a side. Gorgonzola cheese comes from the town of Gorgonzola near Milan.
Wedges of Gorgonzola blue cheese
Gorgonzola is a strong-flavored cheese and is often used to add flavor to dishes.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a famous Italian salad made from sliced fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, garnished with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil leaves. Caprese salad is often served as an appetizer.
Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil
Caprese salad is a refreshing and colorful dish, showcasing the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine.
Pesto Genovese Sauce
Pesto Genovese sauce is an Italian sauce made from fresh basil leaves, crushed garlic, pine nuts, and hard cheese mixed with pure olive oil. Pesto originated in the city of Genoa and is often served with various pasta dishes.
Jar of Pesto Genovese sauce
When you visit Genoa, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the famous pesto sauce.
Bianco Tartufo
Tartufo, or truffle, is a highly valued delicacy among gourmets, especially Tartufo Bianco (white truffle) from the Piedmont region. White truffles are often very expensive. Fresh truffles are used on pasta, risotto, eggs, and salads.
Pasta dish with shaved white truffles
The city of Alba in the Piedmont region is known as the Truffle Capital of the World. If you visit Alba from September to December, try Carne Cruda all ‘Albese, a local delicacy with truffles.
Limoncello
Limoncello is a lemon-flavored Italian liqueur originating from southern Italy, especially the Gulf of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the Sorrento peninsula. The liqueur is made by steeping lemon zest in alcohol for several months. Traditionally, limoncello is served chilled after dinner as a digestive drink.
Bottle and glass of Limoncello liqueur
If you visit the Amalfi Coast, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this delicious lemon liqueur.
Prosecco Wine
Prosecco is a famous Italian sparkling wine named after the village of Prosecco near Treviso and Venice. Today, Prosecco is produced in a larger area of northeastern Italy. In 2019, the Prosecco hills were recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
Glasses of Prosecco sparkling wine
There are three types of Prosecco: Prosecco Spumante (sparkling), Prosecco Frizzante (semi-sparkling), and Prosecco Tranquillo. Prosecco wine has a fruity and floral aroma.
Espresso Coffee
Italian espresso coffee needs little introduction. Espresso coffee is a symbol of Italy and the Italian ‘la dolce vita’ (sweet life) lifestyle. A visit to Italy would not be complete without a cup of espresso, macchiato, cappuccino, latte, or cortado.
Cup of strong espresso coffee
Espresso coffee is an integral part of Italian culture and a great way to start the day or relax after a meal.
Affogato
Affogato is a popular Italian dessert, combining hot espresso coffee with a scoop of vanilla gelato ice cream. Sometimes, berries, honey, and other gelato flavors are added.
Affogato dessert with gelato and espresso
Affogato is a dish that lies between dessert and drink and is a great choice for coffee lovers.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is another famous coffee-flavored Italian dessert. This dessert is made from savoiardi biscuits dipped in coffee and sweet cream made from mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar, and sometimes with liqueur added.
Slice of Tiramisu dessert
Tiramisu is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert and has become one of the most popular desserts throughout Italy.
Panna Cotta
Panna Cotta is another world-famous dessert from Italy. Panna cotta in Italian means ‘cooked cream’. This dessert is made from flavored cream (usually coffee, rum, or vanilla) and served with berries, chocolate, or caramel sauce.
Panna Cotta dessert with berry topping
Panna Cotta is a smooth and elegant dessert, suitable for any occasion.
Cannoli
Cannoli is a famous Italian pastry. Cannoli are finger-sized tube-shaped pastries filled with sweet cream usually made from ricotta cheese. Cannoli originated in Sicily and is now famous worldwide.
Cannoli pastries filled with cream
Cannoli is a sweet and crispy dessert, an integral part of Sicilian culinary culture.
Biscotti
Biscotti, or cantuccini, are traditional Italian almond biscuits originating from Tuscany. Biscotti are often served with sweet dessert wine.
Biscotti almond biscuits
Biscotti are crispy and delicious biscuits, suitable for enjoying with tea or coffee.
Italian Gelato
Italian Gelato is a famous type of ice cream, made from whole milk and eggs, with traditional flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, stracciatella, hazelnut, and pistachio. Modern gelato comes in many different fruit flavors.
Variety of Italian Gelato flavors
No visit to Italy is complete without a scoop of Italian gelato.
Semifreddo
Semifreddo is one of the most popular desserts in Italy. This ‘half mousse – half ice cream’ dessert is often made with egg yolks, sugar, and cream. Some of the most popular semifreddo flavors are chocolate semifreddo, lemon semifreddo, almond semifreddo, pistachio semifredo, berry semifreddo, and tiramisu semifreddo.
Semifreddo dessert with layers
Semifreddo is a cool and delicious dessert, a great choice to end a perfect Italian meal.
Italian cuisine is a continuous journey of discovery, with countless distinctive dishes and captivating flavors. We hope that with this list of famous traditional Italian dishes that “Discovery To Wonders” has just introduced, you will have more interesting suggestions for your upcoming culinary exploration trip to Italy. Wishing you memorable culinary experiences!