15+ must try dishes in Italy that are authentic

What to eat when traveling to Italy? Join us to discover famous Italian dishes, from Spaghetti to Napoli Pizza in this article with 15+ must try dishes in Italy!

Italy fascinates visitors not only with its magnificent architectural works, but also with the subtle charm of its rich and sophisticated cuisine. A fragrant pizza or a plate of pasta full of flavors each tells its own story, creating an unforgettable experience for the diner.

Each dish carries the fresh flavor of the ingredients and the sophistication of the chef’s hands, creating a cultural feature, passion and long-standing mark that the Italians convey, creating an irresistible attraction. Let’s explore the Italian dishes that cannot be missed on your travel itinerary!

Napoli-Style Pizza – A Must-Try Italian Specialty

Known as the original pizza, Napoli Pizza originated in the 18th century, when the first pies were baked with a thin, crispy and chewy crust, hand-kneaded from premium flour and carefully fermented for 48 hours. The toppings are simple but sophisticated with San Marzano tomatoes, salame sausage, prosciutto bacon and melted mozzarella cheese, sprinkled with a little basil and olive oil, creating a perfect symphony of flavors.

Each Napoli Pizza needs to be baked at 485°C in a wood-fired oven, to ensure the crust is beautifully puffed and slightly charred at the edges. With the baking technique recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, Napoli-Style Pizza contains a part of the soul of Italian cuisine. When eating, you should lift each piece of pizza with your hands, feel the softness, deliciousness, and enjoy it with a little red wine.

If you have the chance, visit famous restaurants such as L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo in Napoli to enjoy this pizza properly.

Italian-style Polenta (Creamy Italian Cornmeal)

Polenta is a traditional dish of Northern Italy, at first glance it seems simple, but the flavor and variety in the preparation will surprise you. Appearing since ancient Roman times, polenta used to be a dish of farmers, until now, it has become an indispensable part of Italian cuisine and Southern European countries.

The interesting thing is that polenta can be flexibly transformed, depending on the type of sauce and ingredients. You can enjoy it with wild boar, mushrooms in butter sauce, melted cheese or even seafood. Polenta is also used in desserts, such as cookies and cakes, bringing variety to the meal.

When visiting Lombardy or Piedmont, don’t forget to stop by Ristorante Da Guido to enjoy polenta prepared in the traditional style, priced from 6-10 Euros per portion.

Risotto – A Rich Italian Rice Dish

When talking about Italian food, we cannot help but mention Risotto, a special rice dish with a smooth texture, imbued with the flavors of the most quintessential ingredients.

Unlike regular rice, risotto is cooked from special rice such as Arborio or Carnaroli, with the technique of constantly stirring in broth to create richness and rich flavor. Each piece of risotto melts in your mouth, leaving a rich aftertaste, from the aroma of porcini mushrooms, fresh seafood to the sweet and fatty taste of parmesan cheese.

Risotto can be varied in many styles, from the version of Risotto alla Milanese with saffron, to Risotto ai Frutti di Mare seafood. The price of a plate of risotto usually ranges from 10-18 Euros, depending on the ingredients. If you are a fan of risotto, visit Osteria dei Vespri in Sicily or Ristorante Da Vittorio in Bergamo to enjoy the authentic Italian flavor.

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Minced Meat

If you are a fan of Italian cuisine, you must have heard of or tried the legendary Spaghetti. With long, thin, chewy noodles mixed with many types of sauces such as tomato sauce, Bolognese minced meat sauce, or Alle Vongole seafood sauce, each type of Spaghetti brings a different flavor, captivating many visitors.

Interestingly, each region of Italy has its own way of preparing Spaghetti. In Rome, you will enjoy Spaghetti Carbonara with bacon and eggs. If you visit Naples, the simple Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with garlic and olive oil is enough to surprise you with its sophistication in flavor. Especially, when served with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, the rich flavor blends with the noodles to create a perfect symphony of flavors.

Don’t forget to visit the restaurant “Da Enzo al 29” in Rome or “Trattoria da Nennella” in Naples to enjoy the traditional version of Spaghetti.

Gnocchi – Italy’s Signature Potato Pasta

Gnocchi is a unique and interesting dish of Italian cuisine, made from potatoes, flour and eggs. Considered a type of “dumpling pasta,” Gnocchi has a soft, light and slightly floury texture. When combined with tomato sauce, pesto sauce or Gorgonzola cheese, this dish becomes the perfect choice for those who love variety in flavors.

The origins of Gnocchi date back to ancient Rome, when it was made from semolina flour. However, the potato version of Gnocchi as it is today only appeared after potatoes were introduced to Italy from South America in the 16th century. This is what made Gnocchi a popular dish in cool climates like northern Italy.

Try visiting “Osteria Antica Bologna” in Bologna to taste Gnocchi with a variety of rich and flavorful sauces.

Italian-Style Arancini Fried Balls

Arancini – crispy, golden fried rice balls are a famous specialty of Sicily. With a filling of fatty Risotto rice combined with meat, cheese, or vegetables, Arancini is not only attractive in appearance but also brings richness in flavor. When bitten, the crispy crust envelops the soft filling inside, creating a wonderful harmony.

Arancini appeared in the 10th century, when Sicily was under Arab rule. The name “Arancini” in Italian means “little oranges” because of the shape and golden color of the dish. Although it is a popular street food, often sold at small stalls, Arancini is also present on the menu of luxury restaurants such as “Antica Focacceria San Francesco” in Palermo.

Ravioli – An Attractive Filled Pasta

Ravioli is known as a famous pasta with filling, originating from the Middle Ages in Italy, especially popular in the Tuscany region. Ravioli was first mentioned in the 14th century, in a letter by the Italian merchant, Francesco di Marco Datini.

Ravioli is made from flour and eggs, with a variety of fillings from cheese, meat, vegetables to seafood. Ravioli is usually cooked by boiling, then combined with sauces such as tomato sauce, cream sauce or garlic butter, creating an attractive and rich flavor. Ravioli in any shape, square, round, or crescent, all highlight the creativity and sophistication of Italian cuisine.

This dish is often served with a little grated Parmesan cheese and Italian wine. In Italy, you can enjoy famous Ravioli at the Osteria Francescana restaurant (Modena) for about 25-40 Euro/portion.

Italian-style Bistecca Fiorentina Steak

Bistecca alla Fiorentina – just hearing the name makes you feel the charm of Italy! This is a famous steak dish of the Tuscany region, famous for its thick T-bone meat, grilled over charcoal. The rich flavor of young beef combined with the crispy outer layer is the perfection that only Florence can bring. Locals often do not marinate elaborately, simply leaving the beef grilled, highlighting the original flavor of the meat.

A standard slice of Bistecca Fiorentina is about 5-6 cm thick and weighs from 1 to 1.5 kg, enough to satisfy the most demanding diners. This dish is often served with Cannellini white beans or salad, and a glass of rich red Chianti wine is indispensable.

Tourists must visit Ristorante I’ Toscano in Florence to feel the sophistication in each piece of steak.

Italian Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Salad

Believed to have originated from the beautiful island of Capri, Caprese Salad carries the freshness of the Mediterranean, making anyone fall in love from the first try. With the colors of the Italian flag – green from the basil leaves, white from the mozzarella cheese, and red from the tomatoes, this salad has become a symbol of simplicity and sophistication.

Caprese is often served as an appetizer, simple yet extremely rich. Add a few drops of premium olive oil and a pinch of sea salt to create a wonderful feast for the taste buds. Another popular version of this dish is to use balsamic vinegar or add a little pesto to enhance the flavor.

If you visit Naples, head to Pizzeria di Matteo or La Caprese for a fresh plate of Caprese.

Vitello Tonnato – Italian-Style Beef Tossed in Tonnato Sauce

Vitello Tonnato, a famous dish from the Piedmont region of Italy, is sure to impress any gourmet. At first, you might think that veal and tuna are not a perfect combination, but when you taste it, you will be surprised by the balance between the light taste of the meat and the richness of the sauce.

The veal is stewed in white wine until tender, then thinly sliced ​​and covered with a sauce made from tuna, egg yolk, olive oil, and a touch of lemon. Vitello Tonnato is often served at room temperature or cold, adding to the freshness of the dish, very suitable for summer parties or as an appetizer.

Did you know that this is also a popular dish in Argentina at Christmas? Remember to visit famous restaurants such as Del Cambio in Turin, or Trattoria della Posta in Alba. A portion costs around 15-20 euros, worthy of the delicate taste and the sophistication in preparation.

White Truffle Bianco Tartufo

If you are a lover of fine cuisine, white truffles (Bianco Tartufo) are a treasure you cannot miss when coming to Italy. This mushroom is known as the “white diamond” of cuisine, not only because of its rarity but also because of its unique, unmistakable flavor. Bianco Tartufo mushrooms are mainly found in the Piedmont region, especially the town of Alba, which holds annual mushroom markets in October and November, attracting thousands of tourists and famous chefs from all over the world.

The aroma of white truffles is described as the smell of earth after rain, gentle, deep, combined with a bit of a nutty and delicate flavor. This mushroom is often thinly sliced ​​on dishes such as pasta, risotto, or even fried eggs, just a few thin slices are enough to make the dish luxurious and full of Italian cuisine. However, the price of Bianco Tartufo is not cheap, it can be up to 3,000 – 7,000 euros / kg, and a serving of this precious mushroom can cost up to hundreds of euros.

Gelato – A Cool Dessert From Italy (#must try dishes in Italy)

Different from traditional ice cream, Gelato originated in the Renaissance in Italy, then developed strongly in cities like Florence and Naples. The special thing about Gelato lies in the processing method: with less air during the stirring process, Gelato becomes denser and richer in flavor than regular ice cream.

In addition, Gelato contains less fat (only 5-8%) than ice cream, making it a favorite dessert for many people because of its “friendliness” to health. Some prominent Gelato flavors include: pistachio, hazelnut, and tiramisu.

When you come to Italy, stop by Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano, one of the most famous Gelato shops with prices ranging from 2-5 Euros for a colorful Gelato. Besides, don’t forget to stop by La Carraia in Florence to experience Gelato in an ancient Italian space.

Tiramisu Cake – Italian Coffee-Flavored Cake

In the journey to explore Italian cuisine, perhaps no dessert is as charming as Tiramisu – a cake whose name means “please cheer me up”. Appearing since the 1960s, Tiramisu combines soft ladyfinger (Savoiardi) cake soaked in coffee, mixed with a layer of rich mascarpone cream. Adding a little cocoa sprinkled on top enhances the perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and rich flavors.

Tiramisu is a classic cold cream cake, suitable for sipping with a cup of hot espresso, or as a dessert in most restaurants across Italy. The price of a portion of tiramisu usually ranges from 5-10 euros depending on the place. Among them, don’t miss the Pompi restaurant, famous for the best Tiramisu in Italy. Pompi even created many versions of Tiramisu with strawberry, banana, and almond flavors for you to enjoy.

Limoncello liquor In Italy

Limoncello, the shining gem of Southern Italian cuisine, brings diners a unique experience from the first sip. Made from fresh lemon peel, this liqueur stands out with its bright yellow color, combining the sour taste of lemon and the gentle sweetness of sugar. With an alcohol content of about 25% to 30%, Limoncello brings a pleasant feeling, suitable for all diners to enjoy during or after a meal.

This liquor can also be used to make cocktails or as an ingredient in desserts such as mousse and ice cream. The price of a bottle of Limoncello in Italian stores ranges from 15 to 30 EUR, depending on the quality and brand. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy Limoncello at famous bars and restaurants in the Amalfi region or Naples, famous for its vast lemon groves.

Strong Italian Espresso

If you are a coffee lover, you must try Espresso – the quintessence of Italian coffee culture. Made from dark roasted coffee beans and compressed under high pressure, with a layer of smooth creamy foam called “crema” on top, a small cup of espresso but brings a rich, unmistakable aroma.

You can enjoy pure espresso or combine it in other drinks such as cappuccino, latte or macchiato. The milk frothing techniques combined with the skillful pouring skills help create beautiful latte art works, which will definitely enrich your Espresso coffee experience.

The price of an espresso in Italy is very affordable, only from 1 to 2 EUR at local cafes. Some famous Espresso cafes in Italy, you should visit are Caffè Florian in Venice or Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè in Rome.

Italian food is not only a perfect combination of flavors and traditions, but also a journey to discover the unique culture of this country. From fresh pasta to rich pizza, each dish has its own story, reflecting the Italian lifestyle.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Rome you can refer to

• Private Fiumicino Airport (FCO) Transfers for Downtown Rome
• Shared Fiumicino Airport Transfers (FCO) for Rome by Terravision
• Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour
• [Buy 1 Get 1] Rome Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Rome to Florence Day Tour
• Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket in Rome
• 1 Roma Pass for 45+ Attractions
• OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card
• Vatican & Rome Combo Sightseeing Tour
• Venice Excursion Day Trip
• Day Trip to the Ruins of Pompeii
• Positano and Amalfi Coast Day Tour
• I Love Rome Hop On Hop Off Panoramic Bus Tour
• Rome Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula Tour from Rome
• Pantheon Ticket in Rome
• Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Experience
• Vatican Museums Tour with St. Peter’s Basilica Access
• Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Ticket in Rome
• eSIM Europe with high-speed and stable Internet connection

Are you looking for more Italy travel guide: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And top things to do in Rome here.