With its rich culinary heritage, Italy offers a myriad of gastronomical delights that can satiate any palate. Whether you are a foodie or just curious about Italian cuisine, it’s essential to know which dishes you must try when visiting this beautiful country. This will not only save you time deciding what to eat but will also ensure you experience the best of Italy’s authentic cuisine.
This list is compiled based on real-world trends, data, and expert interviews from culinary connoisseurs, ensuring you get the most genuine and up-to-date insight. Expect to discover seven Italian dishes that you mustn’t miss, each with their unique allure and significance in the Italian culinary scene.
1. Pizza Napoletana
Pizza Napoletana, the queen of all pizzas, originates from Naples, Italy. This dish is a staple in Italian cuisine and is characterized by its thin, soft, and elastic dough with a slightly charred crust. Despite its simplicity – often topped with just tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil – its popularity is globally renowned.
Today, the Pizza Napoletana is a symbol of Italian culinary heritage and authenticity. The trend of savoring original recipes, coupled with the increasing value of authentic Italian cuisine, makes this dish a must-try for any food lover touring Italy.
2. Pasta Carbonara
Pasta Carbonara is a classic Roman dish made with egg, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. While it may appear to be a common dish, finding an authentic plate of pasta carbonara can truly elevate your Italian food journey. Despite being often overlooked due to its simplicity, its rich and creamy flavors are undeniably irresistible.
The resurgence of traditional cooking techniques and the growing emphasis on authentic Italian recipes make Pasta Carbonara a hot dish in the current Italian culinary scene. Its timeless appeal and enduring popularity underscore why it’s an essential dish to try when in Italy.
3. Gelato
Gelato is an Italian style ice cream renowned for its rich flavor and creamy texture. Made with a base of milk, cream, and sugar, and flavored with fruit and nut purees, it’s an iconic Italian dessert that’s hard to overlook.
With the rising temperatures due to climate change, the demand for refreshing desserts like Gelato is on the rise. Experiencing this Italian classic in its homeland offers a unique sense of satisfaction, making it a must-try in Italy.
4. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is an iconic Italian dessert made from ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, and topped with cocoa. It’s a beloved Italian treat, often served at the end of meals, and widely appreciated for its rich and creamy texture.
With the rise of home baking during the pandemic, more people are falling in love with this classic dessert. Enjoying Tiramisu in Italy guarantees a taste of the original recipe, making it a must-eat during your visit.
5. Risotto
Risotto is a northern Italian rice dish cooked with broth until it reaches a creamy consistency. Despite being a common dish, the technique in preparing it is paramount, making it a true testament to the chef’s skills. Its versatility in ingredients makes it a fascinating dish to explore.
With the growing recognition of regional cuisines, Risotto has gained more attention in recent years. Sampling it in Italy allows you to appreciate the skill and tradition that goes into creating this comforting dish.
6. Ossobuco
Ossobuco is a Milanese specialty, a slow-cooked braised beef shank cooked with vegetables, white wine, and broth. It’s often served with gremolata and traditionally accompanied by Risotto alla Milanese. It may not be as famous as pizza or pasta, but its rich flavors and tender meat make it a dish worth trying.
As slow cooking techniques regain popularity in the culinary world, Ossobuco is gaining more recognition. Trying this dish in Italy offers a chance to savor a traditional Milanese meal, adding depth to your Italian food journey.
7. Prosciutto
Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham that’s usually thinly sliced and served uncooked. This style of preparation is called “prosciutto crudo” in Italian and is distinguished by its melt-in-your-mouth texture and savory taste. Despite being a common antipasti, it’s a testament to Italy’s mastery of cured meats.
With the growing trend of charcuterie boards, prosciutto’s popularity has soared. Consuming it in Italy guarantees the quality and authenticity of the meat, making it a must-try for any carnivorous food lover.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
