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Italian Food

Find out all you need to know about the best Italian food and drinks before your trip.

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its regional variety, quality ingredients, and strong connection to local traditions. Shaped by centuries of culinary history, Italian food ranges from handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza to fresh seafood, hearty regional dishes, cured meats, cheeses, and celebrated desserts. Each region has its own specialities, from pasta alla carbonara in Rome and risotto in northern Italy to Neapolitan pizza and arancini in Sicily.

Food is also an important part of everyday Italian life, with meals often enjoyed at a relaxed pace and shared with family or friends. Before you arrive, keep these Italian food tips in mind:

Lunch and dinner are generally enjoyed at set times, with dinner often starting later than travellers may be accustomed to.
Regional specialities are an essential part of the Italian food experience, so try local dishes wherever you travel rather than ordering the same familiar favourites everywhere.
Start the day with a traditional Italian breakfast, such as a cornetto with an espresso or cappuccino at a local café.
Take time to enjoy Italy’s coffee culture, but remember that cappuccino is traditionally associated with breakfast, while espresso is commonly enjoyed throughout the day.

Must-Try Italian Foods

Here are the top dishes of the Italian food scene that will help you eat like a local:

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza is one of Italy’s most famous culinary traditions, known for its soft, airy crust and simple toppings. From classic Margherita with tomato, mozzarella, and basil to other regional variations, pizza is best enjoyed fresh from a traditional wood-fired oven.

Pasta alla Carbonara

Pasta alla carbonara is a classic Roman dish made with pasta, guanciale, Pecorino Romano, eggs, and black pepper. The ingredients create a rich, creamy texture without using cream. Try it in a traditional trattoria for a taste of one of Rome’s most beloved specialities.

Risotto

Risotto is a creamy rice dish closely associated with northern Italy, where it is prepared with slowly cooked rice, broth, and a variety of regional ingredients. Try saffron risotto in Milan, mushroom risotto in the countryside, or seafood versions along the coast.

Lasagne

Lasagne combines layers of pasta with rich ragù, béchamel, and cheese, creating a hearty dish that varies from region to region. Bologna is particularly famous for its traditional version, making it a great place to try this Italian classic alongside other Emilia-Romagna specialities.

Osso Buco

Osso buco is a traditional Milanese dish made with slow-braised veal shanks, cooked with vegetables, white wine, and broth until tender. It is often served with risotto alla Milanese, creating a comforting combination that showcases the flavours of northern Italy.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a much-loved Italian dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa. Served chilled, it offers a delicious combination of rich, creamy, and coffee flavours and is a popular choice at restaurants and cafés across Italy.

Must-Try Italian Drinks

Espresso

Espresso is a central part of Italian coffee culture, served in small, strong shots and enjoyed throughout the day. Order one at a local bar and drink it standing at the counter like many Italians, or pair it with a cornetto for a traditional breakfast.

Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian aperitivo made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, usually served over ice with an orange slice. It is commonly enjoyed before dinner alongside small snacks, making it a refreshing way to experience Italy’s relaxed aperitivo tradition.