It’s no secret Italy has amazing food. We ate our way through Italy and loved every bit of it (although the scales didn’t). It’s known for it’s pasta, pizza and gelato, but Italy has so many more delicious dishes. So what to eat in Italy? Here are 20 dishes you must try…
What To Eat In Italy
Pici Pasta Ragu
Where we ate it: Cum Quibus | San Gimignano
I had never tasted pici pasta before we went to Italy. We tried it in this little beautiful restaurant in a little medieval town and it shot straight to the top of pasta dishes I love.
Lemon Risotto
Where we ate it: Da Gemma | Amalfi Town
I probably haven’t let this little fact out before, but I love lemons! Any dish with lemons in it is a dish for me. But I think this dish will pleasantly surprise even the lemon skeptics. We had this on the Amalfi Coast… which was a fabulous place to visit for so many more reasons other then having great lemons.
Florentine Steak
Where we ate it: Trattoria Mario | Florence
Chris had the Florentine steak and I had to try some of it, which might have been the only time Chris didn’t mind I was eating his food, because this steak is gigantic! A T-bone steak cooked rare, this is one I enjoyed but definitely couldn’t eat the whole thing or even half.
Tortellini en Brodo
Where we ate it: Trattoria Gianni | Bologna
Another fabulous discovery I’d never heard of before coming to Bologna. A famous dish in this city, and for good reason. Tortellini in a flavoursome broth… it’s delicious.
Trofie al Pesto
Where we ate it: La Lampara | Riomaggiore
I’ve had basil pesto before. I’ve enjoyed it but never raved about it. Until now. Trofie al Pesto, which is trofie pasta with basil pesto, is amazing. One of my favourite pasta dishes, the trofie pasta has a nice chewy texture and basil pesto actually came from this Liguria region of Italy.
Sage & Burnt Butter Pasta
Where we ate it: Florence
A tasty pasta dish that reminds you simplicity is sometimes best!
Margherita Pizza
Where we ate it: Pizzeria Giuliano | Naples
What to eat in Italy? Pizza of course! Naples is known for their pizza’s and this did not disappoint. Margherita is a classic combination of cheese, tomato and basil, and it’s all you need!
Carbonara
Where we ate it: Roscioli | Rome
I’ve never tasted a carbonara like this and I’m not sure if I will ever taste one as good ever again. I’m not sure what it was, but the added bits of crispy pork cheek went down very well.
Basil Gelato
Where we ate it: Alberto Gelateria | Corniglia
Walking through Corniglia, there were basil plants on all the doorsteps for the Basil festival. So of course the local gelateria made a basil gelato, and it tasted so fresh.
Bruschetta With Basil Pesto
Where we ate it: Monterosso, Cinque Terre
The basil pesto took this bruschetta to a whole new level. Delicious.
Home Cooked Pasta
Where we made it: Ingredients from Mercato Centrale | Florence
The nice thing about holidays is getting to eat out all the time and have someone cook for you. But if you’re travelling for a while, sometimes it’s nice to have a home cooked meal, and it’s always fun going to the local supermarket and checking out all the local produce. An easy way to do this is to book an apartment through airbnb.
Amatriciana Pasta
Where we ate it: Cesare al Casaletto Trattoria | Rome
Yet another pasta dish I didn’t know existed! This dish is comfort food at it’s best. Flavours of pecorino cheese, tomato and pork cheek.
Cacio e Pepe
Where we ate it: Flavio al Velavevodetto | Rome
Cacio e pepe means “Cheese and Pepper”… and that’s exactly what’s in this pasta dish. Sounds simple, but seems to be fine art in getting the mixture just right.
Egg Raviolo
Where we ate it: Trattoria Monti | Rome
Actually called tortello al rosso d’uovo, inside a large raviolo you will find ricotta, spinach and egg yolk. So good!
Salami, Prosciutto And Cheese Plate
Where we ate it: Roscioli | Rome
Italy has the most amazing cheese and meats. Often at restaurants you can just order a cheese and meat plate, or there could be a selection on offer at apertivo (those hours before dinner where you get a pre-dinner drink and snacks).
Cannoli
Where we ate it: Testaccio Markets | Rome
Words cannot describe how amazing these taste!
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar With Ice Cream And Parmigiano Reggiano
Where we ate it: Amazing Italy Tour | Emilia Romagna
As part of a day tour we stopped at a place making Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. Here we got to taste what we first thought was an unusual pairing… traditional balsamic vinegar with ice cream and then the vinegar with parmigiano reggiano. Both combinations were so good.
Fried Gnocchi
Where we ate it: Cesare al Casaletto Trattoria | Rome
Along with lemons, gnocchi is an absolute favourite of mine. But I had never tried fired gnocchi, and this version came with cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) sauce.
Rigatoni With Pork Sausage
Where we ate it: Trattoria Monti | Rome
Rigatoni with sausage, pecorino cheese and pepper. Simple and tasty.
Veal Salad With Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar
Where we ate it: Ostaria Boccadoro | Venice
The flavours went so well together, would love to recreate this at home.
Creme Caramel
Where we ate it: Cesare al Casaletto Trattoria | Rome
Only the best creme caramel I’ve ever tasted! Creamy with lots of caramel, worth going out of your way for.
Cornetti
Where we ate it: Everywhere
A breakfast pastry similar to a croissant, but more dense, either plain, or filed with creme or chocolate.
So that was some of our absolute favourite Italian dishes! Hope this helps you decide what to eat in Italy, or at least be some inspiration to go.
Leaving in a few days for Venice, Ravenna, and parts of Abruzzo. Thanks for getting my tastebuds in the mood (and for all the packing tips!) Going carry-on, all the way. Ciao!
Hi Anne, That’s so exciting, hope you’re having a great trip, Italy is delicious ;) We love packing carry-on only, would love to know how you find it!
Man I love Italian food, this post makes me so hungry!
Us too Aaron! We want to go back :)