Traditional Food to Try in Italy
Italy is more than just a beautiful country — it’s a mosaic of regional flavours, each with its own culinary identity.
From the Alpine lakes of the north to the sun-drenched islands of the south, every destination offers a unique taste of Italian tradition.
Here are 10 must-try iconic dishes that define their local cuisine.
1. Pasta classics and street eats in Rome
Try: Cacio e pepe, Carbonara, Amatriciana, Supplì
Rome’s food is all about bold flavours and simple ingredients. Indulge in iconic pasta dishes made with pecorino and guanciale, and snack on crispy supplì (fried rice balls) as you explore the Eternal City.
2. Seafood and sweet-sour delights in Venice
Try: Sarde in saor, Risotto al nero di seppia, Baccalà mantecato
Venetian cuisine is shaped by its lagoon setting and centuries of trade. Expect elegant seafood dishes, creamy risottos, and unique flavour combinations like sweet-and-sour sardines.
3. Hearty meats & rustic soups in Florence
Try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, Pappa al pomodoro
Florence is the heart of Tuscan cuisine, known for its grilled meats and peasant-style soups. Don’t miss the massive T-bone steak or the comforting tomato-and-bread soup.
4. Pesto and coastal dishes in Cinque Terre
Try: Trofie al pesto, Focaccia, Anchovies from Monterosso
Liguria is the birthplace of pesto, best enjoyed with handmade trofie pasta. Pair it with fresh anchovies and a slice of olive oil-rich focaccia by the sea.
5. Lemons, mozzarella and seafood in the Amalfi Coast
Try: Spaghetti alle vongole, Delizia al limone, Mozzarella di bufala
The Amalfi Coast offers a zesty, elegant cuisine. Enjoy seafood pasta, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and lemon-infused desserts with a view of the Mediterranean.
6. Elegant risottos and golden cutlets in Milan
Try: Risotto alla Milanese, Cotoletta alla Milanese, Panettone
Milan’s food is refined and rich. Savour saffron risotto, breaded veal cutlets, and the city’s famous holiday sweet bread, panettone.
7. Pizza and pastries in Naples & Pompeii
Try: Pizza Napoletana, Sfogliatella, Pasta alla Genovese
Naples is the birthplace of pizza — and it’s unbeatable here. Add in flaky pastries like sfogliatella and slow-cooked pasta dishes for a full southern Italian experience.
8. Wild game and pecorino cheese in the Tuscany countryside
Try: Pici all’aglione, Cinghiale, Pecorino Toscano
Beyond Florence, Tuscany’s countryside offers earthy, traditional fare. Try hand-rolled pasta with garlic sauce, wild boar ragù, and aged sheep’s milk cheese.
9. Alpine comfort food in Lake Como
Try: Missoltini, Polenta taragna, Sciatt
Lake Como blends lake and mountain cuisine. Expect dried lake fish, cheesy polenta, and crispy fritters — perfect after a scenic boat ride or mountain hike.
10. Street food and sweet treats in Sicily
Try: Arancini, Pasta alla Norma, Cannoli, Granita
Sicilian cuisine is a vibrant mix of cultures. From fried rice balls to eggplant pasta and ricotta-filled cannoli, every bite tells a story of the island’s rich heritage.
