Even with a culture as rich and scenery as staggering as Italy's, the country's outstanding culinary scene remains its biggest claim to fame. Considering this southern European nation is the birthplace of pizza, pasta, and gelato, it's pretty easy to see why.
Although it boasts some of the most globally loved foods around, Italy is much more than the classic dishes it's traditionally known for. No matter which part of the country you find yourself in, you'll find an eclectic mix of local specialties that are every bit as tasty as a timeless margarita pizza or pasta carbonara.
We've put together this guide to the finest Italian dishes to sample for your next visit, taking you on a gastronomic adventure you won't forget.
Arancini
Arancini is Italy's most renowned street food offering from the spectacular Mediterranean island of Sicily. These deep-fried rice balls have been around since the 10th century and owe their roots to Sicily's Arab heritage.
Though typically filled with rice and mozzarella cheese, arancini is often available with a range of different fillings, including rich beef ragu, ham, or spinach. Crunchy, gooey, and creamy, arancini can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or as an appetizer.
Focaccia
What part of the country you're in will determine what exactly you can expect when you order focaccia. The Liguria region is thought to be the home of this thick, crispy bread, though some believe the Romans first crafted this olive oil-infused treat. In Rome, focaccia is sold as a style of pizza rather than strictly as a type of bread.
In most other regions, focaccia is served plain in square-shaped slices or with toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, and onion. Though it's delicious in its own right, it can also be used as sandwich bread or a side dish.
Bruschetta
Another classic dish that traces its roots back to the Ancient Romans is bruschetta. In the past, poorer members of society would toast stale bread over hot coals, adding garlic, olive oil, and salt for flavor. When this grilled ciabatta bread reached Tuscany, the now go-to toppings of chopped tomatoes and fresh basil were incorporated.
Bruschetta is among the most famous Italian appetizers today, and varieties with the likes of mozzarella and anchovies are found all over the country.
Minestrone Soup
This nourishing soup traces its origins back to 2nd-century Rome and was originally made using leftovers to avoid food waste. You'll find everything from pasta and beans to tomatoes, celery, and carrots inside. Some recipes also include beef, though it's commonly served without any meat.
Though minestrone soup is cooked up year-round, it's particularly appetizing for those visiting during the chiller months of the year and pairs beautifully with crusty bread and Italian red wine.
Fiorentina Steak
The Jewel of the Renaissance is treasured for its awe-inspiring artworks and remarkable architecture. Yet, Florence is also a hotspot for exquisite food, and the Fiorentina Steak is the most popular dish of them all. This t-bone steak is prepared in thick cuts and grilled evenly on both sides until rare.
Restaurants in just about every corner of Florence serve up these robust, juicy steaks, and portions can be as sizable as three pounds. With this in mind, it's best to split this dish amongst several people unless you're feeling especially ravenous!
Risotto
If you somehow tire of pasta and pizza and have a craving for a carb-heavy meal, the northern Italian dish of risotto is the perfect alternative. Traditionally whipped up by cooking rice in broth until the consistency thickens, risotto can be found in various flavors.
In Milan, you'll tend to find risotto infused with beef broth, saffron, and shallots, though recipes using porcini mushrooms, pumpkin, asparagus, and lobster are used throughout the country.
Panzanella
Much like minestrone soup, panzanella came about as people tried to find a use for leftover food. A type of Tuscan salad, panzanella was originally made from stale bread softened by soaking it in water and combined with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil.
Many modern-day takes on this summertime salad include additional ingredients like cucumber, peppers, basil, and vinegar. Light and tangy, panzanella is a favorite among Italians in the central regions during the warmer months of the year.
Spaghetti Vongole
Though it doesn't quite get the international acclaim of other pasta dishes like bolognese, lasagna, and arrabbiata, spaghetti vongole is one of Italy's most beloved creations.
An integral part of Neapolitan cuisine, spaghetti vongole has been locally loved for centuries and uses just a few simple ingredients. It consists of fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and white wine, though some recipes also include tomatoes. Briny and savory without the different components overpowering each other, spaghetti vongole proves that the most straightforward dishes can often be the most flavorful.
Tiramisu
The Italians certainly know a thing or two about crafting the perfect sweet treats, and their delightful tiramisu is as good as it gets. Tiramisu's origins are often disputed, with some suggesting that the chocolate and coffee-infused dessert belongs to Treviso in the north, while others trace it back to Tuscany.
Either way, the blend of lady fingers, mascarpone, espresso, cocoa, and wine is a winning combination and is a much-loved confection country-wide.
Cannoli
If you head south to Sicily, you'll find that cannoli are the dessert of choice for locals trying to satisfy their sweet tooth. Believed to be around 1,000 years old, cannoli came to be thanks to the Arab influence on the island and has been a Sicilian staple ever since.
These tube-shaped pastries consist of crispy fried dough and a delectable ricotta cheese filling. Over the years, various toppings like chocolate, pistachio, and hazelnuts have become increasingly popular.
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Italy has an ever-growing assortment of incredible culinary delights to its name, meaning that this collection of tasty eats is just a small sampling of what you can look forward to!
With so much mouthwatering fare to tuck into, few nations can offer a foodie scene quite like the Italians.
