7 Exquisite Italian Foods You Should Try in Italy (That Aren’t Spaghetti or Pizza!)

When it comes to Italian food, everyone immediately thinks of spaghetti and pizza, and who can blame them? These dishes are iconic, beloved worldwide, and synonymous with Italian cuisine. But those who know me personally are aware that my favorite Italian food is Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca. I first tried it at a party back in high school, and it was love at first bite. I’d even subtly hint to my aunt whenever I visited her, and she’d happily whip it up for me – a little tradition I hold dear.

Now, let’s get to the heart of this article. During my visit to Italy, I discovered that Italian food has so much more to offer than just spaghetti and pizza. The flavors, techniques, and traditions behind Italian foods are vast and varied. Some dishes stood out so much that they have since captured my tastebuds, and I’m already dreaming of the day I can return to savor them again. These dishes, which often don’t get as much attention as they deserve, are absolute must-tries for anyone visiting Italy. So, if you’re planning a trip or just looking to expand your culinary horizons, here are seven Italian foods you absolutely need to try.

7 Exquisite Italian Foods You Should Try in Italy (That Aren’t Spaghetti or Pizza!)

1. Stracotto di Fassona

Origin: Piedmont (Piemonte), Northern Italy

Let’s start with Stracotto di Fassona, a dish that epitomizes the slow-cooking tradition of Northern Italian cuisine. “Stracotto” means “overcooked,” and in this case, it refers to Fassona beef, a prized breed native to the Piedmont region. The meat is cooked slowly for hours in red wine, aromatic herbs, and vegetables until it becomes tender enough to melt in your mouth.

Why should visitors try it? This dish isn’t just about the beef; it’s a celebration of Piedmont’s love for hearty, comforting flavors. It’s often served with polenta or creamy mashed potatoes, making it perfect for chilly evenings. Visitors to Italy should try this dish for its rich, earthy taste and as a way to experience the culinary artistry of Piedmont’s chefs. Pair it with a glass of Barolo wine for the ultimate indulgence.

7 Exquisite Italian Foods You Should Try in Italy (That Aren’t Spaghetti or Pizza!)

2. Braciole

Origin: Southern Italy, particularly Campania, Puglia, and Sicily

Braciole is a beloved Southern Italian food that is as versatile as it is delicious. Thin slices of meat (usually beef, pork, or veal) are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, parsley, and sometimes pine nuts or raisins. These meat rolls are then secured with toothpicks or kitchen twine, seared to perfection, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

What makes it worth trying? What makes braciole so special is the way the flavors of the filling infuse into the meat and sauce during cooking. It’s often served as part of a Sunday family meal, alongside pasta or on its own. Visitors should try braciole for its comforting, home-cooked feel and to taste the essence of Southern Italian hospitality. Each bite tells a story of tradition and family.

7 Exquisite Italian Foods You Should Try in Italy (That Aren’t Spaghetti or Pizza!)

3. Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Origin: Florence, Tuscany (Toscana)

A trip to Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without indulging in Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This iconic Italian food is a thick-cut T-bone steak, traditionally prepared from Chianina cattle, one of the oldest and largest cattle breeds in the world. The steak is grilled to rare or medium-rare perfection, seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper to let the natural flavors of the meat shine.

Why should visitors try it? What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and focus on quality. The Chianina beef’s rich flavor and tenderness make it an unforgettable experience for any meat lover. Bistecca alla Fiorentina is typically served with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. Visitors to Florence should try this dish to experience the Tuscan philosophy of letting high-quality ingredients speak for themselves.

7 Exquisite Italian Foods You Should Try in Italy (That Aren’t Spaghetti or Pizza!)

4. Osso Buco alla Milanese

Origin: Milan, Lombardy (Lombardia)

Osso Buco alla Milanese is a quintessential dish from Milan that showcases the elegance of Italian foods. “Osso buco” translates to “bone with a hole,” referring to the veal shank’s bone, which contains a rich and creamy marrow. The meat is braised slowly with white wine, broth, onions, carrots, celery, and a hint of lemon zest until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender.

Why is it a must-try? Traditionally, Osso Buco is served with Risotto alla Milanese, a saffron-infused rice dish that complements the savory flavors perfectly. Visitors to Milan should try Osso Buco to appreciate the city’s sophisticated approach to comfort food. Don’t forget to scoop out the marrow—it’s considered the best part!

7 Exquisite Italian Foods You Should Try in Italy (That Aren’t Spaghetti or Pizza!)

5. Saltimbocca alla Romana

Saltimbocca alla Romana, which translates to “jump in the mouth,” is a Roman delicacy that lives up to its name. This dish consists of thin veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and fresh sage, all held together with a toothpick. The cutlets are then sautéed in butter and white wine, creating a dish that’s both savory and aromatic.

Why should you try it? Saltimbocca’s flavor profile is simple yet incredibly satisfying. The salty prosciutto, fragrant sage, and tender veal make each bite a delight. Visitors to Rome should try this dish to get a taste of the Eternal City’s rich culinary heritage. It’s often served with a side of sautéed spinach or roasted potatoes, making it a complete and hearty meal.

7 Exquisite Italian Foods You Should Try in Italy (That Aren’t Spaghetti or Pizza!)

6. Tiramisu

Origin: Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia

Tiramisu is perhaps the most famous Italian dessert, but its origins are hotly debated. Most agree that it was first created in the Veneto region, specifically Treviso. This no-bake dessert layers coffee-soaked ladyfingers (savoiardi) with a creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Why is Tiramisu a must-try? Tiramisu is the perfect way to end any Italian meal. Its balance of flavors – the bitterness of the coffee, the sweetness of the mascarpone, and the richness of the cocoa – makes it a universally loved dessert. Plus, it’s a testament to how Italian foods can turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

7 Exquisite Italian Foods You Should Try in Italy (That Aren’t Spaghetti or Pizza!)

7. Tagliatelle with Ragù

Known globally as “Bolognese sauce,” the authentic version of this Italian food is far from the tomato-heavy rendition served elsewhere. In Bologna, ragù is a slow-cooked meat sauce made with a mix of ground beef, pork, onions, celery, carrots, wine, and a touch of tomato paste. It’s traditionally served with tagliatelle, a flat, ribbon-like egg pasta that perfectly clings to the sauce.

Why should visitors try it? The secret to this dish’s magic lies in its preparation. The ragù is simmered for hours, allowing the flavors to meld into a harmonious blend of savory goodness. Visitors to Emilia-Romagna should try this dish to experience the true taste of Italian comfort food. It’s a heartwarming meal that highlights the region’s love for pasta and slow cooking.

Final Thought

Italy is a country that wears its culinary heart on its sleeve. Each region has its own specialties, each dish tells a story, and every bite is an invitation to savor life. While spaghetti and pizza will always have a place in my heart (and stomach), exploring these lesser-known Italian foods has deepened my appreciation for the country’s rich culinary traditions.

So, the next time you’re planning a trip to Italy, go beyond spaghetti and pizza. Seek out these regional specialties, pair them with local wines, and immerse yourself in the flavors that make Italian foods some of the most beloved in the world. Buon appetito!

DISCLAIMER: Images are AI-generated.

Polly Amora

Polly Amora is the señorita behind GoldenIslandSenorita.Net. A corporate warrior by day, and a perpetual explorer by heart. She is a lifelong learner who is very outgoing, speaks four languages, loud & outspoken, and loves to have adventures in the mountains, on the beach, and in the city. You can throw her anywhere, and she'll handle it like a pro. Ice cream and bourbon are two of her weaknesses.

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