10 Must-Try Foods in Italy

Golden, crispy fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, and peas. The ultimate Sicilian street food.

🍽️ Where to try: Palermo, Catania street vendors

Hearty bread and vegetable soup, traditionally made with day-old bread, cannellini beans, and cavolo nero.

🍽️ Where to try: Florence trattorias, especially in winter

Slow-braised veal shanks cooked with white wine, broth, and vegetables. Served with gremolata and risotto.

🍽️ Where to try: Traditional Milanese restaurants

Shell-shaped pastry with a crispy, layered texture, filled with sweet ricotta and candied citrus.

🍽️ Where to try: Naples pastry shops (pasticcerie)

Paper-thin dough filled with creamy stracchino cheese, baked until crispy and gooey.

🍽️ Where to try: Recco and Genoa area

Pasta with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, ricotta salata, and fresh basil. A Sicilian classic.

🍽️ Where to try: Catania and eastern Sicily

Massive T-bone steak from Chianina cattle, grilled rare over wood fire. Minimum 1kg — meant for sharing.

🍽️ Where to try: Florence steakhouses

Venetian small plates — think crostini with baccalà, fried seafood, and polpette. Perfect with an Aperol spritz.

🍽️ Where to try: Venice bacari (wine bars)

Ear-shaped pasta with broccoli rabe, garlic, anchovies, and chili flakes. Simple but incredible.

🍽️ Where to try: Bari and Puglia region

Light, frothy custard made with egg yolks, sugar, and sweet Marsala wine. Served warm with fresh fruit.

🍽️ Where to try: Turin and Piedmont restaurants