10 Sensational Bites and Bevs to Try in Italy
Italy is a land full of breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, and of course, incredible food.
While Italy’s food scene is often dominated by pizza and pasta, there is a whole world of diverse foods to try in this country. Whether you’re a first time traveler, or a returning visitor to Italy, trying the local specialties is the perfect way to explore the culture.
Here is my list of 10 foods and drinks to try when you visit Italy.
1. Focaccia
This is my absolute number one favorite Italian food!
Focaccia is an Italian flatbread, often described as a thick pizza dough, and it can come with a variety of delicious toppings. The typical focaccia is topped with olive oil, salt, and rosemary.
2. Caprese
A light, refreshing dish is Caprese salad which consists of sliced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic. I love having this on a hot day, or as a light snack to hold me over until a big pasta dinner. It can also be served on a sandwich as well.
3. Diavola Pizza
Diavola is a unique pizza that combines sweet and spicy flavors into one bite.
It’s a red sauce pizza usually topped with spicy sopressata, ricotta, basil, and honey. It’s a nice change of flavor from the traditional margherita pizza and adds a kick of heat.
4. arancini
A staple of Sicilian cuisine, Arancini are rice balls stuffed with a savory filling and coated with breadcrumbs.
They are deep fried until nice and crispy on the outside, and served with marinara sauce for dipping. This is a popular snack or appetizer known for its contrasting texture and savory flavor.
5. Carbonara
Carbonara is a pasta dish with Roman history known for its rich, creamy texture, yet it has no cream!
It is made from an egg and Parmesan mixture topped with guanciale or pancetta for a savory touch. This is my favorite pasta dish, a must-try from an authentic Italian restaurant!
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6. Nutella Croissants
When I went to Naples, I saw these croissants filled with Nutella in almost every bakery and even on the streets. They are perfect for a sweet treat, or even for a quick to-go breakfast.
7. Bruschetta
This is a simple appetizer, but a very tasty one that compliments any Italian dish.
It is made with a crunchy bread slice topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and sometimes burrata. It is even easy to make at home, if you wish to bring home an Italian skill with you after your trip.
8. Gelato
You just can’t go to Italy without having this refreshing dessert!
I had gelato everyday (sometimes twice) for the 10 days I spent in Italy. Although you can find gelato on every corner, the absolute best one I had was from Suso in Venice.
9. Cappuccino
This one is common one, but it is a traditional Italian staple.
The coffee culture in Italy is very prominent, and it’s more than just a drink. It’s a social experience, and for some places, an art. I had the most beautiful cappuccino from a small place outside of a train station near Naples.
10. Aperol Spritz
A classic alcoholic beverage in Italy is the Aperol Spritz, and you will see it everywhere, even printed on tote bags. It is a tasty wine-based cocktail consisting of Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water. It’s well known for its bittersweet and citrusy taste.
Italy may stun you with its incredible landscapes and cities, but the food scene is also one of a kind.
I highly getting immersed in Italian culture by trying their delicious one of a kind food, taking a cooking class, or a food tasting tour. You will be amazed by the rich flavors that Italy has to offer.
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