Italian cuisine has captivated the world with its rich flavors and variety. Vote Your Favourite Italian Food from some of the most popular Italian dishes that are widely enjoyed around the globe:
Originating from Naples, pizza is one of Italy’s most iconic dishes. Variants like Margherita, Pepperoni, and Neapolitan are loved internationally. A well-made pizza includes a thin, crispy crust, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves.
Italy’s pasta dishes are renowned globally, with popular varieties including: Spaghetti Carbonara - made with eggs, Pecorino cheese, pancetta, and pepper. Lasagna - layered pasta with meat, ricotta, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Pasta Bolognese - pasta topped with a rich meat sauce originating from Bologna.
Risotto is a creamy rice dish, often made with broth and ingredients like mushrooms, seafood, or saffron. Risotto alla Milanese, made with saffron, is especially popular.
Italian-style ice cream, or gelato, is famous for its creamy texture and intense flavors. Popular flavors include pistachio, hazelnut, stracciatella, and lemon.
A beloved Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder. It’s a perfect balance of coffee and sweetness.
These are stuffed and deep-fried rice balls, often filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas. They originated in Sicily and are popular as street food.
This Milanese specialty is made with braised veal shanks, white wine, broth, and vegetables. It's often served with risotto or polenta.
A popular appetizer made with grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. Variants may include toppings like mushrooms, olives, or mozzarella.
Simple and fresh, Caprese salad consists of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
A hearty vegetable soup made with seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice. It’s nourishing, flavorful, and enjoyed year-round.
This flat oven-baked bread is similar to pizza dough and can be topped with olive oil, rosemary, olives, or tomatoes. It’s enjoyed as a snack or side and is especially popular in Liguria.
Layers of breaded and fried eggplant slices, tomato sauce, and cheese, typically mozzarella and Parmesan, baked to golden perfection. This dish is both comforting and full of flavor.
A classic Italian antipasto that pairs thin slices of cured ham with sweet cantaloupe melon. The sweet and salty combination is a refreshing start to any Italian meal.
A staple from northern Italy, polenta is made from boiled cornmeal and can be served soft and creamy or set and sliced. It’s often served as a side dish with stews, meats, or cheeses.
Originating from Rome, Saltimbocca is made with thin slices of veal, prosciutto, and sage, all cooked in white wine and butter. It’s savory, tender, and rich in flavor.
Small, soft dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. Gnocchi is often served with a variety of sauces, from pesto to tomato, and even creamy Gorgonzola.
These Sicilian pastries are crisp, tube-shaped shells filled with sweetened ricotta cheese, often with chocolate chips or candied fruit. Cannoli are popular in Italian-American communities worldwide.
This creamy cheese, originally from Puglia, is a richer version of mozzarella. It has a soft, buttery interior and is often served with tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Essentially a folded pizza, calzones are stuffed with cheese, meats, and vegetables, then baked. They are a popular street food in Italy and abroad.
