As a digital nomad, traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures is part of the job description. And one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture is through its food. Italian cuisine is known worldwide for its delicious flavors and rich history. From pasta to pizza, gelato to espresso, Italian food has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the best local dishes to try on your next trip to Italy.
Pizza
Let’s start with the obvious: pizza. Italy is the birthplace of pizza, and you’ll find a wide variety of styles and toppings throughout the country. In Naples, where pizza was invented, you’ll find the classic Margherita pizza, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil. In Rome, you’ll find thin and crispy Roman-style pizza, often topped with prosciutto, arugula, and shaved parmesan. And in Sicily, you’ll find thick and doughy Sicilian-style pizza, often topped with anchovies, olives, and capers.
Pasta
Pasta is another staple of Italian cuisine, and there are countless varieties to try. In Rome, you’ll find classic dishes like spaghetti carbonara, made with eggs, bacon, and parmesan cheese, and cacio e pepe, made with pecorino cheese and black pepper. In Bologna, you’ll find rich and hearty dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, made with a slow-cooked meat sauce, and tortellini in brodo, small stuffed pasta served in a rich broth. And in Naples, you’ll find dishes like spaghetti alle vongole, made with clams, garlic, and white wine.
Gelato
No trip to Italy is complete without trying gelato, the country’s version of ice cream. Gelato is made with less air than traditional ice cream, giving it a denser and creamier texture. There are countless flavors to try, from classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate to more unique flavors like pistachio and stracciatella (chocolate chip). Some of the best gelaterias in Italy include Grom, Venchi, and Gelateria del Teatro.
Espresso
For coffee lovers, Italy is a paradise. Espresso is the most popular type of coffee in Italy, and you’ll find espresso bars on almost every corner. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans, producing a strong and concentrated shot of coffee. In Italy, it’s common to drink espresso standing up at the bar, rather than sitting down at a table. Some of the best espresso bars in Italy include Caffè Sant’Eustachio in Rome, Caffè Florian in Venice, and Caffè Greco in Rome.
Wine
Italy is also known for its wine, with each region producing its own unique varieties. In Tuscany, you’ll find rich and full-bodied red wines like Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. In Piedmont, you’ll find elegant and complex red wines like Barolo and Barbaresco. And in Veneto, you’ll find refreshing and crisp white wines like Prosecco and Soave. If you’re not sure where to start, try a wine tasting tour to sample a variety of wines and learn more about the different regions.
Aperitivo
Aperitivo is a pre-dinner ritual in Italy, where people gather to have a drink and snack before dinner. It’s a great way to socialize and try some delicious Italian snacks. Aperitivo typically takes place between 6 and 9 pm, and many bars and restaurants offer aperitivo specials. Some popular snacks to try include bruschetta (toasted bread topped with tomatoes and olive oil), crostini (small toasts topped with various toppings), and olives and cheese.
Seafood
Italy is surrounded by water, which means there’s no shortage of delicious seafood dishes to try. In Venice, you’ll find risotto di pesce, a creamy rice dish made with a variety of seafood. In Naples, you’ll find spaghetti alle vongole, made with clams, garlic, and white wine. And in Sicily, you’ll find pesce spada alla ghiotta, swordfish cooked with tomatoes, olives, and capers.
Truffles
Italy is famous for its truffles, a type of fungus that grows underground and is prized for its earthy and pungent flavor. Truffles are used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to risotto to eggs. Some of the best places to try truffles in Italy include Umbria, Tuscany, and Piedmont.
Cheese
Italy is home to some of the world’s most delicious cheeses. From creamy mozzarella to sharp parmesan to tangy gorgonzola, there’s a cheese for every taste. Some popular dishes to try include caprese salad (mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil), pasta with parmesan and black pepper, and gorgonzola pizza.
Meat
Italy is also known for its delicious meat dishes, from hearty stews to grilled meats. In Florence, you’ll find bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick and juicy steak cooked over an open flame. In Emilia-Romagna, you’ll find tagliatelle al ragù, a slow-cooked meat sauce served over pasta. And in Tuscany, you’ll find peposo, a spicy beef stew cooked with red wine and black pepper.
Bread
Italian bread is famous for its crispy crust and soft, chewy interior. From focaccia to ciabatta to pane rustico, there’s a bread for every occasion. Some popular dishes to try include bruschetta (toasted bread topped with tomatoes and olive oil), panzanella (bread salad), and crostini (small toasts topped with various toppings).
Desserts
Italian desserts are the perfect way to end a meal, from light and refreshing to rich and decadent. In Rome, you’ll find tiramisu, a creamy dessert made with mascarpone cheese, espresso, and ladyfingers. In Naples, you’ll find sfogliatelle, a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese. And in Sicily, you’ll find cannoli, crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese.
Final Thoughts
Italian cuisine is a treasure trove of delicious flavors and rich history. From pizza to pasta, gelato to espresso, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try some new dishes, Italy is the perfect destination for a culinary adventure. So pack your bags and get ready to indulge in some of the best local dishes Italy has to offer. Buon appetito!