7 Must-Try Italian Food to Savor on Your Next Trip

1. Pizza: Naples’ Legendary Dish

No visit to Italy is complete without enjoying an authentic Neapolitan pizza, straight from the wood-fired ovens of its birthplace, Naples.

Signature Dish:

• Pizza Margherita: A simple yet perfect trio of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, symbolizing the Italian flag.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

• Neapolitan pizza-making is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• The secret lies in the slow-fermented dough, high-quality ingredients, and the 900°F ovens that cook the pizza in just 90 seconds.

Our Tip:

Explore Naples with Nada’s Italy on a small group tour, featuring stops at historic pizzerias and bustling local markets. Want to know why pizza in Italy tastes better? Check out our article: Why Pizza in Italy is Healthier, Fresher, and Tastier Than Anywhere.

2. Pasta: A Taste of Tradition

Pasta is the soul of Italian cooking, with each region putting its spin on this beloved dish. With over 350 pasta shapes, Italy offers an endless variety of flavors and textures.

Signature Dishes:

• Rome: Creamy carbonara (made with eggs, pecorino, and guanciale, never cream!).
• Emilia-Romagna: Rich lasagna layered with ragù and béchamel.
• Tuscany: Bold pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar ragu), a rustic countryside favorite.

Fun Fact:

Legend has it that tagliatelle was inspired by Lucrezia Borgia’s flowing golden hair.

Our Tip:

Take a hands-on pasta-making class during a customized Nada’s Italy tour and learn the secrets of Italian cuisine. Want to travel like a local? Read  How to Choose the Perfect Italy Tour.

3. Risotto: Northern Italy’s Comfort Food

Creamy, comforting, and endlessly versatile, risotto is a northern Italian staple made with Arborio or Carnaroli rice.

Signature Dish:

• Risotto alla Milanese, infused with saffron for its golden hue and luxurious flavor.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Italy is Europe’s largest rice producer, with most cultivation in the Po Valley.
• Unlike regular rice, risotto is cooked slowly, allowing the starches to create its signature creamy texture.

Our Tip:

Nada’s Italy can arrange cooking classes with local chefs, where you’ll master the art of making risotto like a true Italian.

4. Gelato: The Sweet Indulgence

• Gelato isn’t just dessert in Italy, it’s an art form. Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and less air than traditional ice cream, Italian gelato is a creamy delight.

  Our Favorite Flavors:

  • Sicilian pistachio (rich and nutty)
  • Piedmont hazelnut (velvety smooth)
  • Seasonal fruit varieties (bursting with natural sweetness)

  Fun Fact:

  Florence is home to some of the oldest gelaterias, with roots tracing back to the Renaissance.

  Our Tip:

  Sample the best scoops while shopping or strolling through the city. Gelato is the perfect snack in warmer seasons! You can read more here.

5. Truffles: A Rare Culinary Treasure

• For a truly luxurious experience, try dishes featuring Italy’s prized truffles, fragrant fungi that elevate any meal.

  Where to Find Them:

  • White truffles from Piedmont are the most expensive and aromatic.
  • Black truffles from Umbria offer an earthy, robust flavor.

  Why It’s Special:

  • Truffle hunting with specially trained dogs is a tradition passed down through generations.
  • The best season for truffles is autumn, making fall an ideal time for a culinary tour.

  Our Tip:

  Join one of our Nada’s Italy small group tours to experience a real truffle hunt in the Italian countryside!

6. Wine: A Toast to Italy’s Heritage

From bold reds to sparkling whites, Italian wines reflect its diverse landscapes and centuries-old winemaking traditions.

Top Wine Regions:

• Tuscany: Savor a glass of Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino.
• Piedmont: Home to Barolo, the “King of Wines.”
• Veneto: Famous for Prosecco, Italy’s beloved sparkling wine.

Fun Fact:

Italy boasts over 350 wine varieties, each deeply tied to its region’s culture and climate.

Our Tip:

Nada’s Italy specializes in private wine tours, giving you exclusive access to top vineyards for tastings and culinary experiences.

7. Sweet Treats: Living La Dolce Vita

No Italian meal is complete without dessert, and the country’s sweet treats are as diverse as its regions.

Regional Favorites:

• Sicily: Cannoli, crispy shells filled with sweet ricotta.
• Veneto: Tiramisu, layers of coffee-soaked biscuits and mascarpone.
• Milan: Panettone, a festive treat enjoyed during Christmas.

Fun Fact:

The name “tiramisu” translates to “pick me up,” thanks to its energizing mix of coffee, cocoa, and mascarpone.

Our Tip:

Enjoy your sweet treat as a snack during your Nada’s Italy trip and ask your guide about Italy’s finest bakeries and patisseries.

Whether you choose one of our carefully curated small group tours or design your own adventure with our ByDesign team, we’re here to bring your Italian dreams to life.

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