Top 10 Italian Dishes
Dining al fresco with a view of Lake Como in Bellagio, Italy
No doubt you already have your own top ten Italian dishes. Italian cuisine is really a collection of regional cuisines, each having their own distinct character and principle ingredients. When traveling in Italy, you may notice that the geography often influences the local specialty. Mountainous regions like Piedmont are known for their prized cheeses. On the plains of Emilia-Romano you’ll find such well known Bolognese dishes as tortellini and lasagna. On the coast, seafood like shrimp, anchovies and squid are more common and are often accompanied by risotto or spicy tomato sauces like Fra Diavolo.
Photo courtesy CC Rainer Zenz
Caprese Salad
Displaying the red, white and green of the Italian flag this simple salad is made of sliced tomatoes, bocconcini (unripened Mozzarella cheese), fresh basil and olive oil.
Photo courtesy CC Rhosoi
Antipasto
Traditionally this is an appetizer platter to be shared and served “before the pasta” course. Normally included are variety of cured meats like prosciutto ham and salami, pickles like jiardiniera and olives and such cheeses as bocconcini and provolone. Grilled vegetables may also be included.
Photo Courtesy KAV Productions Inc.
Risotto
This creamy rice dish of northern Italy is normally served is a primo or first plate. White rice is normally quick fried in butter or olive oil then simmered in wine and broth.
Photo courtesy CC Mario56
Calzone
Often called the inside-out pizza, calzone is made of a pizza type dough then stuffed with a variety of ingredients which often include tomato sauce, mozzarella and ham or salami.
Photo courtesy CC Stevemconst61
Pizza Margherita
The origins of the modern pizza date back to this version, thought to be named in honour of Queen Margherita’s visit to Naples in 1889. The hugely popular, Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples, cook the traditional thin crust pizza topped with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil in wood burning ovens.
Photo courtesy CC lydiajoy1
Lasagna Bolognese
Bolognese sauce is layered with lasagna pasta and cheese, then baked.
Photo courtesy CC Ed Hawco
Pasta Carbonera
This Roman pasta dish is prepared with eggs, cheese and bacon.
Photo courtesy CC Sphilbrick
Steak Florentine
This Tuscan specialty calls for the highest quality T-bone steak cut between 1 ½ to 2 inches thick. The steak is grilled to rare doneness and one steak easily provides two servings. Some restaurants will bring a small grill to your table which allows diners to heat up individual slices as they enjoy their dinner with their partner and perhaps a few glasses of Chianti.
Photo courtesy CC Markus Mitterauer
Tiramisu
Who could refuse a slice of Tiramisu cake after a wonderful Italian meal. Layers of lady fingers dipped in coffee, mascarpone cheese and cocoa make this dessert an all-time favourite.
Photo courtesy KAV Productions Inc.
Gelato
Perhaps the best reward after hours of sight-seeing in the Italian sun is this frozen treat. There is a gelato flavour for everyone.
