15 Best Italian Dishes You Must Try

Italian cuisine is one of the most beloved and diverse in the world, offering a rich tapestry of flavours that reflect the culture and tradition of the country. Most of us are familiar with Italian food, right? We know and love indulging in classics like pizza and pasta, but Italian cuisine goes far beyond these globally popular dishes. Whether you enjoy hearty meals, rich sauces, or light and fresh flavours, Italian food has something to satisfy every palate. Crafted with passion and simplicity and often using fresh, local ingredients, Italian dishes highlight the essence of authentic Italian food. If you're ready to explore more, here’s a list of the 15 best Italian dishes you must try. These dishes beautifully capture the heart and soul of Italy while showcasing the irresistible charm of Italian cuisine worldwide.

1. Panzanella 
2. Caponata 
3. Gelato 
4. Burrata 
5. Risotto 
6. Cicchetti 
7. Lasagna
8. Arancini
9. Fiorentina Steak
10. Polenta
11. Focaccia
12. Ribollita
13. Osso Buco alla Milanese
14. Vitello Tonnato
15. Spaghetti alle Vongole

Panzanella 

Panzanella is a traditional Italian salad that hails from the region of Tuscany, offering a delightful blend of fresh, seasonal ingredients. This rustic dish, rooted in Italy’s peasant cuisine, makes use of leftover bread, typically stale, and combines it with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a splash of olive oil and vinegar. The bread soaks up the flavours, creating a refreshing, hearty salad that is perfect for warm weather. What makes Panzanella special is its simplicity and focus on fresh, authentic Italian food ingredients, making it a must-try for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Italian cuisine. 

Best served with: Panzanella is best served alongside grilled meats like chicken or fish, making it a perfect summer side dish. It pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. For a complete Italian meal, enjoy it with a platter of antipasti featuring cured meats and cheeses.  

Caponata 

Caponata is a classic Sicilian dish that showcases the rich, bold flavours of southern Italy. This hearty vegetable stew is made with eggplant, tomatoes, celery, capers, and olives, all simmered together in a sweet and tangy sauce with olive oil and vinegar. Often served as an appetizer or side dish, Caponata beautifully represents the depth and complexity of authentic Italian cuisine, making it one of the best Italian dishes you must try. Its vibrant flavours and versatility have made it a favourite in Italian homes for centuries.

Best served with: Caponata is best served as a side dish with grilled fish or roasted meats, adding a flavourful contrast to rich proteins. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, allowing you to soak up its sweet and tangy sauce. Enjoy it alongside a glass of Sicilian red wine for a traditional touch. 

Gelato 

Gelato is Italy’s beloved frozen dessert, known for its smooth, creamy texture and intense flavours. Unlike regular ice cream, gelato is made with more milk than cream, giving it a lighter, denser consistency while still delivering rich, authentic taste. Available in a variety of flavours, from classic vanilla and chocolate to pistachio and fruit-based options, gelato is a quintessential part of traditional Italian food culture. This delicious treat has become a favourite worldwide, making it a must-try when exploring the best Italian dishes.

Best served with: Gelato is best enjoyed on its own as a refreshing dessert, but it also pairs wonderfully with freshly baked Italian pastries like biscotti or a slice of warm cake. For a classic Italian touch, serve it with a shot of espresso for an affogato, a delightful combination of hot and cold flavours.  

Burrata 

Burrata is a luxurious Italian cheese that has captured the hearts of food lovers around the world. Made from mozzarella and cream, this soft cheese has a delicate outer layer of mozzarella, while the inside is filled with rich, creamy curds. Originating from the Puglia region, burrata is a highlight of Italian dishes, often served fresh and paired with tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. It is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer or part of a simple salad, where its rich creaminess complements the freshness of seasonal ingredients. Its versatility also makes it a great pairing with crusty bread or as a topping for pizza, adding an indulgent twist to classic Italian fare.

Best served with: Burrata is best served with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a classic Italian combination. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or alongside grilled vegetables. For a more indulgent option, try it as a topping for pizza or pasta to enhance the dish with its creamy texture. 

Risotto 

Rice is a staple in Italy. And, Risotto is one of the best Italian foods made of Rice. Although Risotto is now considered a quintessential Italian food, it is believed that the Arabs brought it to Italy in Sicily during the 13th century.  

You can find different versions of Risotto throughout Italy. While the rice remains constant, the other ingredients change. For example, in Puglia, rice is cooked with mussels and potatoes, whereas in Rome, Risotto is made with rice, minced meat, tomatoes and parmesan cheese. The Risotto taste varies in different parts of Italy, but they are all made with love, and are worth trying.  

Cicchetti 

Cicchetti is a small, flavourful dish native to the Venetian region of Italy, often referred to as Italian tapas. These bite-sized appetizers or snacks are traditionally enjoyed in local bacari (wine bars) and can include anything from marinated olives to crostini with various toppings, cured meats, and seafood. Cicchetti reflects the heart of authentic Italian food, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients served in simple yet delicious combinations. Whether paired with a glass of wine or enjoyed on their own, Cicchetti offers a perfect way to Savor a variety of Italian flavours in one sitting.

Best served with: Cicchetti is best served with a glass of local Italian wine, such as Prosecco or a light Venetian red, to complement the variety of flavours. They also pair well with an Aperol Spritz for a true Venetian experience. Enjoy them alongside fresh bread or grissini to complete this authentic Italian snack.

Lasagna

Lasagna is one of the most iconic Italian dishes, known for its layers of pasta, rich meat or vegetable sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This hearty and comforting dish is baked to perfection, creating a delicious blend of textures and flavours that has made it a favourite in Italian cuisine. Originating from the Emilia-Romagna region, lasagna has become a staple of Italian food, celebrated for its versatility and its ability to satisfy any appetite.

Best Served With: Lasagna is best served with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to balance its richness. It also pairs well with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread and a glass of full-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, to enhance the flavours of the dish.

Arancini

Arancini are delicious, golden-fried rice balls that are a beloved part of Italian cuisine, especially in Sicily. These crispy treats are filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meat, or vegetables, all encased in creamy risotto rice and coated in breadcrumbs before being deep-fried. Arancini are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a flavourful, satisfying snack or appetizer. Often served as street food or a starter, arancini is a must-try dish for anyone exploring the rich diversity of Italian food.

Best Served With: Arancini are best served with a side of marinara or tomato sauce for dipping, which adds a rich, tangy contrast to the crispy rice balls. They also pair well with a fresh green salad or antipasti platter. For a complete Italian experience, enjoy arancini with a glass of light red wine like Nero d’Avola or chilled white wine such as Pinot Grigio.

Fiorentina Steak

Fiorentina Steak, or Bistecca alla Fiorentina, is a traditional Italian dish that hails from the Tuscany region. This iconic dish features a thick, T-bone steak from the prized Chianina cattle, renowned for their tender and flavourful meat. Grilled to perfection over high heat, the Fiorentina Steak is typically cooked rare to preserve its juicy, rich flavour. With its simplicity and emphasis on high-quality ingredients, this dish represents the best of traditional Italian cooking and is a must-try for any meat lover exploring authentic Italian cuisine.

Best Served With: Fiorentina Steak is best served with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance its natural flavours. It pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables, along with a fresh arugula salad. For the perfect Tuscan experience, enjoy it with a robust red wine like Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino.

Polenta

Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from coarsely ground cornmeal, often referred to as Italy’s comfort food. This versatile dish, originating from Northern Italy, can be served in various ways: creamy, baked, or fried, depending on regional preferences. Polenta’s simplicity and ability to absorb flavours make it a perfect base for rich stews, meats, or vegetables. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, polenta remains a beloved staple in authentic Italian food, cherished for its hearty and satisfying nature.

Best Served With: Polenta is best served with slow-cooked stews, such as beef or lamb ragù, where its creamy texture complements the rich, flavourful sauce. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled meats. For a classic Italian touch, enjoy polenta topped with Parmesan cheese and a glass of red wine, like Barolo or Valpolicella.

Focaccia

Focaccia is one of the most beloved breads in Italian cuisine, celebrated for its soft, fluffy texture and rich flavour. Typically baked with a generous amount of olive oil and topped with sea salt, herbs, or even vegetables, this versatile bread is a staple in Italian food. Originating from the Liguria region, focaccia is enjoyed across Italy as a snack, side dish, or even a sandwich base, making it a perfect introduction to the delicious simplicity of Italian cuisine.

Best Served With: Focaccia is best served with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping, enhancing its Savory flavour. It pairs wonderfully with a charcuterie board of cured meats, cheeses, and olives or as an accompaniment to soups and salads. For a complete Italian meal, enjoy it alongside a glass of light red wine, like Chianti, or a crisp white wine, such as Vermentino.

Ribollita

Ribollita is a traditional Italian soup that hails from Tuscany and is known for its rich, comforting flavours and rustic roots. Made from a blend of leftover bread and vegetables like kale, beans, and carrots, this dish exemplifies the frugality and resourcefulness of authentic Italian food. Ribollita, which means "reboiled," is typically cooked twice to enhance its flavours, making it a hearty and nourishing dish perfect for cold weather. This classic Italian dish showcases the essence of simple, wholesome ingredients that define the best of Italian cuisine.

Best Served With: Ribollita is best served with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to enhance its hearty flavours. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping and a side of mixed greens. For a true Tuscan experience, enjoy it with a glass of Chianti or another robust red wine.

Osso Buco alla Milanese

Osso Buco alla Milanese is a celebrated dish from the Lombardy region of Italy, known for its rich and flavourful combination of slow-cooked veal shanks braised in white wine, broth, and aromatic vegetables. The name Osso Buco translates to "bone with a hole," referring to the marrow-filled bone that adds depth and richness to the dish. Traditionally served with a zesty gremolata and saffron-infused risotto, Osso Buco alla Milanese is a perfect example of traditional Italian food, showcasing the elegance of simple ingredients cooked to perfection.

Best Served With: Osso Buco alla Milanese is best served with creamy saffron-infused risotto, known as Risotto alla Milanese, which complements the rich flavours of the braised veal. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or polenta. For a complete Italian dining experience, enjoy it with a glass of bold red wine, such as Barolo or Chianti, which enhances the dish’s depth and richness.

Vitello Tonnato

Vitello Tonnato is a distinctive Italian dish that combines thinly sliced veal with a creamy, tangy sauce made from tuna, capers, and mayonnaise. Originating from the Piedmont region, this cold appetizer beautifully showcases the creativity of traditional Italian food by blending land and sea flavours. Often served chilled, Vitello Tonnato is a perfect summertime dish, offering a light yet satisfying option that highlights the elegance and diversity of Italian cuisine.

Best Served With: Vitello Tonnato is best served with a side of fresh, crisp salad or roasted vegetables to balance its rich, creamy sauce. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or grissini for added texture. For a complete meal, enjoy it with a glass of light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Verdicchio, which complements the dish's delicate flavours.

Spaghetti alle Vongole

Spaghetti alle Vongole, or spaghetti with clams, is a beloved Italian dish that perfectly captures the essence of coastal Italian cuisine. This simple yet flavourful dish combines tender clams with garlic, olive oil, white wine, and a hint of chili, tossed with al dente spaghetti. Often enjoyed in seaside regions, it highlights the fresh, briny flavours of the Mediterranean and is a staple of authentic Italian food. Spaghetti alle Vongole showcases how Italian dishes can elevate humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Best Served With: Spaghetti alle Vongole is best served with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to enhance its light, briny flavours. It pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Vermentino or Pinot Grigio. For a complete Italian meal, enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Italian cuisine offers a delightful array of Italian dishes that reflect the country’s rich culinary traditions. From hearty meals to light and fresh options, Italian food is celebrated worldwide for its diversity and flavours. Whether you’re savouring authentic Italian food with fresh, local ingredients or exploring the best of traditional Italian dishes, each meal showcases Italy’s passion for simplicity and quality. These best Italian dishes not only satisfy your palate but also provide a deeper appreciation for the timeless charm of traditional Italian food, making it one of the most beloved cuisines globally.