A Foodies Guide to Eating in Italy!
Every meal in Italy tells a story, making it a culinary lover's paradise. Therefore, we've compiled a list of the historical origins of your favorite Italian dishes as well as where you can find them.
Make sure you save this guide so that you can eat your way through Italy on your next trip. Indulge in la dolce vita with some of our best Italy tour packages.
Pizza
The top of the list is pizza, which is a global favorite. You can find this easy and delicious meal all around Italy, typically consisting of dough, cheese, and tomato sauce. The Napolean pizza and the Roman style pizza are the two different varieties. The Roman style pizza is flat and crispier than the Napolean style, which is flufferer and smaller in size. One of the greatest places in the world to have pizza is Naples.
Pizza was created to provide middle-class people with a delicious supper they could eat on the go. The 1940’s saw the beginning of its rise in popularity.
Must-try spots:
- Seu Pizza Illuminati, Rome
- CasaManco, Rome
- Ristorante Mattozzi, Naples
- Pizzeria Trattoria All-Anfora, Venice
Italian Sandwiches
Italian sandwiches are another well-liked food item. The best meats and cheeses can be found here, which makes it the ideal place to host the best sandwich houses. There are many varieties available here that are popular throughout the nation; the Panini sandwich is the most well-known.
The Panini sandwich originated in Italy, as a lunch time meal. As early as the 16th century, the sandwich was observed in Italian cuisine.
Must-try spots:
- All' Antico Vinaio, Florence
- Sto Bene Roma, Rome
- La Vita è Un Mozzico, Rome
- Mordi Sandwichouse, Rome
Risotto
Risotto is a rich creamy rice based dish. The broth can be derived from meat or vegetables. It's one of the most preferred meals by locals. How did this dish, made from rice, an Asian staple, now used in Italy's most eaten dish. The saffron-infused risotto alla milanese is arguably the most well-known variety of risotto.
Did you know, Italy was introduced to rice by Arab traders during the Silk Road trade? The 13th century saw the introduction of rice to Italy. In 1809, the first Risotto recipe came into being.
Must-try spots:
- Risotteria Melotti Roma
- Ristorante Galleria, Milan
- Benso 215, Rome
- Risoelatte, Milan
Tiramisu
This no bake dessert is one of the most loved desserts in Italy and is made in most homes. Layers of ladyfingers are soaked in espresso and mascarpone cheese. It is then dusted with cocoa-powder. This dessert is considered to be the finest only when the best quality cream cheese and coffee is used.
Did you know, Tiramisu originated in the late 1960’s? The word Tiramisu means “Pick me up”.
Must-try spots:
- Da Enzo al 29, Rome
- Sora Maria e Arcangelo, Rome
- Antico Caffè Greco, Rome
- Pompi, Rome
Carbonara
How could we overlook this one? You cannot go to Italy and not eat pasta! Carbonara is a mouth-watering dish made of spaghetti, eggs, cheese, black pepper and Guanciale.
Although the origin of carbonara is unknown, it is thought to have started in 1944 when young Italian army cook Renato Gualandi and other Italian cooks made it for the US soldiers' supper. Although many people today copy this dish, only Italians can make the best version.
Must-try spots:
- Da Enzo al 29, Rome
- Trecca, Rome
- Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina, Rome
- Armando al Pantheon, Rome
Gelato
This popular frozen dessert is similar to ice-cream however there are a few differences. It is smooth, creamy and has a rich flavor in comparison to ice-cream. In Italy, gelato is deeply rooted in the culinary culture and is enjoyed as a daily treat.
The Italian term "congelato," which means frozen, is where the word "gelato" originates. Although the precise origin of gelato is unknown, it is thought that in 1686 a fisherman from Sicily by the name of Francesco Propocio dei Coltelli invented the first gelato machine. He soon established Café Procope, a café in Paris which gained popularity.
Must-try spots:
- Perche no!, Florence
- Vivoli, Florence
- Fatamorgana, Rome
- Gelateria Nico, Venice
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