Italy is known for some of the best foods in the world. It’s home to some of the greatest bread, pasta, gelato, and wine, as we all know, but there are a lot of other delicious dishes that are lesser known, yet equally amazing. This past summer I got the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Italy, making my way around several parts of the country and trying a ton of amazing foods that honestly, I now wish I would’ve eaten more of.
You simply have to visit Italy at least once in your life — I insist. I understand that the number of food options can be overwhelming and you might be unsure what to eat in Italy. So, the following is a list that my fellow Spoon members and I have put together for you on 50 of the foods that you absolutely must try there (although, I’d certainly advise you try more if you can).
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes (pomodori) are a huge part of Italian food culture, as they’re the backbone of the most terrific sauces, soups, salads, and more. The most famous tomato production center in Italy is in Pachino, a town in southeast Sicily, where the climate allows tomatoes to grow all year long. For whatever reason, Italian tomatoes are 100 times better than those at home, so definitely be sure to get your hands on some fresh ones while you’re there. They’re so good you’ll be eating them like apples.
2. Pastificio Guerra in Rome
This spot is known for its fresh pastas that are served to-go over the counter (Italian fast food, you might call it). They typically serve only two different types of pasta a day, so it’s guaranteed fresh, for only around four euros a serving. There’s no better way to explore Rome than with authentic Italian pasta in hand.
3. Tiramisu at Pompi in Rome
Tiramisu is a traditional Italian dessert that’s thought to have originated in Veneto, Italy. It’s made of ladyfingers (a sponge biscuit) soaked in coffee, then layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese and flavored with cocoa. Coffee lovers, this is the dessert for you.
At Pompi in Rome, they serve tiramisu in a variety of different flavors as well, including strawberry (fragola), banana and chocolate, pistachio, and hazelnut (nocciola). The quaint bakery, which also serves ice cream, wine, coffee, and small bites, is a favorite location near the Spanish Steps that should definitely be enjoyed while exploring all the beautiful sites Rome has to offer.
4. Pesto Pizza
Before I went to Italy, I was admittedly not a fan of pesto at all. However, the first time I tried pesto in Italy, I became obsessed. It tasted so much fresher and real, unlike the fake-tasting stuff I had in America. It’s common at a lot of pizza shops to sub tomato sauce for pesto, which I 10/10 recommend. Complete with fresh buffalo mozzarella and any other toppings you desire, it’ll be one of the best pizzas you’ve ever tasted, hands down.
5. Supplì
Supplì is a classic snack typical of Roman cuisine. It consists of a ball of rice (or risotto) with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese that’s soaked in egg, covered with breadcrumbs, and fried. The result is a crisp, golden ball of heaven that’s packed with an overflow of gooey cheese. Even Italians know that pure perfection is reach when you fry cheese into a ball.
6. Ciambelle
Doughnuts, meet your hot Italian cousin. This sweet treat (though it can also be made savory) is similar to a sugar coated doughnut, or a bundt cake depending on what region you’re in. In Campania, they’re known as “graffa,” which is a sweet, fried doughnut made of flour and potatoes and covered in caster sugar. Though many Italians don’t really “do” breakfast, I’d say a hot, fresh ciambella and a latte are the perfect pick-me-ups to start your morning.
7. Fried Sage Leaves
Fried sage leaves, although it may sound odd to us, are a popular appetizer served in Italy, that originated in Tuscany. For this dish, fresh sage leaves are coated in a batter and fried until golden, then sprinkled with sea salt and served hot. Their crispy, savory texture makes them almost as addicting as a bag of potato chips.
8. Lasagna from Trattoria Aldina in Modena
Trattoria Aldina is a much loved restaurant serving classic Italian fare in a quaint, homey setting. They offer many different traditional dishes of Modena, including tortellini in brodo (broth), gnocchi with balsamic vinegar, and the favorite, lasagna, made from green-tinted noodles and topped with ragu. I don’t know what’s in the noodles to make them green, but it’s quite possibly the best lasagna you will ever eat.
Fun fact: Aziz Ansari visited Trattoria Aldina while filming “Master of None” in Italy.
9. Cioccolata Calda
Ditch the Swiss Miss and try some real Italian-style hot chocolate to really warm you up in the winter months. In Italy, and some other European countries, they use thickening agents such as cornstarch to make their hot chocolate thicker and creamier. The result is a rich, warm cup of cocoa that’ll satisfy both your sweet tooth and your chills.
10. Ribollita
Ribollita is a hearty Tuscan soup made from bread, beans, and a variety of vegetables including kale, carrots, chard, celery, and onion. It’s served at many authentic Italian restaurants and within the homes of locals. This warm, flavor-filled soup is best enjoyed while staying in on cold winter nights.
11. Osteria Arcadia in Piano di Sorrento
This small, cozy restaurant accommodates diners in a cave-like room that sets up the perfect ambience to enjoy the local dishes it offers. The menu is set daily based on what they have available, and includes items such as eggplant Parmesan, gnocchi with white sauce and zucchini, and octopus, for the risky eaters. Even locals have said the food here is better than their nonna’s, so it’s definitely one you need to try.
12. Limoncello
Limoncello is a citrusy liqueur that, as you can tell by the name, is made from lemon zest, along with water, alcohol, and sugar. It’s mainly produced in Southern Italy, with its roots most likely in the Amalfi Coast. This beverage is commonly consumed after meals as a digestivo, helping aid in digestion. Personally, I couldn’t handle its intense and punchy lemon flavor, but the Italians sure do love it. Just note: It’s usually served in what looks like a shot glass, but you should only shoot it if you want your waiter to give you a strange look. Sip it!
13. Neapolitan Pizza in Naples
Hence the name, Neapolitan pizza reigns from Naples where it began as just a simple baked flatbread topped with tomatoes. In 1889, an Italian genius decided to add mozzarella cheese to it as well, giving us the base for the pizza we know and love today.
Now, there are several different pizza shops located in Naples but all true Neapolitan pizzas utilize San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and a strict recipe for the dough. If you’re going to have pizza anywhere in Italy, you should definitely go to Naples for the best.
14. Pici in Garlic Sauce
This pasta dish is a favorite in Southern Tuscany, especially in the province of Siena. Pici are hand-made, irregular, thick-stranded noodles that are made from flour and water (as opposed to egg). It’s typically served in a light garlic sauce made from only garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and a little bit of salt and pepper. Though very simple, the resulting pasta tastes super fresh and flavorful (but beware of garlic breath).
15. Coccoli from Il Coccolo in Florence
The bread in Italy is already amazing enough, but then some Italian genius decided to fry the dough and create the wonderful balls of deliciousness called “coccoli.” Coccoli, which literally translates to “cuddles,” are a traditional Tuscan comfort food. During the ’50s it was eaten as street food in Florence, but now it can be enjoyed at several Italian restaurants and bakeries.
At Il Coccolo in Florence, visitors can get a variety of coccoli, including savory balls filled with cheese and ham or pizza sauce. There’s also a sweet “create your own” option where you can buy six balls of coccoli for 2.50 euros, then fill them with either Nutella, cream, jam, or all of the above. It’s the best drunk food you can get your hands on, trust me.
16. Pear Ravioli from La Giostra in Florence
You might think pear in ravioli is a weird combination, but this dish from La Giostra is raved about by locals, tourists, and Spoon members alike. The restaurant itself was started by a Hapsburg prince and his three children in order to share family recipes and ancient traditions with the rest of Florence.
As for the signature pear ravioli, it’s a handmade pasta stuffed with a mixture of sweet pears and pecorino cheese, then topped with a creamy sauce that will make your heart melt. Like most portion sizes in Italy, it’s big enough to get you to just the right amount of fullness, but small enough to leave you wanting more.
17. Saltimbocca
This dish, also popular in Switzerland, Spain, and Greece, is made of veal topped with prosciutto and sage then marinated in either wine, oil, or saltwater. The original Roman-style was rolled up and cooked in dry white wine and butter. Saltimbocca is served at many Italian bistros, making for a hearty and flavorful dinner or lunch. Order this when you’re getting sick of pasta and need to up your protein intake.
18. Fried Zucchini Flowers
If you didn’t already know, zucchini plants contain fresh flowers that are commonly eaten in Italy. The most popular way to serve them is fried in a light batter, but they can also be filled with fresh ricotta (Tuscan-style) or mozzarella and anchovies (Roman-style). It’s common to find fried zucchini flowers as an appetizer at many authentic Italian restaurants, and I highly recommend ordering them because when else are you going to be able to eat a fried flower?
19. Tortellini from Franceschetta58 in Modena
Franceschetta58 is a classy restaurant serving contemporary Italian fare with influences from around the country. They put a modern twist on many traditional dishes along with a dynamic wine list. The menu includes orecchiette with “burrata” mozzarella, anchovies, confit tomatoes, thyme, and bottarga; spelt fettuccine with tomato, bread and basil pesto, and salted ricotta; and a popular favorite, tortellini with Parmigiano Reggiano sauce, which is a creamy, dreamy bowl of heaven for all cheese lovers.
If you’re in the mood for some elegant and eclectic Italian food, this is surely the place to go.
20. Lemon Granita in Capri
On my own trip to the beautiful island of Capri I enjoyed possibly the best lemon granita I’ve ever had in my life. I got mine from a small stand at the top of the mountain there, where I could see the owner squeezing fresh lemons in order to make it. On the scorching hot day that I was there, it was the perfect, refreshing drink to take with me to relax on the beach with.
21. Stuffed Olives in Ascoli Piceno
You can find the best Italian olives in the small province of Ascoli Piceno, where they cultivate them in 62 communes. Because of the microclimate of the area, the olives are very sweet and juicy, making them the perfect base for stuffed olives (oliva all’ascolana). These are filled with a meat mash of pork, beef, chicken, and turkey, then fried in boiling oil, making for a tasty and satisfying treat.
Head to Ascoli Piceno in August for the annual Ascoliva Festival, which features workshops on how to make the famous stuffed olives of the region, as well as tastings, performances, and more.
22. Pasta all’Amatriciana
Amatriciana is a traditional Italian pasta sauce made with tomatoes, cured pork cheek, pecorino cheese, and onion. It originated in the town Amatrice, in the mountainous region of Lazio. This dish is a true classic of Roman and Italian cuisine, and can be found at numerous restaurants typically using spaghetti, bucatini, or rigatoni noodles. You don’t want to leave Italy without trying it.
23. Pappa al Pomodoro
Another thick, hearty soup of the Tuscan region, pappa al pomodoro (“mush of tomato”) is made of a base of those delicious, fresh Italian tomatoes, along with bread, olive oil, garlic, and basil. You can find it served hot, cold, or at room temperature, so it can be enjoyed during any season. This soup is great for using up ripe tomatoes and leftover bread, which becomes creamy and soft once cooked down in the dish.
24. Crema di Nocciola Gelato from Gelateria dei Neri in Florence
Ah, gelato, definitely one of the greatest gifts the Italians have given the world. In Florence, gelato shops are almost as numerous as fast food restaurants at a rest stop in America. However, many of these are overpriced tourist traps, which you’ll want to avoid.
Gelateria dei Neri is one artisanal gelato shop that you can trust to make your tastebuds happy with traditional gelato made with fresh, natural ingredients. Crema di nocciola (“hazelnut cream”) is a classic flavor of gelato that you can’t pass up with it’s sweet, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth consistency. After trying it, you’re never going to want to have regular ice cream again.
25. Forno Campo de’Fiori in Rome
This bakery is located in a popular outdoor market in the heart of Rome, serving artisanal breads, pizza, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. All their products are made fresh every day by their esteemed bakers, so they’re guaranteed to be hot, fresh, and extremely delicious.
One of their most popular specialities on the menu is their pizza, which is made from a light and delicate dough, then topped with the highest quality cheese and olive oil and your choice of additional ingredients. It’s so fresh and delightful you’ll fall in love upon your first bite.
26. Prosciutto e Melone
Prosciutto e melone is probably the most popular appetizer you’ll find at restaurants in Italy. It consists of thin slices of cured ham and either wedges or cut-up slices of cantaloupe. The sweetness of the melon and the saltiness of the ham pairs together to elicit an enticing zing for your tastebuds.
27. Spaghetti Carbonara
A traditional pasta dish from Rome, carbonara is made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. The eggs are cooked with the hot pasta in order to prevent curdling, creating a creamy sauce that’s full of flavor and a dosage of protein, making this dish perfect for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
28. Anything from Mercato Centrale in Florence or Rome
Mercato Centrale is a wonderful place located near the leather market in Florence with two floors of food offerings. The bottom floor consists of several shops ran by artisanal traders selling different products including fresh produce, fish, meat, cheese, pasta, wine, and more. Do your grocery shopping here to eat like a true Italian.
Venture to the top floor for lunch where you’ll find a unique food court with a variety of different restaurants offering everything from sushi to pasta to vegetarian burgers to gelato-stuffed cannolis. If this place had a hotel attached, I would probably never leave.
29. Stuffed Crust Pizza at Pizzeria O’Vesuvio in Florence
You’ll find some of the best Neapolitan pizza outside of Naples at Pizzeria O’Vesuvio. They’re part of the “Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN)” Movement, which aims to promote and protect true Neapolitan-style pizza. This means they must adhere to a strict set of rules to make their pizzas legit, so you know they’ve got to be good.
The star pizzas at O’Vesuvio are the speciality stuffed crust options (obviously). Stuffings include ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, mushrooms, salami, and olives, making for a mouthwatering, indulgent finish for every slice. For those of you who never eat the crust, you’re probably going to want to change your mind with these babies.
30. Bread
The best thing about going out to eat in Italy is that typically all restaurants give you a complimentary bread basket before your meal. It’s almost always hot and fresh right out of the oven, served with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and possibly some other unique spreads or sauces as well. Everywhere I went there was a different type of bread served; no loaf was the same, but it was all extremely delicious. If you’re practicing a carb-free diet while visiting Italy, end it right away and eat the dang bread.
31. Fried Calamari in Cinque Terre
Before traveling to Italy, I would’ve never considered eating fried squid. But when my friends ordered it at a restaurant in Cinque Terre I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a taste, and boy was I glad I did. The thought of eating squid still grosses me out a bit, but overall it tastes pretty great. The best way to accompany the salty, crunchiness of the fried squid is to squeeze some lemon on it, making for the perfect seafood treat for a day at the beach.
32. Arugula and Gorgonzola Gnocchi from Golden View in Florence
When staying in Florence, it’s necessary to indulge in at least one dinner at Golden View, a fancy bar and restaurant next to the Ponte Vecchio that overlooks the Arno River. The view provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying your food, which can include a variety of Mediterranean specialties the restaurant has to offer.
However, Spoon members agree the best dish they tried here was the arugula and gorgonzola gnocchi, made from handmade potato dumplings swimming in a creamy gorgonzola sauce that’s absolutely to die for.
33. Aperol Spritz
Aside from wine, one of the most popular drinks in Italy is Aperol spritz, which is a cocktail typically made from Prosecco, Aperol, and mineral water, served in a wine glass with ice and an orange slice. Aperol is what gives this drink it’s bright orange color, a bitter liqueur made from orange, gentian, rhubarb, cinchona, and a few other ingredients. Depending on where you go, the quantities of each ingredient will vary, but overall the drink is not too sweet but not to strong, citrusy, and ultimately very refreshing.
34. Panzanella
Panzanella is a type of salad popular in Tuscany during the summertime. It’s made of chunks of soaked stale bread, tomatoes, onions, basil, olive oil, and vinegar. Other fresh vegetables may be added, but Florentine traditionalists tend to stick to just the basics. This salad is the perfect appetizer before a large pasta dinner, light and refreshing with a good source of veggies.
35. Gusta Pizza in Florence
Behold possibly the greatest slice of pizza you can find in Florence. This place was located right behind my apartment and almost always had a line going out the front and around the block. Each pizza is cooked to order in a giant brick oven right in front of you, and can be enjoyed either there or to go. At only around $6 for a whole pizza, my friends and I were found here often.
A fun thing to do is get a pizza to go and enjoy it on one of the bridges along the Arno River while watching the sunset. (Would make for a very romantic date as well).
#SpoonTip: Request that your pizza be made into a heart shape and they’ll gladly do it for you!
36. Wine (obviously)
It’s no myth that wine is typically cheaper than water when dining out in Italy. Meaning there’s really no good reason not to order a glass along with dinner (and lunch and breakfast too because ~wine~ not?). A house glass of red or wine white is anywhere from two to five euros, and as far as I’m concerned is better than any expensive wines I’ve had in America. Take full advantage of Italian wine while you can or else you’ll regret it.
37. Polenta
Though when we typically think of Italy we think of pasta, polenta was actually the staple of Northern Italy until just recently. Polenta is similar to the Southern staple of grits, a mush of boiled cornmeal. Don’t let its less-than-appealing consistency throw you off though. The mixture can be fried into cakes or fritters, and paired with different meats or seafood to make some delightful dishes.
38. Blueberry Steak from Acqua Al 2 in Florence
Founded in 1978 by two childhood friends, Acqua Al 2 is a renowned restaurant serving traditional Florentine dishes in a homey atmosphere. The inside is decorated with plates signed by visitors and friends, contributing to the restaurant’s eclectic personality. Diners can expect a range of pasta dishes for their first course, hearty meat dishes for their second, and divine sweets to top everything off.
One of their signatures is the blueberry steak, which is done Florentine style. It’s an incredibly thick cut of meat from the loin of a young female bovine, hanged for 15 to 21 days to ensure optimal flavor and softness. Steak lovers should definitely try this dish out, as it may be the best cut of beef you’ll ever eat.
39. Risotto
If you’ve never had risotto before, Italy is definitely the best place to try it. Risotto is made from rice that’s been cooked in a meat, fish, or vegetable broth until it reaches a creamy consistency. It originated in Lombardy, Italy, but is now prepared in different ways all over the country. In Milan, they make it with beef stock, beef bone marrow, lard, cheese, and saffron, which gives it a yellow color and robust flavor.
You can also find risotto made with pumpkin, mushrooms, peas, sausage, or cuttlefish, among other ingredients. No matter if you choose a meat or vegetable variety, you’re bound to enjoy a creamy, dreamy bowl of lavish flavors and textures that may or may not beat out your love of pasta.
40. Coffee at Caffè San Marco in Trieste
Be warned: coffee in Italy is nothing like that vanilla bean frappuccino you always order at Starbucks in America. Typically, Italian “coffee” is a single shot of espresso that you take standing up at a coffee bar (“caffetteria“) either with or without sugar. A cafè latte, espresso and steamed milk, is also a popular beverage choice, though most traditional Italians won’t drink this in the afternoon as the milk upsets their stomachs.
Trieste is the most ideal place to get coffee in Italy, as it was one of the first ports to get coffee beans in Europe during the coffee craze in the Middle Ages. The oldest cafè there is Caffè San Marco, where many intellectuals and writers gathered during the 18th century. Take a visit here to enjoy some of Italy’s finest coffee in a landmark full of (caffeinated) historical importance.
41. Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa
The favorite pasta in the Italian region of Puglia, on the heel of the boot, is orecchiette alle cime di rapa. Orecchiette, meaning “little ears,” is a type of pasta that indeed resembles a small ear lobe, traditionally served with cime di rapa (turnip tops).
The dish is accompanied with a light sauce made from olive oil, garlic, chilis, and anchovies. Consuming turnip tops might not be in your comfort zone, but you’ll surely want to step out of it and try this traditional dish if you ever venture to Puglia.
42. Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
Wherever you are and whatever you’re eating, always request a side of shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, the “king of cheeses” in Italy. Sure, we have Parmesan cheese at home in America, but the real deal in Italy is fresher, creamier, softer, and all around way more delicious.
The name actually derives from the regions where the cheese is produced; Parma, Reggio Emilia, Bologna, Modena, and Mantua, and legally only cheese produced in these provinces can be labeled “Parmigiano-Reggiano.” So make sure to always top off your pizza, salad, bread, pasta (or anything really) with a heaping scoop of the stuff to take your food from good to great.
43. Any Panini from Pino’s Sandwiches in Florence
At Pino’s Sandwiches you’ll find not only some of the best paninis in Florence, but also one of the nicest and coolest Italian shop owners. At just 3.50 euros apiece, you’ll find a large selection of paninis packed with a variety of different fresh ingredients including artichokes, parma ham, Brie, eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, and plenty more. Your only problem will be deciding which delectable sandwich to get, though I guarantee any will taste out of this world.
44. Ossobuco
Ossobuco is a traditional Italian dish made from tender veal shanks braised in a broth with white wine and vegetables and topped with gremolata, an herbed condiment of lemon zest, garlic, parsley, and anchovies. The dish (translating to “bone with a hole”) is a Milan specialty that makes for a super hearty and flavorful meal, ending with a delicious broth to sop up with some warm bread. Either that or you’ll want to lick your plate clean, it’s that good.
45. Caprese Salad in Capri
Literally meaning “salad of Capri,” Caprese salad is an essential dish to enjoy while visiting the beautiful island. It’s composed of simple (yet important) ingredients meant to represent the colors of the Italian flag: ripe, juicy tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves, topped off with extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper.
Though it may not be as elaborate as the overly abundant veggie-packed salads we’re used to seeing here in America, it makes for a perfectly light and refreshing lunch or appetizer while in Italy.
46. Torrone
Torrone is an Italian nougat candy made of honey, sugar, and egg whites, along with toasted almonds or other nuts, that’s shaped into a rectangular bar or cake. You can find it on candy store shelves throughout the year in Italy, though it’s mostly associated with Christmastime.
Different parts of Italy specialize in different types of torrone. The region of Campania is known for their crumbly hazelnut-filled Torrone di Benevento; Sicily fills their bars with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and orange peel; and Calabria makes torroni with peanuts.
No matter which torrone you get, they’re sure to lend a sweet and nutty taste that’s a perfect cure for your sweet tooth (when you’re not feeling gelato, that is).
47. Tagliatelle al Ragu at Trattoria Anna Maria in Bologna
Guess what, that spaghetti bolognese you always order at “Italian” restaurant chains in America doesn’t actually exist in Italy. Instead, they have tagliatelle al ragu, which is a Bologna speciality of flat ribboned pasta topped with a sauce made from minced meat, sofrito (a mixture of onions, carrots, and celery), tomatoes, and wine or milk (finished with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, of course). The dish is everything you’d hope a true, authentic Italian pasta dish would be.
At Trattoria Anna Maria in Bologna, they’ve been serving tagliatelle al ragu, along with many other traditional Bolognese foods, for 30 years. The pasta is always fresh and handmade and accompanied with a selection of regional Italian wines. For a meal true to Italian tradition, come here for the tagliatelle al ragu and leave as full and happy as you’ve ever been.
48. Caponata in Sicily
A traditional dish of Sicily, Caponata is a cooked vegetable salad containing eggplant and, depending where you go, additional vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, peppers, celery, and olives. The mixture is typically doused with a sweet and sour-like sauce and served as side dish or appetizer. This warm salad full of a vibrant array of flavors is perfect for colder months and getting in your daily dose of veggies.
49. Cacio e Pepe
This might be the simplest pasta dish in all of Italy, but it’s definitely one of the most appetizing. Cacio e pepe, “cheese and pepper,” is a dish of Roman cuisine made from Picorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and spaghetti noodles. Pasta water is added to melt the cheese and produce a light sauce, giving you a plate of no-frills enjoyment that’ll allow you to truly appreciate the art of Italian pasta.
50. Truffle Oil Gnocchi from Osteria Santo Spirito in Florence
I’ve saved perhaps the best for last, the beloved truffle oil gnocchi from my favorite restaurant in Florence, Osteria Santo Spirito. The gnocchi swims in a creamy sauce that’s made with truffle oil and cheese, creating a warm dish that tastes like the most luxurious mac and cheese you’ve ever had in your life.
At this cozy restaurant they serve their dishes on beautiful plates and bowls in either a small or large portion, and with the gnocchi being so rich and satisfying a small is all you really need. Pair it with a red or white house wine that’s only 2.50 euros a glass and you’ll be set for possibly the best dinner you’ll ever eat in Italy. It’s so good you’ll want to go back the next day for more, and continue to dream of it after you’ve gone home.
So there you have it, 50 dishes that are absolutely necessary to try if you ever find yourself in the delicious food-filled country of Italy (although there certainly are more that didn’t make the list). Expect the best pasta, pizza, bread, and gelato you’ll ever eat, and never wonder what to eat in Italy again. Also, step out of your comfort zone and try traditional dishes that you wouldn’t normally eat or find at home. But most importantly, stay hungry; there’s lots of eating to be done.