Top 100 Italian Foods

Italy’s most emblematic culinary creation, the genuine pizza Napoletana is made with just a few simple ingredients and prepared in only two variations – marinara, the basic Neapolitan pizza topped with a tomato-based sauce flavored with garlic and oregano, and margherita, which is topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves, a delicious combination whose colors are said to represent the Italian flag. The crust is very thin at the base, and the dough puffs up on the sides, which results in airy crust that should have typical charred 'leopard spots' if baked properly. The origins of this iconic Neapolitan dish can be traced to the early 1700s, when what we know today as pizza marinara was first described by Italian chef, writer, and philosopher Vincenzo Corrado in his treatise on the eating habits of the people of Naples. Almost 200 years later, in 1889, the premier Neapolitan master pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito added mozzarella to the mix and invented the margherita, which is now generally cited as the first modern pizza. Originally dubbed la pizza tricolore, Esposito’s creation is said to have been made in honor of and named after Margherita of Savoy, the Queen consort of the Kingdom of Italy, who was visiting Naples at the time. In 2010, as one of Italy’s most popular foods worldwide, pizza Napoletana was officially recognized by the European Union and granted the designation of Traditional Specialty Guaranteed. And remember, a good pizza Napoletana doesn't need any additions other than the designated toppings.Expand

Produced in the hilly area around the town of San Daniele in the province of Udine, Prosciutto di San Daniele is even sweeter and darker in color with a more delicate flavor than in other varieties. In the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, where the winds from the Carnic Alps meet the breezes coming in from the Adriatic, Prosciutto di San Daniele is made using only local sea salt. The curing process here differs a little from other regions since San Daniele hams are stacked on top of each other and left to mature for at least 13 months. Up until recently, only large pig breeds such as Landrace, Large White and Duroc were used for ham production, however due to an increase in demand, San Daniele hams can now be made with other local breeds. Prosciutto di San Daniele has a rich, sweet flavor and is traditionally served as an appetizer with homebaked breads, melons, and figs.Expand

Though there are many buffalo mozzarella cheeses made with a combination of buffalo and cow's milk, to be labeled as such, the genuine mozzarella di bufala campana must be made from 100% domestic water buffalo milk and produced either in Campania or the neighboring Lazio, Apulia and Molise regions. Buffalo milk is known to be higher in calcium and protein while lower in cholesterol, which makes this mozzarella cheese particularly prized and sought after. Buffalo mozzarella always comes packaged in brine; it has a mild yet slightly sour taste, and goes well with various Italian antipasti dishes, especially with classics like the Caprese salad.Expand

Tajarin al tartufo bianco is a pasta dish flavored with the regional star - tartufo bianco d'Alba. This simple dish consists of handmade tajarin (also spelled as taglierini and tagliolini) pasta flavored with butter, pepper, and freshly grated white truffles. Although truffles bring more than enough flavor, a sprinkle of Parmigiano is often used to finish this delicacy, which becomes even more decadent if paired with a glass of dry red wine.Expand

Pasta 'ncasciata is a traditional pasta dish originating from Sicily. In order to prepare it, pasta such as penne or rigatoni is cooked in boiling water, then strained and mixed with a rich tomato sauce (in Palermo) or a beef ragu (in Messina), cubes of fried eggplant, pieces of cheese such as caciocavallo or mozzarella, and bechamel sauce. The combination is placed in a springform cake tin, sprinkled with breadcrumbs, then baked until the filling becomes hot. The dish is inverted from the mold and served warm. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of red wine such as Nero d'Avola or Frappato.Expand

Produced exclusively on the island of Sardinia, Pecorino Sardo is a semi-cooked, hard cheese made with whole milk from the pasture-grazing Sarda sheep. This breed is indigenous to Sardinia, raised throughout Italy and considered to be among the best domestic breeds for milk production. Highly adaptable to different terrains, Sarda sheep feed on fragrant Mediterranean shrubs, which gives Pecorino its distinctive aromatic flavor. It is available in two varieties: Pecorino Sardo Dolce (mild), a sweet and more delicate version, and Pecorino Sardo Maturo (mature), a much stronger flavored cheese that's matured for at least 2 months and pleasantly piquant. While Dolce is consumed as table cheese, often paired with fresh vegetables or grapes and pears, Maturo is typically grated over pasta dishes or enjoyed at the end of a meal and pairs wonderfully with bread, olive oil, and pine nuts.Expand

Pappardelle is a famous Tuscan pasta variety. When paired with ragù di cinghiale (made with wild boar), they become one of the region's best gastronomic experiences. Unlike classic ragù, the one prepared with wild boar has an intense, much stronger flavor achieved by long, slow simmering in a rich sauce of tomatoes and red wine. The tender meat paired with fresh egg pasta is a combination full of flavors and tradition in every single bite - rich and delicious, topped with a generous amount of chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmigiano, pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale make a perfect, comforting winter dish, especially when paired with a glass of Tuscan red wine.Expand

Sugo alla Genovese is a traditional sauce that, despite its name, originates from Naples, but it was likely brought over to the city from Genoa by Genovese immigrants during the Renaissance period. The sauce is prepared by sautéeing veal or beef in olive oil with large amounts of onions, carrots, and celery for a long time, usually from 2 to 10 hours. White wine or stock are often added to the sauce to enrich its flavors. Once done, sugo alla Genovese is served either as it is or the meat is served separately from the sauce. It's traditionally paired with pasta types such as ziti or rigatoni, and the dish is then garnished with tomatoes and topped with grated pecorino.Expand

Focaccia alla Genovese is believed to be the original focaccia. Hailing from Genova, this classic focaccia is coated in olive oil and sprinkled with coarse sea salt. Unlike other focaccias, this one is traditionally shaped into a flat rectangle. It consists of flour, yeast, salt, sugar, water, and olive oil. The dough is simply baked in the oven until the focaccia becomes golden brown, crispy, and shiny. The flatbread is locally known as fugassa.Expand

You may not think of strudel as a classic Italian dish, but Trentino Alto Adige, especially the region around Val di Non valley is renowned for their strudel. Rolling and stretching delicate sheets of paper-thin strudel pastry requires skills obtained through many years of practice, but the resulting flaky, crispy dessert is surely worth the effort. Strudel can be prepared with various fruit, but given the fact that this area is renowned for their tasty apples, the most popular variety is strudel con le mele, usually prepared with Golden Delicious apples, due to the fact that they are available all year round. Besides apples, the traditional filling includes raisins, sugar, butter, cinnamon, and pine nuts. The strudel is best enjoyed when it is still warm and generously dusted with powdered sugar.Expand

Guido Castagna is a distinguished Italian chocolatier celebrated for his commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and sustainability. At the heart of his philosophy lies the "Metodo Naturale" (Natural Method), a production approach that honours the natural rhythms of ingredients and emphasises respect for raw materials, artisans, and the environment.​ This meticulous process begins with the careful selection of premium cocoa beans, which are allowed to rest for three months upon arrival to stabilise their aromatic profiles. Subsequently, the beans are roasted at low temperatures to preserve their inherent flavours. The tempered chocolate is then moulded into blocks and aged for six months under controlled conditions, allowing the flavours to mature fully. ​ guidocastagna.it Among Castagna's acclaimed creations is the Giuinott®, a modern reinterpretation of the traditional gianduiotto. This confection combines Venezuelan Chuao cocoa with IGP Piedmont hazelnuts, resulting in a harmonious blend that has garnered multiple gold awards at the International Chocolate Awards. Expand

Amedei is a name synonymous with fine Italian chocolate, a celebration of craftsmanship, excellence, and passion. Founded in Tuscany, this prestigious chocolate house has earned global recognition for its unwavering commitment to quality, its meticulous bean-to-bar approach, and its dedication to sourcing the world’s rarest and most refined cacao varieties. Every step of production is carefully controlled—from selecting the cacao beans to crafting the final bar—ensuring full traceability and preserving the unique character of each origin. Amedei chocolates are renowned for their complex aromatic profiles, rich flavors, and perfectly balanced textures, offering a truly luxurious tasting experience. The brand has received numerous international awards and accolades, a testament to its artisanal philosophy and deep respect for tradition, nature, and innovation. Whether it’s their classic dark and milk chocolates or elegantly filled pralines, Amedei consistently delivers exceptional quality and refined elegance in every creation. More than just chocolate, Amedei represents a story of passion, expertise, and timeless sophistication captured in every bite.Expand

Gardini Cioccolato is a renowned Italian chocolate company based in the city of Forlì, in the Emilia-Romagna region, founded in 1987 by brothers Fabio and Manuele Gardini. The brand was born from a family pastry tradition dating back to the 1950s, and with the shift into the world of chocolate, Gardini has become a symbol of top-quality artisanal production in Italy. Their chocolates are crafted entirely by hand, without automated processes, with great respect for raw ingredients and traditional methods. Their product range includes dark and milk chocolate bars, layered cremino bars, pralines, filled chocolates, as well as spreads and chocolate creams made with pistachios, cherries, hazelnuts, and other authentic ingredients. In addition to production, Gardini also offers guided tours, tastings, and workshops at their workshop, where visitors can discover the craft and philosophy behind the brand firsthand. The blend of tradition, local identity, and creativity makes Gardini Cioccolato one of the most respected names in the world of Italian chocolate.Expand

Domori is a visionary Italian chocolate maker that has forever changed the world of fine chocolate. Founded in 1997 by Gianluca Franzoni, Domori became a pioneer in the use of exceptionally rare and precious cocoa varieties, particularly the Criollo type, widely regarded as the finest in the world. It was the first company to establish its own plantation of noble cacao, ensuring full control over the quality and origin of its raw materials. Its unique processing approach, which involves minimal intervention and no conching, preserves the authentic notes of the cacao. Domori’s chocolates are often made with just cocoa mass and sugar, without vanilla, lecithin, or additives—pure essence of flavor. A multi-award-winning brand, Domori is celebrated for its unparalleled aromatic complexity and elegance. Today, as part of the Illy group, Domori continues to lead the revolution in fine chocolate, inviting true connoisseurs to experience chocolate at its highest expression. Domori is not just chocolate—it is a tribute to noble origins, craftsmanship, and deep respect for every cacao bean.Expand

Torta Pistocchi Firenze, based in Florence, Italy, started as a small cake shop in 1990. The company is known for its rich, artisan chocolate cakes, which are made using high-quality, simple ingredients without adding flour, butter, or eggs. One of their signature products is a dense, flourless chocolate cake made from a blend of dark chocolates. Torta Pistocchi has won several awards for its innovative approach to chocolate cake making.Expand

Slitti Chocolate, based in Cintolese, Italy, has been a renowned name in artisanal chocolate making since its inception in 1969. Initially starting as a coffee roastery, the company expanded into chocolate production under the leadership of Andrea Slitti, who is known for his deep expertise and passion for both chocolate and coffee. Slitti Chocolate is celebrated globally for its high-quality products, having garnered over 180 international awards. The company prides itself on using fine cocoa beans sourced from the best growing regions around the world, which are then transformed into a wide range of chocolates including luxurious bars, creamy spreads, and artisan truffles.Expand

Guido Gobino is a prestigious Turin-based chocolatier and master of gianduja, whose name today stands as a symbol of exceptional Italian artisanal chocolate. His story begins in 1964, when his father Giuseppe founded the “Laboratorio Artigianale del Giandujotto” dedicated to preserving and elevating the traditional craft of gianduja – a chocolate specialty made with hazelnuts and cocoa. Guido took over the family business and transformed it into an internationally acclaimed brand by blending time-honored techniques with modern innovations and a continuous pursuit of excellence. At the heart of his creations are premium ingredients: Tonda Gentile delle Langhe hazelnuts, milk from Piedmont, and carefully selected cocoa beans sourced from Latin America, all within a strict “bean-to-bar” philosophy. His collection includes original giandujotti, Tourinot pralines, cremino with olive oil and sea salt, refined filled chocolates, and single-origin chocolate bars. Today, his creations can be found in fine boutiques and gourmet shops across Europe, the United States, and Asia. Thanks to his unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and authenticity, Guido Gobino has become a global ambassador of Turin’s chocolate-making tradition and one of Italy’s most respected chocolatiers.Expand

Villa & Stacchezzini is an elegant destination located in the beautiful surroundings of Faenza, Italy. Renowned for its premium pastries and chocolate, this villa combines tradition and innovation in culinary arts. Visitors can enjoy delicious tastings in a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for dessert lovers and gastronomic enthusiasts. With a focus on quality and attention to detail, Villa & Stacchezzini offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking authentic Italian sweets.Expand

Frantoio Franci is a prestigious Italian producer of extra virgin olive oil, founded in Montenero d’Orcia, on the slopes of Mount Amiata in Tuscany. The Franci family purchased the Villa Magra olive grove and transformed an old barn into a mill, where they still produce some of the most highly regarded oils in Italy. They are known for their dedication to quality and traditional production, combining hand-picked olives with modern cold-pressing methods, preserving the aromas and nutritional values of the oil. Their production covers 65 hectares of olive groves, cultivating various varieties. Each variety contributes specific characteristics to the oil, ranging from fruity and grassy notes to mild bitterness and spiciness.Expand

Olio Mimì is a story of passion, heritage, and dreams rooted in the fertile land of Apulia. The vision of Domenico “Mimì” Conserva lives on through his family, who dedicate themselves to producing extra virgin olive oils of the highest quality. His sons Donato and Michele, together with their mother Giuditta, continue his path and transform his love for the land into a brand recognized and admired worldwide. Each oil is born from carefully selected olives, swiftly and precisely milled in the modern oil mill in Modugno, and preserved under strict inert conditions. Innovation and tradition work hand in hand to ensure that every drop retains the freshness, fragrance, and authentic character of the olive. What makes Olio Mimì truly special is the union of family dedication, modern expertise, and deep respect for the land, all of which can be felt in every one of their creations.Expand