Foods of the Mediterranean: Italy

Italian food is famous all over the world, and has heavily influenced the cuisines of other countries, notably the United States. But it is also the signature expression of the Mediterranean diet, and no exploration of the cuisines of this part of the world is complete without it. From antiquity in the Roman Empire, the staple Italian ingredients of olive oil, pasta, cheeses, and regional herbs were spread throughout the region, and then to the rest of Europe. The introduction of foods (notably tomatoes) from the New World was transformative across the nation, and are now inextricable from many signature Italian dishes.

Modern Italy has distinct culinary traditions in the north and south, coastal and inland, but most dishes are simple, relying on only a few ingredients, and focused on highlighting the intrinsic flavors of fresh, local foods. The food, therefore, is highly seasonal. This regional and seasonal variation means that visitors may seldom have the exact same culinary experience twice. And, while many of these dishes can be found all over the world, the emphasis on fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, traditionally prepared, means that the classic foods taste better in Italy than anywhere else. Here are some of our favorite signature Italian dishes.

Pizza Margherita: This Neapolitan pizza is a classic for a reason, and the simple, tantalizing combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil have kept this item on the menu for centuries. With colors reflecting the flag of Italy, it is a pizza regarded with particular national pride, and labeled a Traditional National Specialty by the European Union. 

Pasta alla carbonara: While pasta carbonara is a relative newcomer to Italian cuisine, it’s a delicious dish, and an instant classic in Rome. Home made pasta is dressed with pork cheek, creamy eggs, pecorino cheese, and salt and pepper. Elegant in its simplicity, pasta alla carbonara has become an essential dish in Italian cuisine.

Tortelli di erbette: This homemade pasta stuffed with spinach, beets, and ricotta and parmigiano cheeses is a typical first course in the Parma region, where it is a favored dish. On St. John’s Night, June 23rd, it is traditionally eaten outside in an event called the Tortellata.

Fiori di zucca fritti: In the summer, zucchini plants produce more blooms than can ever grow into fruits. In zucchini-growing countries, from Mexico to Greece, the tender young flowers are instead eaten as seasonal treats. Fried zucchini flowers are enjoyed throughout Italy, and each region treats them slightly differently, but they are particularly beloved in Rome, stuffed with mozzarella and an anchovy and fried. Italians deep fry with a particular batter that puffs up to an airy crispness, and these tender snacks should not be missed when they are in season.

Tortellini in brodo: This dish is traditional in the north of Italy. The home made pasta stuffed with meat, parmigiano, and egg, cooked in chicken broth is a simple and delicious brothy soup, with deep roots in the region. Traditionally, 50 tortellinis are served in each bowl of broth.

Pasta al pesto: This homemade pasta with basil pesto and olive oil originated in Genoa, and has a protected national designation. However, that hasn’t prevented the dish from being celebrated and re-created the world over. For the very best pasta al pesto, have it in Liguria, when seasonal basil is at the peak of freshness, and flavor and every family has their own secret recipe for the perfect dish.

It may seem as though Italian food is perhaps too familiar, because it is relatively easy to make for yourself, and Italian restaurants proliferate around the world. But eaten in Italy, where the ingredients are of the highest quality and every dish is prepared with care, along with warm hospitality and a glass of local wine, Italian food is transformed into an utterly new and authentically unique experience. Italians believe in making every meal an event, and visitors soon begin to understand why.

Be sure to download our top culinary experiences in Italy and other Mediterranean destinations right here!

{{cta(‘0f6d2046-b10b-4386-8f62-91a5d30d0233’)}}