Classic Italian dishes are one of the most beloved foods globally. And there’s a reason for it: They’re tasty, easy to prepare, and can be pretty healthy. We will show you what are those classic Italian dishes you shouldn’t miss, and what you need to try.
With our suggestions, you’ll be able to spice up every meal with fabulous recipes, bringing you one step closer to the beautiful and romantic landscapes of Italy. From the mountainous regions of the north of the country to the Mediterranean south, experience an exceptional gastronomic journey, with Italian classics featuring mouth-watering textures and incredible flavors.
Most will agree that the best Italian recipes are simple yet complex. That’s why we’re more than happy to guide you on this journey across wonderful Italy.
So, if you’re looking for Italian food to try, just keep on reading.
Why are Italian Dishes Good?
For many years now, the Italian way of eating has been one of the most popular diets globally, not only in Italy. It’s because the food you eat is good, the ingredients combined are healthy, the meals are balanced, and everything tastes so good.
The main principles of the Italian meals:
- You should eat more veggies, fruits, grains, beans, legumes, and nuts.
- You should eat moderately lean proteins from fish and poultry.
- You should eat fewer red meats and sweets.
- You should use quality extra virgin olive oil.
- You should reduce salt and use more spices.
Best Italian Classics You Have to Try
If you always wanted to try Italian meals but you didn’t know which food to try, we’ll help you with a list of the best Italian classic dishes.
- Panzanella
This is a really tasty Tuscan bread salad, an ideal Italian recipe for those hot summer days. The best part is, you don’t really have to follow a specific recipe for this one. Spices, veggies, and herbs can vary, but you need to stick to the two main ingredients, which are bread and tomato. Try it out with a cool glass of Prosecco on a hot summer day to get the most out of this simple yet tasty dish.
- Pasta Con Pomodoro E Basilico
Without a doubt, one of the simplest Italian classics. One of the main Italian recipes, it’s an easy meal that you can make in under half an hour and enjoy for basically every time of the day. It’s great as a snack for your kids, and it’s the ideal lazy dinner, especially with some great red wine.
- Caprese Salad With Pesto Sauce
When it comes to Italian dishes and hot summer days, only a few things can surpass a fresh tomato salad. This dish is a great antipasto bite to start any meal. The mouth-watering combination of mozzarella and tomatoes with a dash of pesto sauce is simple yet almost divine.
We’re already hungry just thinking about it!
- Focaccia Bread
Are you looking for simple Italian recipes? Just top your fresh dough with olives, thin tomato slices, caramelized onions, grated parmesan, and basil leaves. Throw it into the oven, bake it to perfection and enjoy the divine symphony of flavors afterward.
- Bruschetta
Another one of those delicious antipasto Italian recipes you can’t help but love. Top the grilled bread with tomato, veggies and garlic. You can also get creative with this dish and experiment with different toppings. If you may, we recommend trying both the classic tomato-basil and the more exciting, garlic-mushroom combination for this outstanding Italian starter.
- Mushroom Risotto
Who wouldn’t love a plate of buttery risotto with some tasty mushrooms? This is one of those Italian dishes that’s a great source of protein and antioxidants. Not to mention, the carbohydrates from the rice will help keep you energized throughout the day. A quick and easy recipe that’s great both for lunch and dinner.
- Classic Pasta Amatriciana
Here’s another easy tomato sauce-based pasta recipe with some mouth-watering crispy pancetta sauteed garlic and onion. If you’re looking for Italian classics, it probably couldn’t get any more authentic than this.
- Tiramisu
Italian recipes aren’t only about pasta. This light cake with coffee-soaked ladyfingers smeared in that tasty mascarpone mixture is among the favorite desserts of many. This pick-me-up cake (literally, Tiramisu means ‘pick-me-up’) can be a sweet alternative for coffee as the caffeine in the cake will surely give you the boost you need.
- Lasagna
The ultimate Italian dish that we all love and cherish. Experts say that the secret to the best lasagna dishes lies in how well you prepare the bolognese sauce. Nailing that shouldn’t be hard, and when you do, add bacon and lamb into the mix to experience a pleasant twist on this culinary classic. However, don’t forget the veggies and cheese. Especially the cheese!
- Margherita Pizza
Along with Lasagna, pizza should also be among the top three Italian recipes. We mean, who doesn’t like pizza, right? However, if you want to enjoy an authentic pizza experience, go for the Margherita pizza, which is considered by many to be the “true” Italian pizza. Just use a few simple ingredients, and you can’t go wrong. Mozzarella cheese, basil, and fresh tomato. Simple as that. Yet, the results are beyond this world.
- Pasta Carbonara
Another one of those classic Italian dishes that are true “fan favorites”. This simple pasta dish used to be pretty popular among coal miners (hence the “carbonara” name, as ‘carbone’ means coal).
The original recipe uses guanciale or pig’s cheek, but good ole bacon can also do the trick just fine if you wish to make it at home.
- Fettuccine Pomodoro
Here’s another quick and light pasta dish that will make for a fantastic dish for brunch, lunch, dinner, and even breakfast!
- Panettone
Italian sweet bread, this recipe is an outstanding dessert idea for the holidays. Sugar, raisins, eggs, flour, cherries, lemon, candied orange… What’s not to like?
- Panna Cotta al Pistacchio
Another dessert that’s made with milk, cream, gelatine, chilled and plated with chopped pistachios. Panna Cotta means ‘cooked cream’, which is exactly what this dish is. It’s very easy, quick, and can put a nice and tasty twist on any family dinner party with only a few ingredients.
We believe that Italian cuisine is one of the most delicious in the world. Fresh ingredients, tasty vegetables, aromatic spices, and delectable extra virgin olive oil will never let you down. Eating Italian food will make you happy and healthy. And if you ever want to try something new and something different, visit us at Glass & Vine to try our finely curated menu featuring many incredible dishes inspired by this region.
