The best part about visiting Italy is the food; Andrew Urbaniak of Massachusetts suggests five famous dishes and where to get them.
People travel from all around the world to taste Italy’s famous cuisine. In this country, food is very localized. A dish that is delicious in Rome may not be nearly as good in Florence. However, despite the variance in their standard plates, there are some specialties that you must try! World traveler, Andrew Urbaniak of Massachusetts, shares the five best dishes to try while visiting Italy.
Spaghetti Carbonara
This creamy al dente pasta is made with a mix of eggs, pepper, pecorino cheese, and crispy guanciale (cured pigs cheek). It originates from Rome and is usually made with spaghetti noodles, but can also be in the form on fettuccine, rigatoni, linguini, or bucatini. Andrew Urbaniak of Massachusetts recommends trying it in Rome.
Cottoletta Alla Milanese
One of Milan’s most popular dishes is Osso Bucco, also commonly found at Italian restaurants in the United States. However, locals in Osteria Brunello, Milan, prefer Cottoletta, which is a crumbled veal cutlet fried in butter. Traditionally, it is served on its own. Andrew Urbaniak of Massachusetts suggests ordering a side separately if you are used to eating vegetables with your meat. Modern versions of this dish will be served with cherry tomatoes on top as a garnish.
Tagliatelle Al Ragu
Outside of Italy, this dish is commonly known as spaghetti Bolognese. Although tourist trap restaurants will try to imitate it, you can find the original version under the Italian name of tagliatelle al ragu. This dish consists of long, flat strips of pasta in a minced meat sauce simmered with sofrito, milk, and tomato. Andrew Urbaniak of Massachusetts notes that it is usually topped with Parmigiana Reggiano cheese.
Bistecca Alla Fiorentina
Calling all meat lovers! Andrew Urbaniak of Massachusetts explains this dish as a substantial portion of steak. One serving of steak is usually one kilogram and is presented rare. Again, this meal does not come with any side dishes, not that one is necessary!
Pizza Margherita
There’s no pizza quite as delicious as that in Napoli, Italy. On your stop, Andrew Urbaniak of Massachusetts recommends picking up a giant slice of Pizza Margherita. You can expect a thin, chewy crust with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella de bufala. This dish is both creamy and salty!
About Andrew Urbaniak
As a world traveler, Andrew Urbaniak of Massachusetts has explored countries in Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia. He is passionate about history and enjoys learning about World War II and eastern politics. As a hobby, Andrew Urbaniak of Massachusetts collects movies, documentaries, and popular film series from 1980-2000.
