Italy has a rich gastronomic heritage, and the dishes are a true celebration of the produce available in the many varying regions. The recipes have a common theme, and that is of pure simplicity. The good quality ingredients do all the talking here, from thick decadent balsamic, extra virgin olive oils, salty prosciutto to bouncy mozzarella. 

Join us on a journey as we discover what tantalizing delights Italian cuisine has to offer as 

we showcase some of the most iconic traditional Italian food that Italy has to offer. 

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Starters

Bruschetta 

This appetizer consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil and topped with tomatoes and a pinch of sea salt. Something to really get your taste buds going! 

Caprese salad 

Simple but deliciously Italian, this salad combines succulent ripe tomatoes, layered with soft and silky mozzarella and fragrant fresh basil leaves, and topped with beautiful Italian olive oil, black pepper, and sea salt. So simple and yet very delicious. The reason this salad works so well is due to the quality of the Italian produce used. Fresh Italian made mozzarella and sun ripened tomatoes. The smell of fresh basil and thick extra virgin olive oil brings you to a late summer evening dining al-fresco under the Capri sun.  

Arancini 

These crispy deep fried Sicilian rice balls are to die for. They are essentially rice balls stuffed with melty cheese and deep fried in breadcrumbs. Arancini are excellent if paired with a marinara sauce. A staple of Sicilian cuisine they are often stuffed with mozzarella, caciocavallo cheese or mincemeat. Much the same as English miners with their pasty, the arancini ball was created as a whole meal on the go to be eaten during long hunting trips. Nowadays, it is a staple street food enjoyed by all. 

Traditional Italian main dishes  

Tortellini in Brodo  

Centuries of tradition and a true taste of Bologna. A simple broth made from meat, bones, and aromatics. Then comes the filling for the delicate tortellini pasta, which is, traditionally made from pork loin, prosciutto, and mortadella but you can find all kinds of fillings. This dish is often eaten around the Christmas holidays as it’s a great opportunity for the whole family to come together to take on the laborious task of making the tortellini dumplings.  

Pasta a la carbonara 

There is nothing quite like a hot, steaming bowl of pasta to warm the soul. Among the many classic Italian pasta dishes this one is loved the world over by children and adults alike. Traditionally this dish combines a good quality pasta, preferably fresh, eggs, guanciale, which is a cured pork typical of the Lazio area in Italy, salt and freshly ground black pepper. No heavy cream contrary to many variants in other countries. Simple and satisfying. 

Parmigiana di melanzane 

Layers of charred aubergine, tomatoes and mozzarella make a hearty veggie dish that is a real crowd pleaser. It’s moreish and warming although it can be served either hot or cold. Pair with a light salad for a healthy and divine supper. 

Pizza 

Pizza is universally considered one of the main Italian national dishes. What's better than a fragrant baked pizza? Margherita and Marinara are considered the true heroes of the pizza world and acknowledged as truly authentic Neapolitan pizza flavours. The margherita honours the Italian flag, a red base of tomato sauce, green basil leaves and white mozzarella. 

Italian sweet delights 

Tiramisu 

Espresso soaked finger biscuits layered with cream and cacao and a hint of liquor this dessert certainly earns the ‘classic’ badge. Originating in the region of Treviso, it’s a win win dish popular the world over.  

Panna cotta 

This dessert translates at ‘cooked cream’ and is believed to originate from Piemonte, it consists of cream, vanilla and sugar cooked and set. Simply delicious and the perfect end to traditional Italian meals. 

Cannoli  

A classic Italian fried pastry shaped into tubes and filled with sweet, whipped ricotta, a staple ingredient in Sicilian cooking. They can be enhanced with citrus peel or pistachio nuts and chocolate. A very moreish treat that was originally created to be eaten during Carnaval, but now enjoyed all year round. 

Italian cuisine at Fiumicino Airport

As we conclude our culinary journey through the 10 best dishes of Italian cuisine, it’s impossible to ignore the place where many travellers can savour one last Italian delight before leaving: Rome Fiumicino Airport in Rome. This international hub is not only a gateway to the Bel Paese, but also an extraordinary showcase of its gastronomy, hosting a wide variety of restaurants offering iconic dishes from all over Italy. From quick snacks to take on board to fine dining that encapsulates the essence of Italian cuisine, Fiumicino Airport ensures that your goodbye to Italy is as memorable as your arrival. 

At Rome Fiumicino airport you can savour the traditional tastes of Italy in one of the many restaurants available. With the BOOK A TABLE SERVICE you can book your table ahead of time to ensure you get a seat at one of the many dining venues available. You could try Farinella (available at T1 or T3) for classic Italian dishes with a refined touch, or the Sophia Loren restaurant that offers diners quality and elegance and the opportunity to savour some authentic Italian food while you wait for your flight. For traditional Neapolitan food go to Rossopomodoro; try Berlucchi Franciacorta  for a quiet gourmet oasis or Bistro By Mastercard for the first cashless Roman inspired dining experience. If you are after a good Italian wine, why not try Eataly | Wine Bar or a lovely glass of Prosecco at Bottega Prosecco Bar & Restaurants in Area E. 

There is a reason why Italian cuisine is famous all over the world, simplicity, combined with quality ingredients and centuries old recipes full of tradition and history make Italian food a true culinary adventure. 

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