5 Must-Try Foods in Italy

When you think of Italy, it's easy to imagine plates of pasta, perfectly baked pizzas, and scoops of gelato. But Italy's culinary landscape is far richer than that. Dive into some of the country's best-kept culinary secrets that go beyond the classics.

Suppli: Like arancini, these fried rice balls are a street food staple in Italy. Stuffed with fresh mozzarella and sometimes tomato sauce, suppli are often served as antipasto in pizzerias but can also be found from street vendors throughout Rome.

Osso Buco: Hailing from Milan, this dish’s name translates to "Bone Hole," referring to the marrow-filled veal bone at its center. Braised with red wine and vegetables until tender, Osso Buco is topped with gremolata—a mix of parsley, garlic, and lemon zest—and typically served with polenta or risotto.

Carciofi alla Giudia: These Jewish-style fried artichokes are a hidden gem of Roman cuisine, tracing back to 16th-century Rome. Ostracized to local ghettos, the Jewish community began frying their vegetables to ensure they were safe to eat, giving birth to this crispy, flavorful dish. Today, you’ll find Carciofi alla Giudia on menus all over Rome.

Truffle Everything: Bologna is home to some of the world’s finest truffles, so revered that Italians celebrate them with a festival called Tartufesta. Running from October to December, truffle hunting is a must-do activity for any food lover visiting during the season.

Cozze Ripiene: Originating from coastal Puglia, this stuffed mussel dish turns a simple seafood staple into a hearty meal. Mussels are steamed in a broth, stuffed with a breadcrumb and cheese mixture, and then cooked in tomato sauce. These deliciously messy mussels are best enjoyed with plenty of bread and a finger bowl nearby.

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