Italy · National Dish Recipes
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Italy

No dish is officially crowned in Italy, yet pizza Margherita comes closest — blistered dough, tomato, mozzarella and basil in patriotic colours. Begin with our Pizza Margherita recipe and work through 334 authentic Italian recipes.

The Most Famous Italian Dishes

  1. Pizza Margherita

    Learn how to make a proper pizza dough and conjure up an authentic Pizza Margherita in your own kitchen. With its glorious trio of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fragrant …

  2. Tiramisù

    Discover Tiramisu, the much-loved Italian dessert that turns a handful of simple ingredients into something genuinely irresistible. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers are tucked …

  3. Minestrone

    Say hello to minestrone, one of the most cherished soups in all of Italian cooking. This hearty bowl brings together a generous medley of seasonal vegetables, tender white beans …

  4. Panettone

    There is something magical about pulling a golden, dome-topped Panettone from the oven, its airy crumb studded with jewel-like fruit and the whole kitchen filled with the scent of …

  5. Risotto

    Discover Risotto, one of Italy's most cherished national dishes and a true icon of comfort cooking the world over. Built around plump, starchy risotto rice simmered gently in stock …

  6. Gnocchi

    Pillowy, tender and endlessly comforting, Gnocchi are one of the great treasures of Italian home cooking. These little potato dumplings have a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and a …

  7. Panino con Porchetta

    Meet the Panino con Porchetta, one of Italy's most irresistible street-food sandwiches. Tender, herb-scented pork is tucked between fresh, crusty bread to create something far …

  8. Focaccia

    Discover Focaccia, one of Italy's most beloved breads! With its golden, crackling crust and a soft, pillowy crumb beneath, this simple loaf has been winning hearts far beyond its …

  9. Caprese

    Discover Caprese Salad, one of Italy's most beloved starters! Few dishes capture the spirit of an Italian summer quite like this one: sun-ripened tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and …

  10. Cannoli

    Discover Cannoli, one of Italy's most iconic sweet treats and a true jewel of Sicilian baking! These crisp, golden pastry tubes are filled with a luscious, sweetened ricotta cream …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Caponata (Recipe)

Say hello to Caponata, the sweet-and-sour aubergine stew that captures the soul of Sicilian cooking in a single bowl. Tender cubes …

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What is the national dish of Italy?

Italy has no single official national dish, but pizza Margherita is the one most often given that title — blistered dough, tomato, mozzarella and basil in patriotic colours. A step-by-step recipe is on this page, alongside 333 more authentic Italian recipes.

What food is Italy famous for?

Beyond pizza Margherita, Italy is famous for dishes like Tiramisù, Minestrone and Panettone. This page collects 334 authentic Italian recipes, from everyday classics to festive specialities.