Italy

Q: "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."

Q: "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."

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

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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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: Capon Magro (Recipe)

Say hello to Capon Magro, one of the most spectacular dishes in the Ligurian repertoire. Picture an architectural tower of fresh …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Cantuccini (Recipe)

Crisp, golden and studded with whole almonds, Cantuccini are one of Tuscany’s most enduring sweet treats. These twice-baked …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Cannoli (Recipe)

Discover Cannoli, one of Italy’s most iconic sweet treats and a true jewel of Sicilian baking! These crisp, golden pastry …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Cannelloni Ricotta e Spinaci (Recipe)

Say hello to Cannelloni Ricotta e Spinaci, a comforting Italian classic that turns a handful of humble ingredients into a …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Cannelloni (Recipe)

Discover Cannelloni, one of Italy’s most beloved baked pasta dishes! These tender pasta tubes are filled with a creamy …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Canederli with Speck (Recipe)

Meet Canederli with Speck, a soul-warming classic from the mountains of South Tyrol that has won hearts right across Italy. These …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Canederli Tirolesi (Recipe)

Tucked into the mountains of northern Italy lies a dish that turns humble leftovers into something genuinely comforting. Canederli …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Canederli (Recipe)

Meet Canederli, the hearty bread dumplings that have warmed kitchens across the Italian Alps for centuries. Born of thrift and a …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Calzone (Recipe)

Meet the calzone, the folded cousin of the pizza and one of southern Italy’s most satisfying creations. A pillow of dough is …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Calamarata ai Frutti di Mare (Recipe)

Bring the flavours of the Mediterranean straight to your table with Calamarata ai Frutti di Mare, a classic Italian pasta that …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Caciocavallo Impiccato (Recipe)

Meet Caciocavallo Impiccato, a gloriously simple slice of southern Italian theatre. The name translates roughly as “hanged …

Italy

National Dish Italy: Cacio e Pepe (Recipe)

Few dishes capture the genius of Italian cooking quite like Cacio e Pepe. Born in the trattorias of Rome, it relies on just three …

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.