National Dish Italy: Tonno alla Griglia (Recipe)
In this article
Discover the taste of the Italian coast with Tonno alla Griglia, a wonderfully simple dish of juicy grilled tuna marinated in lemon, garlic and Mediterranean herbs. It celebrates the clean, sun-drenched flavours of the sea and is the perfect centrepiece for a summer barbecue. Quick to prepare yet utterly irresistible, this is fresh tuna at its very best.
About Tonno alla Griglia
Tonno alla Griglia, or grilled tuna, is a much-loved dish along the Italian coast, prized for its simplicity and its delicious, clean flavour. The recipe lets the freshness of the tuna take centre stage, making it perfect for a relaxed summer barbecue. Tuna is not only delicious but also rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which makes this a genuinely healthy meal that fits beautifully into the light, ingredient-led style of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200–300g fresh tuna
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients, the most important thing is the freshness of the tuna. Buy your fish from a trusted fishmonger and look for flesh that is rosy and firm rather than dull or bloody. The herbs should be vibrant green and juicy rather than dry, as fresh herbs give the dish that little something extra. Good olive oil and a ripe, fragrant lemon round out a very short but high-quality shopping list.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Tonno alla Griglia is wonderfully straightforward and takes very little time. First, rinse the tuna under cold water and pat it dry with kitchen paper. Then mix the olive oil, lemon juice and chopped garlic together in a bowl. Lay the tuna in the mixture and leave it to marinate for at least 30 minutes so the flavours can work their way into the fish.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the grill to a medium-to-high heat.
- Lift the tuna out of the marinade and let it drain slightly.
- Grill the tuna for about 3–4 minutes per side, until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
- Scatter with salt, pepper and fresh herbs, then serve immediately.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Tonno alla Griglia is already naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. Simply make sure that all the ingredients you use, including the seasonings and herbs, contain no hidden additives. That way the dish stays suitable for anyone with a gluten or lactose intolerance, without changing a single thing about its bright, fresh character.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although tuna is the star of this dish, you can easily prepare a vegan version. Use thick slices of aubergine or tofu instead of the fish, marinate them in the same way as you would the tuna, and grill until soft and juicy. The lemon-and-herb marinade works just as well on vegetables, giving plant-based eaters all of the Mediterranean flavour and none of the fish.
More tips and tricks
A few extra tips will help you get the very best out of your Tonno alla Griglia. Use a grill thermometer to keep an eye on the internal temperature of the tuna — around 55–60°C is ideal for fish that stays lightly pink and juicy in the middle. After grilling, let the fish rest for a few minutes so the juices can settle, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
This recipe is easy to adapt to your own preferences. Give your tuna an Asian twist, for example, by adding soy sauce and ginger to the marinade. Or lean into a Mediterranean note with olives, tomatoes and fresh basil — much like the flavours that shine in a bright Insalata Caprese. Be creative and experiment with different flavour directions.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have tuna to hand, you can use other firm fish such as swordfish or salmon. Both grill beautifully and behave much like tuna, and salmon in particular brings the same kind of richness you would expect from a baked Trota al Forno. You can be flexible with the herbs too, swapping in dill or basil in place of rosemary and thyme.
Drink pairing ideas
Plenty of drinks pair wonderfully with Tonno alla Griglia. A dry white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc harmonises beautifully with the tuna. For those who prefer not to drink wine, a light lemon water kefir makes a refreshing, alcohol-free alternative that echoes the citrus notes of the marinade.
Serving and presentation ideas
Present Tonno alla Griglia on a simple white plate to bring out the colours of the fish and the herbs. Garnish the tuna with lemon slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary, then serve alongside lightly cooked vegetables or a crisp green salad to round the dish off both visually and on the palate. A piece of grilled bread, such as a Crostini Toscani, makes a lovely accompaniment.
A bit of history
Tonno alla Griglia has deep roots in Italian cooking. In Italy’s coastal regions, tuna has been caught and prepared for centuries. Originally the fish was often preserved, but over time grilling established itself as one of the most popular ways to cook it, above all for the intense, smoky flavour it gives the flesh. Today it stands as a proud example of the country’s love affair with the sea.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Tonno alla Griglia
Tonno alla Griglia is a simple yet utterly delicious Italian dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue. With just a few fresh ingredients it comes together quickly and adapts easily to personal taste. It is also naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a little piece of Italian cooking right at home.
