If you think Italian food is just pizza and pasta, think again. Italy’s culinary landscape is rich, regional, and full of hidden gems you won’t find on a tourist menu. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 20 lesser-known Italian dishes that locals love—and travelers often miss.
Why Try Local & Regional Italian Dishes?
Every Italian region has its own food identity. From Ligurian seafood stews to Sicilian street snacks, exploring beyond spaghetti and lasagna opens a world of authentic, unforgettable flavors.
20 Underrated Italian Dishes You Need to Try
- Pasta alla Gricia – A Roman dish older than carbonara, made with guanciale and Pecorino Romano.
- Panzanella – A Tuscan bread salad perfect for summer.
- Fregola con Arselle – Sardinian pasta balls with clams.
- Crescia – A flaky, layered flatbread from Marche.
- Canederli – Alpine bread dumplings from Trentino-Alto Adige.
- Pasta e Ceci – A rustic chickpea and pasta soup from Lazio.
- Caponata – Sweet and sour eggplant salad from Sicily.
- Torta Pasqualina – A savory spinach and egg pie from Liguria.
- Tajarin al Tartufo – Thin egg noodles with truffle from Piedmont.
- Lampredotto – Florence’s favorite tripe street food.
- Casoncelli – Stuffed pasta from Lombardy, often served with pancetta.
- Sciatt – Fried cheese balls from Valtellina.
- Zuppa Gallurese – Sardinian baked bread soup.
- Bottarga – Salted, cured fish roe, shaved over pasta.
- Arrosticini – Skewered lamb from Abruzzo.
- Piadina – A Romagna-style flatbread, perfect with cheese and prosciutto.
- Stracotto – A long-simmered beef stew from Central Italy.
- Sgombro alla Griglia – Grilled mackerel, simple and flavorful.
- Cacciucco – A hearty Tuscan fish stew.
- Mostarda di Cremona – Candied fruit with mustard syrup, usually served with meats.
✨ Pro Travel Tip
Ask for the “piatto del giorno” (dish of the day) and you might discover local favorites not even listed on the menu.
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