MUST-TRY
ITALIAN DISHES
10 Italian Dishes Everyone Must Try Once
Italian cuisine is loved worldwide for its bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and comforting classics. From creamy pasta to hearty risotto dishes, Italian dishes showcase the country’s rich culinary traditions. Each recipe tells a story, from simple salads like Caprese to indulgent desserts like tiramisu.
Here are 10 Italian dishes that everyone should try at least once—flavours that capture the heart of Italy and continue to inspire food lovers everywhere.
No. 1 - Lasagne
Lasagne is the ultimate comfort food, originating from Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy.
Traditionally, it’s made with layers of fresh pasta, rich ragù meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and plenty of parmesan cheese. Each baked layer melts together into a hearty, flavourful dish that’s perfect for sharing with family.
Emilia-Romagna is also famous for its pasta-making traditions, which makes trying lasagne here a true culinary experience.
No. 2 - Risotto
Risotto is a creamy rice dish that comes from the northern region of Lombardy. The most famous version, risotto alla Milanese, is infused with saffron for a delicate golden hue and aromatic flavour. The secret to great risotto is stirring it slowly while gradually adding broth, which gives the rice its signature creamy texture while keeping it slightly al dente. Mushroom or seafood variations highlight the versatility of this northern classic.
No. 3 - Carbonara
Hailing from Rome in the Lazio region, carbonara is a simple yet indulgent pasta dish. It’s made with tender pasta, savoury pancetta, and a rich Parmesan-infused sauce. The combination of salty pancetta and nutty Parmesan creates a comforting, indulgent meal that’s perfect for any pasta lover.
No. 4 - Bruschetta
Bruschetta comes from Tuscany and is a classic Italian starter. It features slices of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Simple yet bursting with flavour, bruschetta highlights the quality of fresh ingredients and is a perfect starter for any Italian-inspired meal.
No. 5 - Margherita Pizza
The Margherita pizza comes from Naples in the Campania region and is one of Italy’s most iconic dishes. Made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s a simple yet flavourful pizza that celebrates quality ingredients. The soft, chewy crust baked to perfection in a hot oven makes it a universally loved favourite.
No. 6 - Tiramisu
Tiramisu originates from the Veneto region and is one of Italy’s most famous desserts. It layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a sweet mascarpone cream, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. Its name, which means “pick me up,” hints at the coffee flavour that gives this dessert its gentle energy boost. Light, creamy, and indulgent, tiramisu is a perfect way to end any Italian meal.
No. 7 - Caprese
Caprese salad hails from the island of Capri in Campania. It's a simple yet elegant dish that combines ripe red tomatoes, creamy white mozzarella, and fragrant green basil — mirroring the colours of the Italian flag. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil, its fresh flavours highlight seasonal ingredients, and the vibrant colours make it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
No. 8 - Affogato
Affogato is a simple yet indulgent Italian dessert that combines creamy gelato with a shot of hot espresso poured over the top. The word “affogato” means “drowned,” referring to the ice cream floating in coffee. It’s a perfect blend of bitter and sweet, hot and cold, making it a must-try treat for coffee and dessert lovers alike.
No. 9 - Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese has become a staple meal in British households, but its roots lie in Bologna, the culinary heart of Emilia-Romagna. The dish originated as Ragù alla Bolognese, a slow-cooked meat sauce traditionally served with tagliatelle rather than spaghetti. Made with finely minced meat, onions, carrots, celery, tomato, and sometimes a touch of wine or milk, the sauce reflects Bologna’s focus on rich, hearty flavours. Over time, Italian-inspired versions using spaghetti have spread worldwide, offering a comforting, flavourful pasta meal that’s beloved far beyond its Italian origins.
No. 10 - Gelato
Gelato, Italy’s famous style of ice cream, is found across the country — from Florence to Rome and beyond. Denser and creamier than traditional ice cream, gelato emphasises fresh ingredients and bold flavours. From classic chocolate and pistachio to fruit sorbets, gelato is a sweet, indulgent treat that’s impossible to resist.
Where To Try These Italian-Inspired Dishes In The UK
Whether you’re craving creamy pasta, fresh salads, or indulgent desserts, Italian-inspired dishes are easy to enjoy across the UK. For a delicious taste of Italy in a welcoming setting, Bella Italia offers all your favourite classics with a modern twist — perfect for sharing with family and friends.
FAQs
What cheeses are typically used in lasagne?
Lasagne traditionally uses ricotta or béchamel sauce layered with Parmigiano-Reggiano and mozzarella. These cheeses melt beautifully and add richness and creaminess to each layer.
What makes a good Italian Margherita pizza?
A good Margherita pizza balances a soft, chewy base with fresh tomato, mozzarella, and fragrant basil. The simplicity allows high-quality ingredients to shine, and a lightly charred crust from a hot oven adds authentic flavour.
What is the Italian flag inspiration behind Caprese salad?
Caprese salad features red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil, mirroring the colours of the Italian flag. It’s a simple, fresh dish that highlights seasonal ingredients and authentic Italian flavour principles.
What is the story behind Tiramisu?
Tiramisu originated in the Veneto region and means “pick me up,” due to the espresso in the dessert. It’s a layered treat of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, often dusted with cocoa powder for a slightly bitter-sweet finish.
What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
Gelato is denser and creamier than traditional ice cream because it has less air whipped in. It emphasises bold, fresh flavours and is served slightly warmer than ice cream for a smoother, more intense taste.
Can you make gelato at home?
Yes! Gelato can be made at home with milk, sugar, and flavourings like chocolate, fruit, or nuts. It’s churned slowly to reduce air, giving it the dense, creamy texture that distinguishes it from regular ice cream.
What are the most popular Italian dishes in the UK?
Some of the most popular Italian dishes include Lasagne, Spaghetti Bolognese, Carbonara, Margherita Pizza, Tiramisu, and Gelato. You can try all of these at Bella Italia!