When it comes to Italian food, there are a number of great dishes that you must try but there’s only a limited amount of food you can eat.

From some of the finest delicacies to regional specialties, Italian food offers a wide array of dishes that you absolutely must have.

But before you get overwhelmed at the idea of trying so many new things, we’re listing down some of the most iconic Italian dishes that are popular worldwide.

Pizza Margherita

A traditional Italian Pizza Margherita features a thinly-baked crust and a specially prepared tomato sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese and basil. The deliciously exquisite combination of all these fresh ingredients makes for a wonderfully delightful dish. This is also the reason why it’s so popular worldwide.

Lasagna

Lasagna if basically flat pasta baked in layers in an oven. The layers are comprised of rich, tangy tomato sauce, creamy white sauce, meat, and topped with either mozzarella or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. All this is baked together to make a hearty and fulfilling dish that is imitated all over the world.

Risotto

Another heavily popular, must-try Italian dish is the risotto. This velvety-textured semi-soup is infused with a host of flavors and is considered one of the most iconic dishes of Italy. Mushroom and seafood risotto is especially popular among Italian food lovers.

Carbonara

If there is one type of Italian pasta dish that everyone should try, it’s carbonara. Made with spaghetti, pecorino cheese, cured meat, eggs, and black pepper, carbonara is iconic. Its popularity has spawned many imitations but the authentic Italian carbonara has a taste that is unmatched. This is an Italian specialty that is definitely a must-try.

Focaccia

Freshly baked and absolutely delicious, focaccia is popular Italian bread that is loved for its great taste. A classic focaccia is salty, has olive oil drizzled on it, and is simply irresistible. It can also be topped with olives, cheese, zucchini, and rosemary to create a great appetizer.

Arancini

Crisply golden brown, arancini are stuffed rice balls that are fried in a deep coating of crunchy breadcrumbs. The fillings usually include tomato sauce, ragu, mozzarella, and veggies like peas. Make sure to try arancini at your local Italian restaurant.  

Prosciutto

Prosciutto is an iconic Italian favorite; it is a type of dry-cured ham that is served as uncooked, finely cut slices. It has a light and savory taste and either served wrapped around cheese or with pasta.

Make sure to come try all the great Italian cuisine dishes with us at Stancato’s. We’re an Italian restaurant based in Cleveland, Ohio and serve some of the best Italian food.