Seeing the world means experiencing as much of other cultures as you can. You don’t just want to be a spectator, but to immerse yourself and try to think like a local when you visit new and beautiful places.

Italy is no different.

Italian people are wonderful, friendly and engaging. The scenery is beautiful whether you’re touring vineyards or walking through historic ruins. And then there’s the food!

Easily reason to visit Italy in itself, here are the foods you must try the next time you’re traveling through Italy. 

Foods You Must Try the Next Time You Travel to Italy

Margherita Pizza

What’s a trip to Italy without enjoying a slice of pizza from the country that founded it?!

While pizza nowadays comes in all kinds of varieties, the original Margherita pizza is still served the same way as when it was founded.

Using fresh basil, tomatoes, olive oil, handmade pizza dough, and fresh mozzarella, this pizza can be found throughout the country. Though its true birthplace is in Naples.

While you may want to try something with prosciutto or mushrooms as well, take a bite of the original at least once during your trip.

The best kinds are cooked in a refractory pizza oven to ensure that it’s evenly baked. You can enjoy pizza for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and you shouldn’t leave Italy unless you’ve eaten a slice.

Bistecca Fiorentina

Forget getting a tiny little piece of steak when you go to restaurants in Italy. Traditionally using a T-bone or porterhouse steak that’s around 3lbs., this incredible dish can be enjoyed solo or with your friends and travel companions.

It’s not a complicated dish, much like many of the best foods in Italy. Instead, it relies on herbs like rosemary and sage, salt and pepper, and a little olive oil to give it all the flavor it needs.

Keepin in mind that in Italy, you’re unlikely to find a steak that is well-done. These steaks are usually served rare or medium-rare.

Italian Osso Bucco

Well-cooked meat is always a great choice. In Italy, while you can enjoy spaghetti and pizza, they are also known for cooking up some of the most incredible meaty dishes.

Osso Bucco is a cut of beef that has a bone with a hole in it. When cooked in a more traditional Italian way, the meat becomes tender and juicy.

Using vegetables like celery, tomato paste, onions, garlic, and zesty lemons, you can enjoy this flavorful dish across Italy. You’ll love how the richness of the meat combined with the light and tasty vegetables.

Cold and Sweet Gelato

Who doesn’t love the cold creamy taste of ice cream?!

In Italy, they do it one step better by making delicious flavors of gelato.

Whether you love the taste of panna cotta or some spicy cinnamon, Italian gelato is a must-try dessert when you visit Rome, Florence, or Tuscany.

There are countless places to try it and so many different flavors. You can even get your favorite tiramisu in gelato form instead of a parfait. You can try things that are distinctly Italian or go for some of your favorites from America.

Sweet Tiramisu

Coffee lovers adore this traditional dessert. First, they make the ladyfingers. Then once they are done, they soak them in espresso. Then they are layered between a mascarpone cream filling.

Often, they are topped with either cocoa powder or chocolate shavings and left to sit in the refrigerator to set for a few hours.

Served best with espresso or your favorite coffee blend, it’s easy to find a location that sells this rich and creamy dessert when you walk the streets of Italy.

Tiramisu is one of the quintessential things to eat as you explore the old world.

Whether you’re looking for something sweet, or a savory meal, Italy does not disappoint. You can even try out foods like spaghetti, lasagna, and focaccia.

You’ll love the simple food combinations that make Italy a wonderful place to enjoy a trip whether it’s a week or you plan an extended trip.