20 Best Underrated Italian Dishes You Need to Try
When it comes to Italian cuisine, most people think of pizza, pasta, and lasagna. While these dishes are world-famous, Italy has much more to offer with Underrated Italian Dishes. The country’s rich culinary traditions go far beyond the classics, hiding regional gems that are full of flavor, history, and culture.
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In this article, we’ll uncover 20 underrated Italian dishes you should definitely try. These authentic recipes go beyond the usual and give you a true taste of Italy.
1. Panzanella (Tuscany)
A refreshing bread and tomato salad made with stale bread, olive oil, cucumbers, and basil. Perfect for summer!
2. Fregola (Sardinia)
Tiny toasted pasta balls served with seafood or in broth. Nutty and satisfying.
3. Ribollita (Tuscany)
A hearty peasant soup made from leftover bread, beans, and vegetables. Comfort food at its best.
4. Supplì (Rome)
Deep-fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce, similar to Sicilian arancini.
5. Piadina (Emilia-Romagna)
A flatbread stuffed with cheese, cured meats, and vegetables. Street food loved across Italy.
6. Tortelli di Zucca (Lombardy)
Pumpkin-filled pasta with nutmeg, amaretti, and parmesan. A sweet-savory delight.
7. Focaccia di Recco (Liguria)
A thin, cheesy focaccia filled with stracchino cheese. Crispy outside, gooey inside.
8. Cacciucco (Tuscany)
A traditional fisherman’s stew made with mixed seafood, garlic, and tomato broth.
9. Panzerotti (Puglia)
Mini fried calzones stuffed with tomato and mozzarella. Street food perfection.
10. Farinata (Liguria)
A chickpea flour pancake baked until crispy, seasoned with olive oil and pepper.
11. Tramezzino (Venice)
Soft triangular sandwiches filled with tuna, ham, or artichokes. A Venetian snack.
12. Bigoli in Salsa (Veneto)
Thick pasta served with anchovy and onion sauce. A Venetian classic.
13. Sgombro alla Griglia (Southern Italy)
Grilled mackerel marinated with lemon, garlic, and olive oil. Healthy and flavorful
14. Canederli (Trentino-Alto Adige)
Bread dumplings made with speck (smoked ham), cheese, and herbs, served in broth.
15. Caponata (Sicily)
A sweet-sour eggplant dish with tomatoes, olives, and capers.
16. Zuppa di Ceci (Central Italy)
A chickpea soup flavored with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. Nutritious and warming.
17. Scaccia (Sicily)
Layered flatbread stuffed with tomato, cheese, and vegetables, baked until golden.
18. Stracciatella Soup (Rome)
An egg-drop soup flavored with parmesan and herbs, not to be confused with the cheese!
19. Polenta e Funghi (Northern Italy)
Creamy polenta served with sautéed mushrooms and parmesan.
20. Castagnaccio (Tuscany)
A traditional chestnut flour cake with raisins, pine nuts, and rosemary.
Why Explore Underrated Italian Dishes?
Italian food is not just about pizza and pasta—it’s a journey through regions, traditions, and generations. By trying these underrated Italian dishes, you’ll discover the hidden side of Italy’s culinary culture, filled with unique flavors and stories.
