21 foods to order in Italy besides bolognese and gelato

Okay, you’ve probably heard of this not-so-secret pasta dish. The origins aren't clear, and many regions will claim the recipe, but you're sure to find fantastic pork, egg, and cheese pasta anywhere in Italy.

Originally from Florence (hence the name), steak florentine is a traditional loin steak from a younger cow. It is then grilled till rare, rarer than most Americans are used to, and served with vegetables.

If you love a quick pasta meal to make at home, then you're probably a fan of pesto. In Italian, the word describes the action of pressing ingredients together to make a sauce, so it doesn't have to be the green version Americans know so well. But that is a great option, especially the Genovese version from Genoa, which is made of garlic, pine nuts, basil, and parmesan.

When most Americans think of pesto pasta sauce, they usually think of the green variety (rustic, Genovese, basilic, etc.), but technically, it's any sauce made with a specific pressing technique. From Sicily, Pesto Rosso, which means red pesto in Italian, is made from sundried tomatoes and almonds.

Sure, calamari isn't strictly Italian, but you'll find fantastic versions all along the coast. Just note that in most places, it isn't just squid but fried and battered varieties of different seafood.

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so head there if you want to try the best pie you've ever had. If your trip doesn't allow it, though, make sure to at least order a Pizza Neapolitan, which has tomatoes, mozzarella, and sometimes basil leaves and/or anchovies. 

Besides amazing food, Italy is also known to serve some of the best espresso in the world. This whipped coffee drink is made by combining cold, strong espresso with whipping cream to produce something between a mousse and gelato. It's typically served as a dessert post-dinner. 

As the name suggests, this is a shaken coffee drink. It is often mistaken for a cocktail as it is typically served in a martini glass. However, it is just cold coffee, shaken until foam forms and sweetened with simple syrup.

After espresso, Aperol is the widest-known drink to come out of Italy. The aperitif is made out of rhubarb and the flowers, cinchona and gentian. The spritz cocktail contains the alcohol, prosecco, bitters, and soda water.

The citrus version of Aperol! Lemon spritz is made with limoncello (an aperitif made out of lemons), prosecco, and soda water.

Neighboring France might be better known for pastries, but that doesn't mean the ones in Italy aren't top-notch! This is undoubtedly true for cannolis, small fried dough treats filled with ricotta, chocolate chips, or crushed pistachios.

Pasta is king in Italy, but Italy is also known for a good rice dish. Risotto is made by cooking rice in a broth (instead of just water) until it reaches a creamy consistency, similar to oatmeal. Seafood varieties can be found all along Italy’s coastline, usually containing squid, shrimp, mussels, and more!

These small, breadcrumb-coated fried rice balls also contain cheese and sometimes veggies or meat. They make a tasty appetizer or snack at apertivo!

Tiramisu is one of the most loved Italian desserts, and you need to order it at least once while in Italy. The cake is made of espresso-coated ladyfingers (Italian cookies) layered with a cream spread. It’s then coated in coco powder for maximum flavor.

Another popular dessert around the world, you'll have the best panna cotta of your life in Italy. You'll love this sweet treat even if you don't usually go for gelatin. The gelatin is combined with sweetened cream, forming a circular treat. It's usually flavored with vanilla or coffee and topped with fruit and syrups.

Originally from Northern Italy, you'll love the delicious but simple plate. Polenta is typically served in a form similar to grits alongside veggies.

In parts of Italy like Tuscany, truffles are abundant. Thus, it's a common ingredient in pasta dishes, which you'll usually find for much less than on American menus!

This is the most pizza-adjacent item on this list. And that’s only because focaccia in Italy is unlike any bread you've had before. This olive oil-infused bread is topped with fresh ingredients (usually locally sourced) to make an amazing flatbread.

It may sound bizarre to recommend you order a sandwich on your vacation. But trust me. Italian sandwiches are on another level. There are classics like caprese (with tomato, basil, and mozzarella) and panino (any cured meat with cheese, tomato, and arugula). But don't forget to try other specialties like a cuzzetiello (essentially a meatball sandwich from Naples) and tramezzino (soft white bread filled with a variety of ingredients such as tuna, olives, ham, and more.)

Italy is best known for pasta, but Italians also love gnocchi. Served with similar sauces and accompaniments to pasta, it makes for a nice change on the menu.

Another classic Italian dish that you’ll find on menus throughout the country. However, three different areas — Parma, Sicily, and Campania — claim to have invented it. So as long as you have it in one of those regions, it’s sure to be the best.