In a top 10 comparison by foodies all over the world, Italy ranked number one in a list of countries with the best cuisine. This of course should not be all that surprising, considering the fact that famous chefs such as Mario Batali have gone so far as to study there. Batali was in fact so impressed with Italy that he has become an expert not only on culinary dishes typical of the area but on Italy’s history as well.

While not providing the slightest thing about how to make them, that’s why people visit areas known for their culinary delights after all, below you will find an exploration of Italy’s top mouthwatering dishes.

So Many Delights, So Little Time!

Of course you realize, after reading this, you’re probably going to have to head for the kitchen and whip up your favorite pasta dish! But pasta isn’t all you will find in the way of tasty treats in Italy. It is however exceedingly hard to avoid, and is included in the top Italian favorites. Not surprisingly, cheese is a main ingredient in many of the following Italian dishes as well. And where would any Italian meal be without Italian bread? Regardless, get your taste buds ready and your imagination revved up for Italy’s top five scrumptious treats.

Cappuccino

Cappuccino

Cappuccino

While not necessarily a meal, this foamy delight isn’t just for breakfast anymore. Quite the contrary in fact, cappuccino is one of Italy’s staples come morning, noon and night. You may think you’ve had cappuccino but until you’ve had it in Italy, everything else is just a ‘wanna be’. Thus, its popularity as a midday snack makes it more than simply something to drink with a meal.

Beer pate

Weren’t expecting that, were you? But it’s not the kind of beer you’re thinking of in all likelihood. You might even find yourself making a not so pleasant face when you read just exactly what Italy is doing with beer these days. It’s creamy, it’s smooth, it’s spreadable beer. See, you made that face, didn’t you? Frequently you can find walnuts and cheese on the side and because the beer itself is actually combined with chocolate – that makes it perfect for pouring over ice cream, covering creeps or even spreading on your morning toast.

Saltimbocca

Saltimbocca

Saltimbocca

For the lover of veal, this main course combines wine, butter, capers, oil, prosciutto and sage, thereby giving the veal a most distinct taste. You may find a couple different versions of this depending on where you stop for dinner.

bruschetta

Bruschetta

Bruschetta

Though only an appetizer, this tasty treat is not to be missed when strolling through the streets of Italy. A luscious topping covers a roasted blend of cheese, meat, tomatoes, bean, vegetables, red peppers, salt, pepper, garlic, olive oil (extra virgin of course) and bread. All these flavors play together in perfect harmony.

Spaghetti

Spaghetti

Spaghetti (Or Your Favorite Pasta Dish)

The meal for the person that doesn’t know what to have for a meal! Don’t be surprised if you hear someone call the sauce for your spaghetti ‘gravy’ and make sure that you mop up every bit of that gravy with the aforementioned Italian bread. If tomato sauce doesn’t trip your trigger the Alfredo in Italy is enough to spoil your taste buds for life – must be the cheese. And no meal is a meal without a glass of wine. At least not in Italy. For those who want to shake up their spaghetti ask for it Alla Carbonara – truly an entire meal in itself.

And don’t bother asking an Italian where the best food in town is either, because you’ll end up at their Mamma’s!