It's no secret that Italy is still a top contender when it comes to food. International cuisine would not be complete without the bragging rights of trying its most traditional dishes by a foodie. Even with these bragging rights, though, not every dish in Italy lives up to the hype. Despite its deeply-rooted food culture, this doesn't always mean that everything is worth trying - or that travelers are seeking out the right foods, to begin with.
The advantage of going to Reddit in search of must-try Italian foods is that with a mix of brutal honesty and experience, travelers are bound to walk away with a solid guide.
How Does Reddit Feel About Italian Food, As A Whole?
There will always be those who consider Italy's food to be slightly overrated just on principle alone. It's a cuisine - arguably one of the most popular - that has made its way around the world, which means that comparison is a natural part of the process. One thing that Reddit says travelers shouldn't do is to compare the Italian food from their favorite restaurant to what they might be trying overseas.
For starters, Italy's food is made with fresh ingredients and, contrary to popular belief, this doesn't always mean two garlic heads each to one dish. The proof is in the pudding or, in this case, in things like the country's olive oil: It's simple, untainted, natural, and spruced up simply with some spices, salt, and pepper.
Another facet of Italy's food that's well-loved is its coffee and espresso. Foodies traveling to Italy should not miss out on hitting at least one local cafe if only to experience the pure joy that is a perfect caffeinated wake-up call.
Another Reddit user offers up the advice to know which type of restaurant a traveler is dining in:
As a general rule of thumb, this is also great advice since the type of restaurant often has a bearing on the menu. Those walking into a trattoria expecting a five-star, near-Michelin dish might be sorely disappointed, while those walking into an osteria bar expecting a full dinner course will leave still feeling hungry.
And, finally, some advice on the wine in Italy:
Visitors to Italy might automatically think they need to go for a high-priced bottle of wine when, in reality, this is not the case in a country with so many regional vineyards. The flavor and quality of the wine can also make a significant impact on the flavor of the dish, so it's important to go with server suggestions or just do some research beforehand.
Now, What Dining Out In Italy, Specifically?
It might go without saying that when visiting Italy, it's best to avoid hotspots that are located near tourist attractions. While there might be some really great restaurants in the area, travelers are better off taking their chances on a place that doesn't have an English translation in the window, according to one Reddit user.
Another tip is to go for the smaller places that might be off the beaten path. Whereas many people opt for lavish pasta dishes and foods they can hardly pronounce (which, of course, is to be expected!) it's important to remember Italy's comfort foods, as well. Dishes such as:
- Simple sandwiches
- Pizza
- Arancini (rice balls)
- Fresh pastries such as cannoli
- Simple pasta dishes
Don't Shy Away From Unusual Dishes
Many top recommendations for dining in Italy also included trying things that might be out of one's comfort zone. For example, a tripe sandwich, as recommended by one user:
For those who don't know, tripe is the edible stomach lining of an animal, usually cow but also pigs and sheep. When cooked properly, it can be tender, flavorful, and perfect on a sandwich for a quick meal. Additionally, a ribollita is a homemade soup that's anything but fancy and, traditionally, is made with leftovers! It's a simple soup that's made with a blend of vegetables and seasonings in a tomato-based broth with classic Tuscan flavors.
As far as simple pasta dishes, pizzoccheri is certainly one of them. While visions of truffle-laced sauces and seasonal ravioli dishes dance in a traveler's head, the more laid-back pasta dishes should not be discounted. When it comes down to it, Italy's food is made with fresh ingredients that are meant to shine through - this is what sets the cuisine apart from many. Ingredients such as cheese, butter, and vegetables are likely made and grown domestically, which makes all the difference.
Even something like escarole and beans - apparently! - can be a crowd-pleaser if done right. The consensus is that when visiting Italy, it's not the caliber or status of the dish, but how it's made and how simple it can be.