Italian restaurants are famous for their focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and their ability to combine simplicity with rich, complex flavours. One of the mainstays of Italian cuisine is pasta, available in countless forms and served with a variety of sauces, from classic marinara to creamy carbonara. Pizza, especially Neapolitan pizza with its thin base and slightly burnt edges, is another essential, prepared in wood-fired ovens to achieve the perfect texture.
Antipasti, or appetizers, include a variety of options such as bruschetta, carpaccio and a selection of cheeses and charcuterie, offering a delicious prelude to the main meal. Italian salads, such as caprese, stand out for the freshness of their ingredients: tomato, buffalo mozzarella and basil, dressed with extra virgin olive oil.
In the main courses, meat and fish dishes are prepared simply and enhanced with fresh herbs and light sauces. Risotto, creamy and full of flavour, is another speciality, cooked slowly for the perfect texture. Italian wines, from a robust Chianti to a bubbly Prosecco, perfectly complement the flavours of the food.
Italian desserts are the finishing touch to a delicious meal. Tiramisu, with its layers of mascarpone and coffee, and panna cotta, smooth and creamy, are popular choices. In addition, the attention to detail and warmth of service in Italian restaurants make for a memorable dining experience.