Italian food is loved everywhere for a reason. Here are the ten dishes that made its reputation, from pizza and pasta to tiramisu and cannoli, with my recommended versions of each.

1. Pizza

The most famous Italian food in the world. Born in Italy, now a staple everywhere, and endlessly customizable with toppings. Related: How to make the perfect pizza at home.

I recommend: Neapolitan Pizza, Sicilian Pizza, Pizza Margherita, Pizza Quattro Stagioni, Pizza Capricciosa.

Pizza topped with mortadella, pistachio, and burrata.
My current favorite: pizza with mortadella, pistachio, and burrata.

2. Pasta

Pasta comes in countless shapes and sauces, served as a main course or part of a larger meal. It is the backbone of Italian cooking. Related: How to make the perfect pasta at home.

I recommend: Spaghetti Carbonara, Fettuccine Alfredo, Penne Arrabbiata, Linguine with Clam Sauce, Farfalle with Pesto.

A plate of truffle cheese pasta.
You cannot go wrong with truffle cheese pasta.

3. Gelato

Italy’s frozen dessert, made with milk, cream, and sugar and flavored with fruit or other ingredients. Smoother and denser than ice cream, and the right answer on a hot day.

I recommend: Pistachio Gelato, Stracciatella Gelato, Hazelnut Gelato, Lemon Sorbetto, Tiramisu Gelato.

Scoops of pistachio gelato.

4. Risotto

Rice cooked slowly with broth, wine, and other ingredients until creamy. Served as a main or a side, and flavored with vegetables, meat, or seafood.

I recommend: Risotto alla Milanese, Seafood Risotto, Mushroom Risotto, Risotto al Nero di Seppia, Pumpkin Risotto.

A plate of Risotto alla Milanese.

5. Bruschetta

Grilled bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Simple, perfect for sharing, and the classic way to open a meal.

I recommend: Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil, Bruschetta with Prosciutto and Fig, Bruschetta with Olive Tapenade, Bruschetta with Ricotta and Honey, Bruschetta with Roasted Peppers.

Bruschetta topped with tomato and basil.

6. Tiramisu

Layers of ladyfingers and mascarpone soaked in espresso and liqueur, topped with cocoa powder. Rich, creamy, and the dessert Italians bring out for special occasions.

I recommend: Classic Tiramisu, Strawberry Tiramisu, Tiramisu with Mixed Berries, Chocolate Tiramisu, Lemon Tiramisu.

A slice of classic tiramisu dusted with cocoa.

7. Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. A favorite Italian street food.

I recommend: Arancini with Mozzarella, Arancini with Bolognese Sauce, Arancini with Mushrooms, Arancini with Spinach and Ricotta, Arancini with Truffle Oil.

Arancini filled with mozzarella, one cut open.

8. Carbonara

A creamy pasta made with eggs, cheese, bacon, and black pepper. Few ingredients, big result, and it works with many pasta shapes.

I recommend: Classic Carbonara, Carbonara with Pancetta, Carbonara with Chicken, Vegetarian Carbonara, Carbonara with Peas.

A plate of spaghetti carbonara.

9. Lasagna

Layers of pasta, meat or vegetables, and cheese, baked until hot and bubbly. Hearty, satisfying, and made for sharing.

I recommend: Classic Meat Lasagna, Vegetarian Lasagna, Seafood Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo Lasagna, Lasagna Bolognese.

A slice of classic meat lasagna.

10. Cannoli

A deep-fried pastry shell filled with sweetened ricotta, often topped with chocolate chips or candied fruit. A traditional treat for celebrations.

I recommend: Classic Cannoli, Chocolate Cannoli, Pistachio Cannoli, Lemon Cannoli, Cannoli with Ricotta and Chocolate Chips.

Classic cannoli filled with sweetened ricotta.

This is the food I grew up on, watching my Nonna cook Sunday feasts in her kitchen, and it is why I share easy Italian recipes on this blog. Start anywhere on this list; you cannot really go wrong.