Traditional Italian dishes vary from region to region. Here are a few examples of iconic Italian dishes that you may find also outside of Italy.
Ossobuco alla milanese is a well-known Italian dish cooked from veal shanks that are cross-cut so as to include the bone. This is where the name ossobuco comes from – bone with a hole.

Saltimbocca alla romana is a classic dish from Rome. It is prepared with thin slices of veal, prosciutto and fresh sage.

Polenta is made from stone grounded corn. Basically it is yellow cornmeal that is cooked slowly to a creamy consistency. The Italian nonna would spend considerably more time on preparing polenta than what it says on the package in the grocery store.

Arancini di riso are small balls of risotto, that are covered in breadcrumbs and then deep-fried until they are golden and crispy.

La Pergola in Rome is by some rated as one of the worlds most beautiful restaurant. This is the only restaurant in Rome with three Michelin Stars and serves an exquisite gourmet menu.

At Il Palagio in Florence you can taste the best of what Italian cuisine has to offer with a several courses menu, as is the Italian way.
Club del Doge Restaurant in Venice overlooks the Grand Canal. If you plan a visit from May to October you may be able to book a table on the terrace for a spectacular view during your meal.

If you love famous restaurants with a beautiful setting and an amazing view, Il Pellicano at the Tuscan coast is one of all the places where you can watch both the ocean and celebrities.

The list of famous Italian restaurants could be much longer. Use Cova circle app to find restaurant reviews that are aligned with your interests and preferences or simply ask your circle of friends for recommendations.

Street food is often the best way to get to know a culture. Italian street food would not really be Italian without some sort of pizza, which you buy in the form of a slice or "pizza al tagio". In some places, the small deep-fried rice balls, Arancini mentioned earlier, also a popular kind of street food.

Piadina is a kind of flatbread where you decide the filling – cheese, vegetables, charcuteries and so on. Panelle, a Sicilian street food, are a kind of fritters made from chickpea flour.
Panzerotti look like mini calzones due to their crescent shape. They are filled with mozzarella and tomatoes and seasoned with oregano.
Search our app for spot on reviews of the best street food, curated by your friends.

In some places, especially in the big cities such as Rome and Florence, there are local bloggers who can guide you to the best culinary experiences. However, Italy is full of hidden gems, unique places and restaurants where you may have a food experience of a lifetime.

Nova Circle app is your social app for discovering new countries and places – where to eat, stay, do and drink. Join our community and help us craft a unique archive of exceptional experiences and share your own explorations with your friends.