--- title: Intro to Italian Cuisine description: Though it needs no introduction as a world-renowned cuisine, you may be surprised by how different Italian food in Italy is from Italian food in other countries image: https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/DSC_4529-1.jpg --- [![JCULogo1](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo1.png?width=300&height=80&name=JCULogo1.png "JCULogo1")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) [![JCULogo2](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo2.png?width=300&height=82&name=JCULogo2.png "JCULogo2")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) - [Undergraduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/undergraduate) - [Graduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/graduate) - [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/study-abroad) - [Italian](https://blog.johncabot.edu/it/blog) - [Website](https://www.johncabot.edu/) - Filter By Topics - Scegli Il Topic # Intro to Italian Cuisine August 21, 2017 SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life/intro-italian-cuisine](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life/intro-italian-cuisine) ![](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/DSC_4529-1.jpg) SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life/intro-italian-cuisine](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life/intro-italian-cuisine) ![Gillian McMurray](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/gillian.jpg) Written By [Gillian McMurray](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/gillian-mcmurray) Topic [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/student-life) The quickest way to discover and fall in love with Italy is at the table. Italian cuisine prides itself on simple delicious combinations of the freshest available ingredients. Each region is proud to have its own locally grown ingredients, traditional recipes, and local specialties. Dining is a social time, when friends and family get together to tell stories, joke around, and enjoy each other’s company and the great food they share. Often, [when people think of "Italian" food](https://admissions.johncabot.edu/student-life/italian-life/5-myths-italy/), they think of super cheesy, ingredient-stuffed pizza and heavy cream-sauce pastas with a pile of garlic bread on the side. On the contrary, the essence of Italian cooking is simplicity. The first thing to know about Italian cuisine is the quality of the ingredients. Italians pride themselves on the freshness of their ingredients, and use basic cooking techniques to simply enhance the natural flavors of the food. That is the reason why, in almost all authentic restaurants in Italy, menus change on a monthly or even daily basis depending on which vegetables are in season or what fish was caught that day. Students who study abroad in Rome will notice an abundance of outdoor markets all throughout the city with the freshest fruits and vegetables on display. Freshly made pasta is also a pride of the Italian people, sometimes made in the restaurant's kitchen and sometimes bought down the street from the *pastificio.* The second thing to know about Italian cuisine is that there really is no such thing as Italian cuisine. In fact, [Italy’s cuisine is extremely regional](https://admissions.johncabot.edu/study-abroad/roman-food-then-and-now-a-tasteful-take-on-classical-studies-in-rome/) – each part of the country cooks something that no other region cooks. This is due, in part, to the country’s relatively short history as a unified nation, as well as the fact that different regions grow different crops and keep different livestock. For example, classic spaghetti with tomato sauce and minced beef - *spaghetti alla bolognese* - is from Bologna, in the Emilia-Romagna region. You may be able to find it in Rome, but it just won't be as good as it would be in Bologna. So, when you’re traveling to different parts of Italy, try the daily special or ask your waiter what local specialties are available and in season. You’ll often be happily surprised with what is served to you, and if you aren’t, it will make for a great story! Now that we have the basics down, let’s talk about a typical Italian menu, and what to order in a traditional Italian restaurant. An Italian meal starts out with *antipasti* – appetizers. Some of the most common appetizers you’ll find in Rome, when they’re in season, are *carciofi alla romana*, artichokes stuffed with olive oil, garlic, parsley and mint; *carciofi alla giudia*, fried artichokes; *supplì*, balls of rice stuffed with mozzarella and tomato sauce; and *prosciutto e melone, *prosciutto ham wrapped around slices of cantaloupe. After that comes *i primi*  – first dishes – which will usually be either pasta or risotto. ![italian pasta, open air market in rome, Italian cuisine, Italian food, food markets in Rome, italian food culture, study abroad in rome, JCU](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/12983831_1308139009203492_2835300134361091982_o-300x200-1.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=12983831_1308139009203492_2835300134361091982_o-300x200-1.jpg)In Rome, you’ll find a wide variety of pastas, but the three Roman "classics" are *amatriciana*, tomato sauce with *pancetta* and onions; *carbonara*, an egg-based sauce also made with *pancetta*, and the simple but delicious *cacio e pepe*, with lots of *pecorino* cheese, freshly grated pepper, and oil. You’ll no doubt find your favorite type of pasta during your time in Rome, but don’t be afraid to try a new one each time. [Check the daily specials and ask what the waiter recommends.](https://admissions.johncabot.edu/student-life/italian-life/5-dishes-you-must-try-during-your-stay-in-rome/) The second dishes – *i secondi* – are the meat and fish dishes. If you’re having a traditional Italian meal you will order both a *primo* and a *secondo*, but don’t feel that you have to if you aren’t hungry enough or don’t have enough time. Italian meals are not to be rushed! One of the typical Roman meat dishes you’ll find in restaurants throughout the city is *saltimbocca alla romana*, which loosely translates to “jump in the mouth”. It is a dish of veal wrapped in prosciutto. ![Pizza in Rome, open air market in rome, Italian cuisine, Italian food, food markets in Rome, italian food culture, study abroad in rome, JCU](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/11057485_1262109793806414_2275721718463048522_o-300x200.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=11057485_1262109793806414_2275721718463048522_o-300x200.jpg) Alternatively, you may find yourself in a pizzeria. YUM. There are various types of pizzerias, from those serving thin, charred-crust Roman-style, to those who offer fluffy, doughy Neapolitan-style, to pizza counters steaming with freshly made *pizza* *al taglio* (by the slice). You'll come across pizza with ingredients you might find strange (potatoes? shrimp?) but each and every slice will be finger-licking good, we promise. Last, but certainly not least, *i dolci* - sweets. An Italian meal isn't over until something sweet has hit the tongue. Whether you go the light and fresh route with seasonal fruit, or something more rich, you will not be without options. *Tiramisu*, *crostata* (a thin pie with jam), and *pannacotta* are just some you'll find in restaurants in Rome. Again, each region has a specialty that should be tasted whenever you travel. These are the first few in the infinite list of Italian desserts, so [make sure to try as many as you can while you're there. ](https://admissions.johncabot.edu/student-life/italian-life/italian-cuisine-italian-culture/3-authentic-lazio-desserts-to-try-while-you-study-in-italy/)If you're a coffee drinker, don't forget to accompany your dessert with a nice, strong Italian espresso - it just hits the spot after a big meal. Otherwise, you can end the experience with a *digestivo*, a tiny glass of digestive liqueur that will help that meal go down smoothly. One of the best ways to learn about Italian cuisine is to take part in the [activities and trips offered by JCU each semester](http://www.johncabot.edu/student-services/activities-trips.aspx). From [wine-tasting](https://admissions.johncabot.edu/degree-seeking/day-trip-to-montalcino/) and [Italian cooking classes](https://admissions.johncabot.edu/student-life/study-abroad-student-claire-donnelly-jcu-cooking-classes/) to [olive oil tasting](https://admissions.johncabot.edu/student-life/italian-life/student-travel/jcu-day-trip-olive-oil-harvest-and-tasting/) and the Eating Italy Food Tour, you'll have many opportunities to get an authentic taste of Italy. Interested in reading more? Check out our blog on the [Top Tips for Dining in Italy (or how to not look like a tourist)](https://admissions.johncabot.edu/student-life/italian-life/eat-like-an-italian-or-nine-things-you-shouldnt-do-in-rome-if-you-dont-want-to-be-seen-as-a-tourist/)! ![JCU alumna](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/NRP_1053-300x200-1.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=NRP_1053-300x200-1.jpg)   Gillian McMurray JCU Class of 2017 Communications Major Hometown: Chicago, USA [Previous Post](https://blog.johncabot.edu/degree-seeking/alumni-spotlight-david-guillermo-murphy-pineda-class-2015?hsLang=en) [View all posts](https://blog.johncabot.edu) [Next Post](https://blog.johncabot.edu/degree-seeking/life-after-graduation-isabella-barletta?hsLang=en) ### Subscribe Here! ### Recommended Reading [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-life?hsLang=en) ##### [Staying Active While Studying Abroad at John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/staying-active-studying-rome?hsLang=en) By [Lauren Brondyke](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/lauren-brondyke) / May 22, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/staying-active-studying-rome?hsLang=en) [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-life?hsLang=en) ##### [Top 3 Student Clubs to Join at John Cabot University in Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life-clubs-jcu-rome?hsLang=en) By [Elba Maria Peña](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/elba-maria-peña) / May 8, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life-clubs-jcu-rome?hsLang=en) [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-life?hsLang=en) ##### [John Cabot University’s Campuses in Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/campuses-rome?hsLang=en) By [John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/jcuadmissions) / May 6, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/campuses-rome?hsLang=en) ### Subscribe and stay up to date ### Subscribe and stay up to date - [Academics](https://www.johncabot.edu/academics/default.aspx) - [Admissions](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/default.aspx) - [Student Life](https://www.johncabot.edu/student-life/default.aspx) - [About JCU](https://www.johncabot.edu/about-jcu/default.aspx) - [Studenti Italiani](https://www.johncabot.edu/universita-americana/default.aspx) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JohnCabotUniversity) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/JohnCabotRome) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/school/john-cabot-university/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/JohnCabotUniversity) - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/johncabotuniversity) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/phone.svg) [+39066819121](tel:+39066819121) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/email.svg) [admissions@johncabot.edu](mailto:admissions@johncabot.edu) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/address.svg) Via della Lungara 233 00165 Rome, Italy [©](https://a.cms.omniupdate.com/11/?skin=oucampus&account=john-cabot&site=www&action=de&path=/default.pcf) 2025 John Cabot University ### Request Info »