Traveling to Italy is an unforgettable experience; no trip to the country is complete without sampling some of the delicious street foods in Italy.
From classic pizzas and pasta to unexpected delicacies like a deep-fried calzone, the street foods in Italy are as diverse as the country itself.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best street foods in Italy and explore why they have become so popular with tourists and locals alike.
So, let’s dive in and discover a slice of Italy’s best street foods!
1. Piadina
The first on this list of street foods in Italy is Piadina. It is a traditional Italian flatbread sandwich, which can be found all over the streets of Italy.
The simple yet delicious dish is made with a soft, thin flatbread filled with fresh ingredients such as cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a satisfying meal, piadina is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s a popular choice among locals and tourists alike!
From restaurants to street carts, you’ll have no problem finding this tasty Italian street food throughout the country. Bon appetit!
2. Tramezzino Or Tramezzini
One of Italy’s most beloved street foods is the Tramezzino, also known as Tramezzini. This triangular Italian sandwich is usually filled with meats, cheeses, and/or vegetables.
It is often served on small, white bread and can be filled with a variety of different ingredients, depending on where you go in Italy.
The traditional Tramezzino consists of mortadella, prosciutto cotto, and olive spread.
This delicious snack is a great way to grab a quick bite while exploring the streets of Italy. It’s easy to find Tramezzini vendors in many of the cities throughout the country, and they are perfect for a quick lunch or an afternoon snack.
With its unique triangular shape, Tramezzino is sure to satisfy any appetite. So if you’re looking for a delicious, convenient way to enjoy some Italian street food, the Tramezzino should definitely be at the top of your list.
3. Farinata Di Ceci
Farinata di Ceci is a classic Italian street food that is popular throughout the country. It is a savory pancake made with chickpea flour and seasoned with herbs and spices. The batter is then cooked on a hot skillet until it forms a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Farinata di Ceci is typically served as a snack or appetizer and is a favorite among locals and tourists. Its delicious flavor and crispy texture make it an ideal choice for a quick bite on the go.
Whether you are in Italy or abroad, farinata di Ceci, one of the street foods in Italy, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
4. Lampredotto
Lampredotto is a type of tripe sandwich that is widely available as street food in Italy.
This dish is typically made with boiled and sliced cow tripe, onions, parsley, salt, black pepper, and a splash of tomato sauce. The ingredients are all placed between two slices of Tuscan-style bread.
While the flavor can be off-putting to some, this sandwich is popular among locals and can be found at many of the city’s street food vendors.
The classic Italian tripe sandwich is often served with a sprinkle of lemon juice or vinegar for added flavor.
Lampredotto has become one of the iconic street foods in Italy, and many cities offer different recipe variations.
In Florence, for example, lampredotto is served with salsa verde – a combination of garlic, capers, anchovies, parsley, and olive oil.
In other regions of Italy, lampredotto may be served with arugula, cheese, or gremolata – a mix of garlic, parsley, and lemon zest.
No matter how it’s served, lampredotto is a must-try street food in Italy!
5. Polpette
Polpette, or Italian meatballs, are delicious and popular street foods in Italy. This savory dish is made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, plus bread crumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, parsley, and seasonings.
The mixture is shaped into small balls, then deep-fried until golden brown. Polpette is typically served in a warm sandwich bun or on a bed of freshly cooked pasta.
Their juicy, succulent flavor makes them the perfect quick snack while exploring Italy’s streets.
These tasty morsels can be found in most Italian cities and towns, from Rome to Milan and beyond. Many Italian vendors specialize in creating unique flavors and recipes that make their polpette stand out.
Whether you opt for a classic polpette or try something new, you’ll surely enjoy every bite!
6. Olive All’ascolana
Olive All’ascolana is a typical Italian street food that is especially popular in the Marche region.
It is made by stuffing large green olives with a mixture of minced meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, and eggs.
The olives are then breaded and deep-fried until golden and crunchy. This delicious snack can be found at most street markets and food stalls in Italy.
Olive All’ascolana is an easy dish to make and has been around since the 1700s. It’s a great appetizer or snack and can be enjoyed with a glass of wine or beer.
Its unique taste and texture make it a memorable treat that will leave a lasting impression on any visitor to Italy.
Whether you’re exploring the cities or countryside, be sure to try this one of the traditional street foods in Italy.
7. Supplì
This is also on the list of the best street foods in Italy. The perfect accompaniment to supplì is a sweet and spicy tomato sauce that helps to balance out the flavors.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite on the go or enjoying them as part of a meal, supplì are sure to hit the spot!
8. Porchetta
Porchetta is a traditional Italian street food that is found in many cities and towns in Italy. This boneless pork roast is a deliciously succulent sandwich filling that is a favorite among locals.
The pork is seasoned with herbs, garlic, and fennel and slow-roasted until it is tender and juicy.
The fragrant aroma of the porchetta draws people from all around to try this mouthwatering dish. Served on a fresh roll or crusty baguette, it’s easy to see why porchetta has become one of the popular street foods in Italy.
In addition to its amazing flavor, porchetta is an economical meal choice for those looking for a quick, tasty snack.
The traditional porchetta sandwiches are typically quite affordable and can be enjoyed anytime, day or night.
For a more upscale experience, some restaurants offer more elaborate sandwiches that can include cheeses and other ingredients.
Porchetta sandwiches are a great way to experience the flavors of Italy while out and about in the city.
9. Pizza Alla Pala
Pizza Alla Pala is a unique, Roman-style pizza that Italians have enjoyed for centuries. This type of pizza is cooked directly on the hot bricks of a traditional wood-fired oven, giving it an incomparable smoky flavor and crispy crust.
Its thin base is loaded with generous amounts of tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms.
It is then cut into rectangular slices, making it a convenient street food snack to enjoy on the go. Pizza Alla Pala is a favorite among Italian street food lovers and has become a popular choice in pizzerias worldwide. Let’s continue with this list of amazingly awesome street foods in Italy.
10. Gelato
Gelato is one of the most beloved street foods in Italy. In Italy, it’s considered a snack, dessert, and even a meal.
As you walk through the streets, you’ll be overwhelmed by the array of flavors and colors found in the many gelaterias.
From classic flavors like chocolate and pistachio to more unusual varieties like rose petals and zabaione, the choices are endless.
To top it off, all gelato is served in freshly made waffle cones for an added crunch. So, why not take a break from sightseeing and indulge in one of Italy’s best-loved treats?
11. Sgagliozze
When it comes to street foods in Italy, sgagliozze is a must-try. These small pieces of fried polenta, a traditional Italian dish made with ground cornmeal, are popular throughout the country.
Fried until they are crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside, sgagliozze is often served with various sauces and toppings.
Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or a meal, these delicious morsels will surely delight your taste buds.
The process of making sgagliozze begins with boiling the polenta until it thickens and becomes soft. Then it is spread onto a board or platter and left to cool.
Once it has hardened, the polenta is cut into small rectangles and fried until golden. Depending on the region, you can find sgagliozze served with everything from parmesan cheese to spinach and ricotta.
Whichever way you choose to try it, this classic Italian street food is definitely worth a try!
12. Arrosticini
Arrosticini is one of the types of street food in Italy made from chunks of lamb threaded onto skewers. Originating from the Abruzzo region, this popular snack is enjoyed all over the country.
Grilled to perfection, the meat is served with a hint of seasoning and is often accompanied by a slice of lemon for added flavor.
Arrosticini is usually eaten with bread or as part of a larger meal. It is not difficult to find Arrosticini in Italy; small, mobile food carts line the streets, tempting passers-by with the tantalizing scent of grilled meat.
This snack is particularly popular among locals and tourists alike, offering a unique taste of Italy’s culture.
13. Calzone
Calzone, an oven-baked folded pizza, is also one of the popular street foods in Italy.
It has a unique shape with stuffed pizza dough on the outside and a variety of fillings on the inside, such as ricotta cheese, mozzarella, salami, ham, and vegetables.
The flavors are wrapped up in a semi-crisp pocket of dough, making it a delicious snack that’s easy to eat on the go.
This type of street food can be found throughout Italy and is a great way to experience Italian cuisine in a convenient and tasty way.
14. Panzerotti
When eating panzerotti on the street, it is important to choose a well-known and trusted vendor. This will ensure that the panzerotti is cooked properly and is of the highest quality.
The best place to find these tasty treats is in Italy’s cities and towns, where vendors sell them from their stands or carts.
If you happen to be traveling in Italy, be sure to try some of these delicious street foods in Italy.
15. Arancini
Crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, arancini are a great way to get your hands on some street foods in Italy.
A traditional arancino consists of a ball of rice which is then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown.
An additional coating of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese follows this. No visit to Italy is complete without sampling some delicious arancini.
Grab one from one of the many street vendors and enjoy the classic Italian flavors in this delightful snack!
16. Pani Ca Meusa
Pani Ca Meusa is a traditional street food found in the city of Palermo, Sicily. This sandwich consists of slices of spleen and lung that are fried and served on a sesame-topped roll.
This savory dish has become a favorite among visitors to the region and is now being enjoyed by people worldwide.
This unique street food combines the flavors of various regions of Italy, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Pani Ca Meusa can be made with either pork or beef and is often topped with ricotta cheese, parsley, and lemon juice.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable food experience in Italy, be sure to give Pani Ca Meusa, one of the street foods in Italy, a try!
17. Sfincione
Sfincione is an Italian square pizza that has become a staple of street foods in Italy. This classic dish features a thick, spongy crust topped with tomato sauce, oregano, anchovies, and cheese.
Its origins date back to the Sicilian town of Palermo, which is still enjoyed today. This delicious pizza can be found all over Italy, from street vendors to high-end restaurants.
No matter where you find it, sfincione is always delicious. The combination of anchovies and oregano gives it a unique flavor that pairs well with the savory toppings.
A generous sprinkle of cheese adds a creamy texture and brings out the flavors even more. It’s no wonder this Italian pizza is one of the most beloved street foods in the country!
18. Scaccia
Scaccia is a unique type of street food found in Sicily, Italy. It is a stuffed flatbread that is traditionally made with a dough made of flour, yeast, salt, and water.
The dough is then filled with cheese, tomatoes, and other ingredients and folded over to create a rectangular shape.
Scaccia is cooked in a wood-fired oven and served hot or cold. It is a delicious snack that is often enjoyed on the go by those traveling through Sicily.
If you are looking for an authentic Sicilian experience, try ordering some Scaccia from one of the many street vendors in Sicily.
You won’t regret it! Whether it’s your first time trying this delicious treat or you’re an old fan, it’s sure to satisfy your hunger and give you a true taste of the street foods in Italy.
19. Cannoli
Cannoli is likewise one of the most beloved street foods in Italy. It is a tube-shaped shell pastry that is typically filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta cheese filling and then sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Originating from Sicily, this classic Italian dessert has been around for centuries and can now be found in many Italian cities.
The shells are deep fried and then filled with ricotta filling, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Cannoli is an easy snack to find on the streets of Italy, making it a great treat for anyone looking for a quick bite to eat.
20. Stigghiola
Stigghiola is a street food found in Italy that consists of grilled intestines of either lamb or veal. It is typically served with lemon and salt and is considered one of Italy’s most popular street foods.
The intestines are marinated overnight with garlic, parsley, olive oil, and other herbs before being cooked on a charcoal grill.
Additionally, the flavor is unique and savory and has become a staple dish throughout the regions of Sicily and Sardinia.
Stigghiola is a great way to sample traditional street foods in Italy while exploring the streets of the many cities throughout the country.
Conclusion
From the fragrant focaccia of Genoa to the crunchy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside supplì of Rome, the street foods in Italy are as varied and delicious as their regions.
Whether you’re looking for a snack on the go or a quick lunch while exploring the sights, Italy’s street food is an essential part of the Italian experience.
In this blog post, we discussed some of the most popular street foods in Italy and how you can find them wherever you go in the country!
