People tend to order the same thing they always do in restaurants. We love familiarity, which is great, however, it leaves little room for adventure and exploration. Italian restaurant-goers are no different. People tend to gravitate to the reliable choices: carbonara, pizza Margherita, and beef lasagne to name a few.
However, Italian cuisine is bursting with variety. There’s a lot to explore, and given Italian cuisine’s philosophy on using few ingredients, people would be surprised to learn the endless culinary possibilities Italian food offers.
We’ve curated a guide on lesser-known yet defining Italian dishes diners must try immediately. You’ll likely find each of these in an Italian restaurant menu.
Popular dishes people immediately think of when it comes to Italian cuisine include includes:
These dishes have earned their place as symbols of Italy’s culinary heritage. Yet, beyond these staples lies an even wider range of flavours waiting to be discovered.
Italian cuisine is full of regional specialities. Some of these dishes might not be as familiar as those mentioned above, but sampling them helps deepen appreciation for authentic Italian cooking.
Below are some must-try options for diners who want to explore beyond popular choices.
A decadent dish that showcases the elegance of southern Italian cuisine, Pasta con Bisque di Aragosta features handmade pasta coated in a rich lobster bisque sauce.
Here at Pasta Fresca, our bisque di aragosta is served with handmade pasta, so that the flavor locks in and is well-absorbed by every strand.
The sauce blends lobster shells, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs to create a velvety base bursting with seafood flavour. Often finished with a touch of cream and fresh parsley, this dish celebrates the sea’s natural flavours in an expertly prepared dish.
From the Piedmont region comes Vitello Tonnato, a cold dish made of thinly sliced veal served with a smooth sauce of tuna, capers, and anchovies.
It may sound unusual, but the pairing works beautifully. The creamy tuna sauce adds depth and a subtle saltiness to the tender veal. This dish is a savoury balance of rich and fresh flavours.
It’s often served as part of an antipasti selection.
Seafood lovers will recognise Frutti di Mare, meaning “fruits of the sea.”
This dish combines fresh seafood such as mussels, prawns, squid, and clams with pasta tossed in a light tomato sauce. The sauce is typically made from San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and white wine, creating a fragrant and briny flavour.
Though Frutti di Mare sauce is typically served with pasta, it can also be infused with risotto to appeal to popular Asian taste buds. Here at Pasta Fresca, we serve pizza and risotto variations of Frutti di Mare.
A Roman speciality, Carciofi alla Romana (Roman-style artichokes) are braised in olive oil, garlic, and herbs. The artichokes become tender, absorbing the herbal aroma and nutty notes of the oil. Served warm, it makes an excellent vegetarian side that pairs beautifully with grilled fish or roasted meat.
A Sicilian favourite, Pasta alla Norma brings together aubergines (or eggplants), tomato sauce, ricotta salata, and fresh basil. It’s light yet satisfying, offering a balance of sweet tomato, creamy cheese, and smoky aubergine. The dish pays homage to Sicily’s farming traditions and love for fresh vegetables.
Think of Pasta alla Norma like the meaty ragù bolognese, but instead of meat, it relies on eggplants for its chunkiness.
Unlike the familiar tomato-based pizzas, Pizza Bianca is a “white pizza” that skips tomato sauce entirely. Instead, it features olive oil, mozzarella, and ricotta, hence its white colour. This gives pizza bianca a creamy, salty profile.
It’s then topped with standard pizza toppings, such as mushrooms and pepperoni.
Ravioli tartufo, also known as truffle ravioli, features delicate pasta parcels stuffed with cheese (often ricotta), then finished in a luxurious truffle cream sauce. It’s perfect for diners who want something comforting and a little bit fancy.
Here at Pasta Fresca, our Ravioli Di Burrata E Tartufo is made with burrata cheese, black truffles, and truffle caviar for an elevated refinement.
One of southern Italy’s most beloved vegetarian dishes, Parmigiana di Melanzane layers fried eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, all baked until bubbling (at least, that’s how we make it in Pasta Fresca).
It’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with authentic flavours. Many diners describe it as an Italian-style lasagna without the pasta sheets, since it utilises eggplant instead.
A Sicilian street-food favourite, Arancini are deep-fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella, risotto, and herbs. They’re a lot like mozzarella sticks, except they have more mass and tend to be more complex. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a rich, savoury centre.
Here at Pasta Fresca, our arancini are served with spicy arrabbiata sauce, staying true to Italian cooking.
Arancini make for great antipasti, and are a perfect way to start your meal.
To end your meal, try Tartufo, a classic Italian dessert made from ice cream or gelato encased in a chocolate shell.
Some versions include a cherry or nut-filled centre, offering a delightful contrast in texture. Its name means “truffle,” reflecting its resemblance to the prized delicacy. Our tartufo here at Pasta Fresca is a new addition to our menu. It’s a gelato encased in a hard chocolate shell for a hard, smooth outside and a creamy inside.
Italian food tells stories of regional culture. From the seafood-rich dishes of the south to the buttery risottos of the north, each plate reflects the region’s resources and traditions. As such, Italians are passionate about preserving their food, as it also means preserving their culture.
Even abroad, Italian chefs in Singapore continue this legacy. Authentic Italian restaurants with a passion for the craft, like us here at Pasta Fresca, source ingredients directly from Italy. These ingredients include Italy-grown produce such as San Marzano tomatoes, to imported Italian wines.
If you’re searching for authentic Italian flavours in Singapore, explore authentic Italian restaurants today. Pasta Fresca stands out for its commitment to handmade pasta and traditional culinary practices that capture the soul of Italy. Our chefs utilise fresh, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that respect Italy’s heritage.
Whether it’s lunch with friends, a family dinner, or a special celebration, dining at an Italian restaurant offers more than just food; it’s also an exploration of Italian culture.
Contact us today and organise an event with your friends! Or book a reservation for your family’s trip out.
Authentic Italian cuisine utilises fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking methods. This means handmade pasta instead of dried ones, as well as fresh ingredients instead of canned ones. The focus is on simplicity, and with this simplicity, each ingredient should be as fresh as possible, letting the dish shine rather than masking it with heavy sauces or spices.
Northern Italian cuisine tends to use butter, cream, and rice, with dishes like risotto and polenta being common. Southern Italian cuisine, especially from regions like Naples and Sicily, focuses more on olive oil, tomatoes, and seafood. The flavours are often lighter and more vibrant.
Traditional Italian pizzas, especially those from Naples, are made in wood-fired ovens to achieve a crisp yet chewy crust. However, some restaurants use modern ovens that replicate this effect while offering more control over temperature and timing.
Wine plays a key role in Italian dining. It’s not just a drink but a complement to food. The right wine enhances the meal’s flavours, whether it’s a crisp white with seafood or a bold red with pasta.
Restaurants like Pasta Fresca are known for their commitment to authentic Italian recipes, handmade pasta, and traditional flavours. Many of their ingredients are sourced directly from Italy to maintain quality and taste. You can find restaurants such as these through a quick directory search.
