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Italian cuisine is beloved worldwide, and for good reason. With its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and deep culinary traditions, it’s hard to resist the allure of a great Italian meal. Whether you’re dining at a small family-owned trattoria or a high-end Italian restaurant, there are certain dishes that stand out as must-tries. Here, we’ll dive into three foods you should always consider ordering when visiting an Italian restaurant—and why they’re so iconic.

1. Pizza Margherita: Simplicity at Its Best

When people think of Italian cuisine, pizza is often the first thing that comes to mind. But not all pizzas are created equal, and the Pizza Margherita holds a special place in Italy’s culinary history. This dish, originating from Naples, is a celebration of simplicity and high-quality ingredients. The story goes that it was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in the late 19th century, with its ingredients meant to reflect the colors of the Italian flag: red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil.

A true Margherita pizza is a masterpiece of balance. The dough is made from just four ingredients—flour, water, salt, and yeast—and is stretched thin to achieve a light, slightly chewy crust with a bit of crispiness around the edges. The toppings are equally minimal yet powerful: San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella (preferably mozzarella di bufala), and fragrant basil leaves. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil ties it all together.

What makes this dish so special is its reliance on fresh, top-tier ingredients. There’s no hiding behind heavy sauces or elaborate toppings. It’s pure, honest food, and when done right, it’s nothing short of extraordinary. The next time you’re at an Italian restaurant, skip the overloaded pizzas with dozens of toppings and opt for a classic Margherita. It’s a lesson in the beauty of restraint.

2. Risotto alla Milanese: A Creamy, Luxurious Delight

Risotto is a staple of Northern Italian cuisine, and among its many variations, Risotto alla Milanese stands out as a quintessential dish. This creamy rice dish hails from Milan and is distinguished by its golden hue, which comes from the addition of saffron. Saffron, often referred to as the “gold of spices,” not only lends its vibrant color but also adds a subtle, earthy flavor that elevates the dish to something truly special.

The foundation of a good risotto is the rice itself. Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano are the preferred varieties, as they’re rich in starch, which gives risotto its characteristic creaminess. The process of making Risotto alla Milanese involves sautéing finely chopped onions in butter, toasting the rice to enhance its nutty flavor, and then gradually adding warm broth while stirring continuously. This technique ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the broth.

What sets Risotto alla Milanese apart is the final touch: a generous addition of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and a small amount of bone marrow, which gives the dish a luscious, velvety texture. The saffron is usually infused in a small amount of broth before being stirred into the risotto, allowing its flavor and color to disperse evenly.

This dish is more than just a side; it’s a culinary experience. Pair it with a robust glass of red wine or enjoy it alongside osso buco, a classic Milanese veal dish, for a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. If you’ve never tried Risotto alla Milanese, it’s time to change that. Trust me, it’s worth every creamy bite.

3. Tiramisu: The Quintessential Italian Dessert

No Italian meal is complete without a sweet ending, and tiramisu is the dessert that dreams are made of. This iconic treat, whose name translates to “pick me up,” is a harmonious blend of coffee, cocoa, mascarpone cheese, and ladyfingers. Its origins are debated, with several regions claiming to have invented it, but one thing is certain: it’s a dessert that has captured hearts worldwide.

Tiramisu is a layered dessert, and its success lies in the quality of its components. The base is made of savoiardi (ladyfinger biscuits) soaked in espresso, sometimes with a splash of coffee liqueur like Marsala or Amaretto for added depth. These coffee-infused biscuits are layered with a creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar, whipped to a light and airy consistency. The top is dusted generously with cocoa powder, adding a bittersweet note that perfectly balances the richness of the mascarpone.

What makes tiramisu so beloved is its perfect interplay of flavors and textures. The softness of the soaked ladyfingers contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the mascarpone mixture, while the cocoa provides a slight bitterness to counter the dessert’s sweetness. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but not overly heavy, making it the ideal conclusion to a hearty Italian meal.

If you see tiramisu on the menu, don’t hesitate. Order it. And if the restaurant makes it in-house (as all good Italian eateries should), you’re in for a real treat. Every bite is a celebration of Italian culinary artistry.

Final Thoughts

Italian cuisine is a treasure trove of incredible dishes, but Pizza Margherita, Risotto alla Milanese, and Tiramisu are three standouts that should always have a place at your table. These dishes showcase the diversity and depth of Italy’s culinary heritage, from the simplicity of Naples to the indulgence of Milan and the universal appeal of its desserts.

The next time you visit an Italian restaurant, remember to look beyond the familiar pasta dishes and give these classics a try. They’re more than just food; they’re a journey into the heart and soul of Italian culture. Buon appetito!

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