A world-renowned cuisine that is beloved by many (including Italians themselves), it’s safe to say that there are few things as integral to Italian culture as food. While there are great Italian-inspired eateries across the globe, you might find yourself traveling to Italy in the near future, and thus bound to enjoy all the great food the country has to offer. Whether this is your case, or perhaps you just want to learn more Italian, today, we’ll be taking a look at must-know Italian words related to food and drink. Learn more information by reading below!
Basic Foods to Know
English | Italian
pizza | la pizza
pasta | la pasta
ice cream | il gelato (note that it is made differently from ice cream in the US or UK)
bread | il pane
soup | il minestra
fish | il pesce
chicken | il pollo
cheese | il formaggio
ham | il prosciutto (note that it is prepared differently and typically sliced thinner than ham in the US or UK)
Drinks to Know About
English | Italian
wine | il vino
beer | la birra
coffee | il caffe (note that this will usually be interpreted as an espresso shot in most Italian eateries)
tea | il te
water | l’acqua
cappucino | il cappucino
aperol spritz | l’aperol spritz
Italian Meals to Know About While You’re There
These are common meals served in Italy that you may want to know about (and try) during your visit.
Carbonara is a pasta dish that is made with cheese, eggs, pork, and black pepper. It is typically prepared with either parmigiano reggiano or pecorino romano cheese and either guanciale or pancetta.
Pizza Margherita is pizza in its truest form, originating from the city of Naples apparently in the late 19th century. Typically made with a tomato paste, fresh mozzarella, and basil, this is a dish you’ll certainly want to try in Italy.
Looking for Elegant Italian-Inspired Food in Boston’s North End?
Visit us at Nico Boston, located at 417 Hanover Street in the city’s historic North End. Make a reservation with us or give us a call at 617-742-0404
