Get ready to say delizioso when you try these top Italian foods that you can find in the Queen City of the South!
Italy is a place where architecture and romance meet. But, it could take up to Php 60,000.00 for a flight going there, so, instead of paying for a plane ticket, why not discover the different areas in Cebu where you can experience a glimpse of Italy?
We’ve rounded up the best Italian foods that you can find, not only in Italy, but also here in Cebu:
1. Pizza
Pizza is a staple in Italian cuisines. Served as a snack, it is the perfect combination of creamy cheese, sweet and tangy tomato sauce, tasty meat, and crispy wood-fired dough.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST ITALIAN PIZZA:
There are several restaurants that serve pizza but the top-rated places to buy a slice are at Pizzeria Michelangelo, Acqua at Shangri-La Mactan, Casanta Secret Garden, Giovanni’s Pizza, and Tavolata. According to pizza aficionados, their pizzas tasted authentic and are worth trying!
2. Pasta
Similar to how us Filipinos love our white rice as to how Italians love their pasta to the point where they have over 350 pasta shapes to choose from! However, among all the pastas, the spaghetti remained to be the supreme shape.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST ITALIAN PASTA:
You can try out Italian pasta dishes in Anzani, La Buona Forchetta Da Paolo, and Antica Osteria. And the best part is that they serve different flavors and types of pasta so you’ll get to have the whole Italian experience: from simple spaghetti aglio e olio to the tasty pasta alla gricia!
3. Arancini
Also known as Italian rice balls, this bite-sized dish is stuffed with delicious mozzarella cheese and coated in breadcrumbs, which is then deep fried to make a perfect crunchy exterior and a soft stringy interior. Arancini is a staple in Sicily, Italy and can be made into different shapes such as a triangular or conical shape to symbolize a volcano.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST ITALIAN ARANCINI:
Whether you want the classic arancini or one that’s filled with savory meat, Pizzeria Michelangelo, Napolitani Pizzeria Cebu, Italianni’s Restaurant, and Acqua are some of the must-try restaurants that you should go for a bite of Italian goodness.
4. Focaccia
Hailing from the province of Liguria, Italy, the focaccia is a type of flat bread with light indentations for holding oil. It has a nutty and salty taste that’s best paired with olive oil for add-on flavor.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST ITALIAN FOCACCIA:
Brique Modern Kitchen, Giuseppe Pizzeria & Sicilian Roast, and La Buona Italian Restaurant are some of the places serving focaccia, either as an appetizer or as part of a meal.
5. Lasagna
Layers of thin pasta sheets with meat, sauce, and cheese makes the perfect combination for a tasty lasagna. It is one of the oldest types of pasta that Italians have been serving for centuries.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST ITALIAN LASAGNA:
In Cebu, you can find lasagna dishes almost everywhere! From Pizza Hut, Greenwich, to Sbarro’s. But, if you want luxury-style lasagna, then head to Italian restaurants such as the La Gondola and Tavolata for a leveled-up taste.
6. Ossobuco
Made out of veal shank with the bone marrow, stewed in wine with a mix of vegetables and the dash of seasonings – ossobuco is truly a dish great for a heartwarming dinner party.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST ITALIAN OSSOBUCO:
Some of the restaurants offering Ossobuco as part of their menu are Tavolata, La Tegola Busay, Trattoria da Gianni, and II Primo Italian Steakhouse.
7. Gelato
In Italy, they don’t say “Ice Cream,” instead they use the word “Gelato.” However, there is a difference between the two since a gelato will have lower milk fat as compared to ice cream. Therefore, gelato is a healthier alternative to ice cream.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST ITALIAN GELATO:
When talking about gelato, the go-to for Sugboanons is usually Gelatissimo since they have branches anywhere in Cebu. But, you can also try other sellers such as Giardino Gelato, La Vie Parisienne, La Dolce Ice Cream Shop, Moonsky & Sunny, and Kakka Dairy Bar.
So, Sugboanons, which among the Italian foods above is your favorite? Share to us in the comments below!
