List of 10 Must-Try Classic Italian Dishes

News: Italy, famous for its culinary delights, boasts a yearly pasta consumption of about 23 kilos per person. No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in their rich food culture.

Here’s a rundown of the top 10 renowned Italian dishes that you absolutely need to savor while cruising with us aboard La Bella Vita, our hotel barge.

1. Bolognese Lasagna: Layers of beef, tomato-based Bolognese sauce, bechamel, and lasagne sheets create this hearty dish. Originating from Bologna, it’s an iconic representation of Italian cuisine, best enjoyed with a robust red wine.

2. Fettuccine al Pomodoro: A simple yet flavorful dish with a tomato and basil sauce, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Despite its similarity to marinara, it boasts a thicker, smoother texture.

3. Gnocchi di Patate: A pasta alternative, these potato dumplings pair well with various sauces, offering a range of delightful flavors.

4. Melanzane alla Parmigiana: A baked dish with thinly sliced aubergine (eggplant) topped with cheese, providing a comforting experience, especially on cooler evenings.

5. Pollo alla Cacciatora: A traditional Tuscan chicken stew seasoned with olive oil, tomatoes, and red wine, providing a warming and authentic taste.

6. Pizza Margherita: This classic pizza topped simply with tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella is universally adored and a perfect introduction to pizza for newcomers.

7. Costoletta alla Milanese: A veal cutlet coated in breadcrumbs and fried in butter, originating from Milan in 1148, offering tender meat with a crunchy exterior.

8. Vitello Tonnato: Thinly sliced cooked veal dressed with a creamy tuna-flavored sauce, perfect as a summer appetizer.

9. Tiramisù: A beloved Italian dessert made of layered biscuits, espresso, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder, delivering a delightful pick-me-up and a lasting flavor.

10. Pannacotta: A light dessert with a silky cream texture, often flavored with golden sugar, providing a distinct nutty sweetness, contrasting the richness of tiramisù.

While La Bella Vita’s chef can prepare these delicacies for you, our 20-passenger boat offers more than just exceptional dining experiences. Enjoy our bar, spacious dining room, and large sun deck, allowing you to savor these Italian delights while basking in the warm Italian sun. Afterward, retire to your comfortable air-conditioned en-suite room.