Italian Culinary Terms

Italian terms found on restaurant menus

Affogato

Espresso poured over vanilla gelato or ice cream for a simple Italian dessert.

Pasta cooked so it is firm when bitten, not soft or mushy.

Italian appetizer course, often featuring cured meats, cheese, and vegetables.

Fried rice balls, typically stuffed with cheese or ragu, a Sicilian classic.

Toasted bread topped with olive oil, tomatoes, and other fresh ingredients.

Fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and filled with cream.

Thinly sliced raw meat or fish, served as an elegant appetizer.

Braised veal shanks cooked low and slow with vegetables and broth.

Italian cream dessert set with gelatin, served chilled and silky smooth.

A restaurant that specializes in making and serving pizza.

Dry-cured Italian ham, typically sliced paper-thin and served uncooked.

Creamy Italian rice dish cooked slowly with stock and stirred to perfection.

Coffee-flavored Italian dessert layered with mascarpone cream and ladyfingers.

A casual, family-run Italian restaurant known for simple, home-style food.