Food in Verona: Best 19 Traditional Veronese Dishes You Must Try
Travelling to Verona and wondering what the food is like and what to eat? Well, let me just say, … we were in Verona for four days, and all through, we never ate a bad meal. Having visited Northern Italy on previous travels, we found that food in Verona were some of the best in Italy. Therefore, this post is a list of the 19 traditional Veronese dishes which you may want to know about, and perhaps try them when you visit.
A visit to Verona or anywhere in Italy and I am sure you would agree that their food is incredible. You may also have noted that Italian cuisine is highly regionalised, expressing geographical influences from their neighbours and locally sourced ingredients. Dishes use high quality ingredients, simple cooking methods and are always seasonal, hence exuding a distinct regional flavour even for their well-known staple food, the ubiquitous Italian pasta.
Timeless Travel Steps is supported by our readers. If you purchase through an affiliate link on my site, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please read our Disclosure.
Our best Pick
Sample: Local cheese, salami and freshly baked bread;
Discover: The secrets of tortellini pasta;
Taste: Some of the best wines from the Valpolicella area;
Explore: Hidden streets and see the historic sights;
An overview on cuisines in the Northern Italian Region
The cuisines in the Northern Italian region is quite different. Neighbouring the Alps, spanning across the mountainous, wooded terrain and fresh water, affords the region with a wide range of locally sourced high protein food. Beef, pork, rabbit, horse-meat, donkey-meat, quail, fish and shellfish feature highly in their seasonal cuisine. The cuisines here use richer dairy fats such as cream and butter. Olive oil is used as well but not as much as it is in the South.
The food in the northern region, though simple, uses fresh herbs such as rosemary and sage and distinct cooking methods. Primarily slow-cooking and recipes handed down through generations, the food in Verona sets them apart from the rest of Italy. Aside from these, a notable difference is that the Northern Italian region uses rice and corn as staples in the form of risotto and polenta.
Veneto Region
The Veneto region in Northern Italy occupies the northern area along the Adriatic Sea. Thus, fish and seafood such as eel, shrimps, and lobsters feature highly in the cuisines from this region. As well, vegetable dishes such as rice and peas, grilled red radicchio of Treviso seasoned with salt and olive oil, along with boiled white asparagus.
Food in Verona: A culinary journey through tradition and taste
Situated in the heart of Italy’s Veneto region, the picturesque city of Verona beckons travellers with promises of romance, history, and, most enticingly, a culinary journey that stands unparalleled. Often celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its ancient amphitheater and the lore of Romeo and Juliet, Verona’s lesser-known secret is its mouth-watering local cuisine. From the rich, creamy flavours of Monte Veronese cheese to the robust notes of Amarone wine, the city offers a palatable fusion of traditional dishes that have made their mark far beyond the Italian borders, intriguing even the palates of those in the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and Thailand.
As the sun sets over Piazza Bra, local restaurants hum with the activity of locals and tourists alike. Verona food, simple, yet rich, comforting and scrumptious dishes of rice, polenta, beans and unique meats paired with the region’s full-bodied special wines are typical features of Verona’s cuisine. As one delves deeper into the city’s gastronomic landscape, the importance of wine—red wine, in particular—becomes unmistakably evident. Whether it’s a popular Veronese cheese paired with a glass of local wine, or the succulent meat dishes made exquisite with the region’s best Amarone, every dish speaks of a history, a culture, and a passion for food that the Veronese hold dear.
Venturing through Verona’s myriad of restaurants, from the bustling hubs in the city center to the quaint eateries overlooking the Adige River, is akin to embarking on a culinary trip that celebrates the best of what Italy has to offer. This is a city where every meal tells a story, where local dishes are crafted with centuries-old recipes, and where each restaurant invites you to experience a piece of Verona’s soul.
So, whether you’re a seasoned traveller in search of the next gastronomic adventure or someone simply looking to explore the finest flavours of the Veneto region, Verona promises a food journey that’s as traditional as it’s unforgettable.
RELATED READ: Guide to 24 Incredibly Delicious Dutch Culture Food
Food in Verona: Best 19 Traditional Veronese Dishes You Must Try
Enjoy a culinary journey like no-other with these 19 traditional Veronese dishes:
Starter
1. Antipasti
Antipasti in Italian, refers to ‘before the meal’ and takes the plural form of the word ‘antipasto.’ A common variety of antipasto includes cured meats, such as salami and prosciutto along with a selection of cheeses, olives and red peppers. A delicious antipasto to try is the bruschetta.
2. Bruschetta
Bruschetta or bruschette (plural) is a delicious starter to an Italian meal. Made with toasted ciabatta, drizzled with extra virgin oil, a little salt, topped with fresh pomodoro tomatoes, chopped red onions and the fine Monte Veronese cheese from the Lessini Mountains.
3. Salmon
Salmon mi-cuit makes an excellent starter course to any meal. The decadent texture of this dish relies on religiously curing the salmon to achieve maximum flavour. Served with caper sauce.
Where: Ristorante Il Desco (Michelin starred), Via Dietro San Sebastiano, 5/7
37121 Verona
4. Gallina Flammata
If you would like to try a poultry starter, try the flamed chicken. Sourced from local farms, the grilled chicken is served with salad and pomegranate.
Where: Ristorante Maffei, Piazza Erbe, 38, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
First-course traditional Veronese dishes you must try
For the first course, visitors to Verona can expect a hearty filling of pasta, rice or gnocchi dishes.
Pasta
Unique to Verona, and native to the Veneto region is Bigoli, a spaghetti-shaped pasta. Known to have originated in the 1600s, bigoli is much thicker than ordinary pasta and has a rough surface. The rough surface allows for the sauce to be absorbed more generously. Bigoli has a nutty flavour and conventionally paired with a duck ragu sauce, salted sardines or seafood Traditionally made with buckwheat and duck eggs but these days, bigoli is made with wholewheat flour, butter and water.
Just to note, the meat sauces for the pasta dishes in Verona are sometimes made with untraditional meats such as duck, horse or donkey.
The bigoli dishes are rich, substantial and light. Traditionally, a popular Veronese dish is consumed on fasting days such as Ash Wednesday or Good Friday.
Along with bigoli, the Province of Verona is home to another popular variant of pasta, tortellini. This local tortellini is unique to the village of Valeggio sul Mincio, located about 40 kilometres from Verona. The recipe for this tortellini is said to have originated in the 14th century. This wholesome pasta variant is made with flour and eggs, filled with a mixture of ground beef, pork, chicken, onions, carrots, celery, rosemary, Bardolino wine as well as breadcrumbs.
5. Bigoli in Cassopipa
Bigoli in Cassopipa is an Italian dish symbolic of the Veneto region. The sumptuous dish originated from the fishing village of Chioggia. The nutty flavour of the bigoli goes well with seafood such as squid and shellfish (mussels, clams and cockles). There seem a number of variations and each chef/cook seems to have their own recipe on this one. Generally, the squid and shellfish is sauteed in olive oil with onions, garlic, carrots and celery with spices. White wine is added and the mix is allowed to simmer till the sauce is right. The bigoli is dressed with the sauce along with a drizzle of olive oil.
If you are not into seafood, try the bigoli in salsa.
6. Bigoli in Salsa
Bigoli in salsa is a typical dish of the Veneto region and is made of simple but tasty sauce. The sauce is made with onions and salted sardines or anchovies, creating a unique rich flavour. Sometimes topped with pine nuts.
Where: Pescheria I Masenini, Piazzetta Pescheria, 9, 37121 Verona
7. Bigoli with Duck Ragu
A traditional Veronese dish in the Veneto region, bigoli with duck ragu sauce is widely served in Verona. The bigoli pasta is cooked in duck broth, served with duck ragu sauce (made with mince duck meat) and grated cheese.
RELATED READ: 10 Best Typical Surinamese Cuisine in Amsterdam
Rice
Rice is a common dish in Verona. Native to the province of Verona is the top quality grain, Vialone Nano Veronese which makes a perfect base for risotto. Risotto is a staple dish in Northern Italy, so much so that a yearly festival is held every September and October. The annual festival is held in the nearby village of Isola della Scala, just 20 kilometres from Verona, where top chefs feature their risotto creations for the season.
8. Risotto all’Amarone
Risotto Amarone is a traditional dish and a much loved one. Made from a selected few ingredients but of very high quality. Risotto Amarone is often a signature dish in many of the restaurants in Verona.
The primary ingredients are just two. Both are of the finest products of the Veneto region — Amarone della Valpolicella and Vialone Nano rice. Added to these ingredients are onions, broth, olive oil, butter, salt and pepper.
Where: Antica Bottega Del Vino, Via Scudo di Francia, 3, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
9. Risotto al Tastasal
Risotto al Tastasal is a traditional Veronese cuisine. Made with prime vialone nano rice, the rice is boiled with meat broth, sauteed with onions and garlic. The risotto is topped with local salami (made from ground pork belly and shoulder) and seasoned with just the right amount of salt. Garnished with a pinch of nutmeg and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Where: Risotteria Porto Mancino, Via Lazzaretto, 26, Verona, Veneto, Italy
Other rice dishes to try in Verona
- Risotto al Radicchio, a traditional Venetian dish made with local radicchio.
- Risotto with porcini mushrooms;
- Risi e bisi ( rice and peas);
- Risi e figdini (rice and chicken liver).
10. Gnocchi
Gnocchi is a traditional variety of pasta believed to have originated in the 16th century. They were originally made with wheat and semolina. The mountain villagers made them with rye, barley or chestnut flour.
Since the introduction of potatoes in Europe, gnocchi has been made with potato, wheat flour and eggs. The potato based dough, is then shaped into bite-size ‘dumplings’. Pumpkin and spinach can be added to the mixture as well. These are either boiled in salt water or deep fried. Gnocchi varieties abound in Italy. Each region has its own varieties and names.
Gnocchi is commonly enjoyed as first course dishes in the Veneto region. These dumplings are served with numerous possibilities. They can be complemented with tomato sauce and grated cheese, butter and sage, creamy cheese-based sauces, ragu, cured meat or as complementary to meat stews.
🏆 Eat your way through Verona and enjoy the Best Food Verona has to offer
✅ Visit: 5 traditional restaurants;
✅ Explore: Secret alleys, historic streets and listen to the history of the city;
✅ Avoid: Tourist traps;
Second Course Traditional Veronese Dishes You Must Try
Meat
Meats such as veal, pork, wild game, horse, beef, donkey, duck, and fowl are unique to Verona’s cuisine and distinguishes the city from its neighbours. There is a range of roasts, stews, and sauces with meat being central to the dish.
11. Pastissada de Caval | Veronese Horse Meat Stew
These days, Pastissada de Caval is a speciality cuisine in Verona served as a second course of a meal. This is an ancient Veronese horse-meat stew, believed to have originated as far back as the Ostrogothic rule (493 AD to 553 AD).
The Ostrogoths, led by Theodoric the Great defeated Odoacer, a Germanic soldier who was the king of the Heruli, in control of northern Italy at that time. After, the battle, there were too many dead horses on the battlefield. As a celebratory gesture, Theodoric allowed his people to use the horse meat for food. The people marinated the horse-meat with plenty of wine, onions, and cooked it with vegetables. The meat was slow-cooked for several days to be enjoyed with more wine … and that was how patissada de caval was born.
The recipe on patissada de caval has been passed down from generations to generations, albeit tweaked along the way. Nowadays, the horse-meat is cooked with onions, carrots, cloves and Valpolicella wine. This special food in Verona is then flavoured with bay leaves, cinnamon and nutmeg. An incredibly unique traditional Veronese dish, this cuisine is typically served with creamy polenta.
Georgina: As adventurous as I am with food, I did not try this one. However, I researched on the best places that offer this traditional food in Verona and found the following two. Perhaps, you may want to give the Veronese horse-meat stew a try.
Where: Osteria Da Morandin Verona, Via Venti Settembre, 144, 37129 Verona, VR, Italy | Recommended by food critic Paolo Massabrio
AND
Osteria al Duca, Via Arche Scaligere, 2, 37121 Verona VR, Italy | Recommended by food critic, Lorella Fabris
12. Lesso e Pearà
Lesso e Pearà is a traditional Veronese dish served as second course, and more common during the holidays and festive season. A rich cuisine, made with boiled meat and paired with pearà.
Pearà dates back to the 14th century and refers to a slowly cooked sauce made from beef marrow, beef or chicken broth, grated stale bread, butter or olive oil, salt and lots of pepper.
The pearà is traditionally served with poached meat such as beef tongue, or chicken. However, more commonly used are beef cuts, veal, capon, cotechino – all gently simmered for two to three hours in a terracotta pot for an authentic flavour.
Where: Ristorante Greppia, Vicolo Samaritana, 3-Verona (Italy)
13. Stinco al Forno
A popular second course, this is roast veal shin bone, cooked low and slow to ensure the meat is tender. Commonly served with polenta or seasoned potatoes.
Polenta
Many of the second course dishes are typically accompanied with polenta.
14. Polenta
Polenta, a typical traditional Veronese dish originated amongst the peasant farmers of Po Valley. In ancient times, polenta was made from rye, spelt and buckwheat, taking a darker form. However, post 16th century and with the introduction of corn in Europe, polenta was made by grinding corn into flour. It has a richer colour, yellow yolk-like and slightly sweet. This dish is cooked in salty water, and readily available in most places to eat in Verona.
The best polenta to go for is the one made with beans (polenta infasola). You could also try them with meat, mushroom and cheese. Traditionally, polenta was eaten with herring.
Where: La Taverna di Via Stella, Via Stelaa 5/c, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
Fish and Seafood
Fish and seafood are also present in food to eat in Verona as these are freshly sourced from nearby Lake Garda.
Bass and Catfish are readily available as these are sourced from the local Verona lakes. Fish is often grilled, sautéed or braised and the use of wine in seafood is common. Served with a side dish such as polenta, or local vegetables that are sautéed.
15. Sea Bass
If you prefer a fish dish, go for sea bass. These are locally sourced and fresh. Grilled and dressed with rosemary oil, served with potatoes.
Where: Pescheria I Masenini, Piazzetta Pescheria 9, 37121 Verona.
Desserts
Traditional desserts in Verona include a variety of cakes, cookies and other delights.
16. Pandoro
‘Golden bread’ or more popularly known as Pandoro, is served topped with powdered sugar. Pandoro is readily available during the festive season.
17. Nadalin
An invention believed to have originated in the 13th century. This classic Italian dessert is said to have been made in honour of the powerful Della Scala family who ruled Verona for a over a century.
Nadalin is the preferred dessert option than Pandoro, as it is less buttery, and has a denser texture. Made from dough flavoured with vanilla and lemon zest, it has a crunchy top crusted with granulated sugar, marsala wine, almonds and pine nuts.
Try this sweet crusted top mini cake, Nadalin (see 4.2 above) after a sumptous meal.
Where: Pasticceria Tomasi, C.so Milano, 16A, 37138 Verona VR, Italy.
OR
Pasticceria Flego, Corso Porta Borsari, 9, 37121 Verona VR, Italy.
18. Sfogliatine di Villafranca
A traditional dessert in Verona. The sfogliatine di Villafranca, a doughnut shaped puff pastry and/or torta russa di Verona, a cake made with puff pastry, almonds, amaretti, eggs, lemon and topped with powdered sugar. Try the melt-in-the-mouth Sfogliatine di Villafranca with pistachio and hazelnut cream, it’s absolutely delicious.
Where: Ristorante Maffei, Piazza Erbe, 38, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
19. Tiramisu
An iconic Italian dessert, Tiramisu effectively means, ‘pick me up’ due to the effects of sugar, liquor and coffee.
First introduced in Veneto around 1980, the perfect tiramisu is said, and should deliver the serious caffeine kick from the strong espresso, and the Marsala wine adds a nice sweet buzz. In Verona, it is sometimes made with pandoro.
Where: Ristorante Maffei, Piazza Erbe, 38, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
Other dessert options
Pinza Veneta, a traditional Italian cake which is popular in the Veneto region. Made with a combination of polenta flour, plain flour, raisins, figs and apple along with butter, sugar, yeast and fennel seeds.
Fregolotta, is another traditional Italian cake, that originated in the Veneto region. It is a crumb cake, more like a large cookie. Made with flour, butter, sugar, lemon zest and chopped almonds.
Wines
The region of Veneto is one of the largest quality wine producing areas in Italy and the province of Verona features top wine producing zones. Visitors to Verona can experience a variety of wines, from whites such as Soave, Lugana and Custoza to reds, which includes Bardolino, and Valpolicella.
Sharing just one of our meals
Food and Footsteps: Culinary tours in the heart of Verona
When visiting Verona, one can truly embrace the city’s spirit by indulging in its rich culinary heritage. For those with an appetite for adventure, joining a walking tour can be an unforgettable experience. The Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour offers an exquisite journey through Verona’s most renowned flavours, as you savour the delectable Monte Veronese cheese paired with the city’s famed wines.
Alternatively, the Food Walking Tour marries the pleasure of gastronomy with the thrill of sightseeing, allowing travelers to feast on local delicacies while meandering through the city’s iconic landmarks.
And for wine aficionados, a trip to Valpolicella is a must. As you explore the splendid countryside, you’ll immerse yourself in the lore and allure of one of Italy’s most prestigious wines, gaining insight into its rich history and meticulous crafting process.
Through these tours, Verona’s tastes and tales are elegantly interwoven, providing a sensory experience that tantalizes both the palate and the soul.
People Also Ask
Verona is renowned for its polenta, risotto, gnocchi, Valeggio tortellini, age-old horse and donkey recipes, and Lake Garda specialties like lavaret and pike.
Risotto all’Amarone stands out as Verona’s iconic meal. This dish is crafted by blending the famed Amarone della Valpolicella wine from the Valpolicella region of Northern Italy and is often garnished with a hearty sprinkle of regional cheese.
Bigoli stands as Verona’s favourite pasta! Bigoli is like a chubby spaghetti from Verona. Its name, “Bigoli”, stems from the local term “bigat”, referencing its caterpillar-like shape. One popular way to enjoy it includes “Bigoli con le sarde”, which features a flavourful sardine sauce.
In Verona, and more generally in Italy, horse meat is often referred to as “cavallo” on menus, which translates to “horse” in English. When served as a dish, it might appear in various forms like “carne di cavallo” (horse meat) or “bistecca di cavallo” (horse steak). If you are at a restaurant in Verona and you’re unsure about any menu items, it’s always a good idea to ask the staff for clarification.
Typically, diners in Verona might spend about €25 per person for a meal. While breakfast tends to be more affordable, food at sit-down venues can be pricier compared to street eats or quick-service options.
In sum…
Verona is not just a city of timeless romance and architectural wonders, but a culinary mosaic that harmoniously blends age-old traditions with unique local flavours. With signature dishes like the hearty polenta, savory bigoli, the distinctive horse-meat stew, and the delicious madalin, Verona offers a gustatory experience like no other. Each dish is a testament to the city’s vibrant culinary heritage, making Verona a unique culture to savour and cherish.
For those intrigued by the rich tapestry of Verona, our series of posts offers a comprehensive exploration, not just of its delectable cuisine but also its storied history, iconic landmarks, and captivating lores. The narrative of Verona stretches beyond the kitchen, encompassing centuries of art, culture, and legends.
Your adventure in this Italian marvel is just unfolding—dive into our other posts and let Verona, with all its depth and diversity, inspire your curiosity and wonder.
Is Verona Worth Visiting?: 31 Absolute Things to Do Confirm It Is!
One Day in Verona: The Ultimate 24-Hour Itinerary.
11 Best Day Trips from Verona: Car, Bus, Train, + Tour Options
Verona and Lake Garda: The Most Complete Itinerary for 3 or 4 Days
Getting Around Verona: Guide to Public Transport and Best Ways to Explore.
The Ultimate Guide to Verona City, Italy: Your Essential Pre-Trip Resource.
Places to Stay in Verona: 7 Nice Hotels for a Perfect Trip.
Top 9 Must-Take Walking Tours in Verona for Every Traveller
3 BEST Food Tours in Verona: Flavoursome Food and Wine in Verona
Verona’s Best on Two Wheels: 5 Fun Cycle Tours to Book Now
Food in Verona: Best 19 Traditional Veronese Dishes You Must Try.
Piazza delle Erbe, Verona: An Unmissable Bustling Historic Market Square.
Palazzo Maffei, Verona + Ristorante Maffei: A Baroque Brilliance & Culinary Haven.
Mazzanti Houses, Verona: A Frescoed Renaissance Gem in Piazza Delle Erbe.
The Lamberti Tower, Verona: A Storied History and Vista Point.
The Majestic Gran Guardia Palace, Verona.
Piazza Bra, Verona: Discover 10 Must-Do Activities, Mostly Free!
Verona Arena, Verona: A Helpful Guide into History + Little Known Facts of a Medieval Marvel.
You may also like
26 Very Best Places to Stay on the Isle of Wight
People and Culture of Italy | An Overview
Getting around Milan like a Local
Important Tips for Your Verona Trip
Here are the seven important tips for you when exploring Verona:
🏨 Book Accommodation in Advance: Verona is a popular destination, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures you have a comfortable place to stay that suits your budget and preferences.
🌞 Consider Peak Seasons: Be mindful of peak tourist seasons, such as summer and major holidays, when Verona can get crowded. If possible, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
🚶♂️ Join Guided Walking Tours: To make the most of your Verona experience, consider joining guided walking tours. Knowledgeable guides can provide historical insights and take you to hidden gems you might miss on your own. READ: The BEST 9 Charming Walking Tours in Verona and choose the one for you.
🚍 Explore Surrounding Areas: While in Verona, take advantage of its strategic location to explore nearby attractions like Venice or Lake Garda. Day trips to these destinations can enhance your Italian adventure.
🎫 Verona Card: Consider getting a Verona Card, which offers free or discounted entry to many of the city’s museums and attractions such as the Verona Arena and Lamberti Tower. It can save you money and provide convenient access to Verona’s cultural heritage. Verona Card includes free public transport which means you save on €€!
🎢 Go to the largest theme park in Italy, a stone’s throw from Verona for a fun day for all the family.
🔌 Ensure you have the correct plugs, and adapters. Take some Euro currency along and figure out a suitable eSim mobile data roaming for Verona.
By following these tips, you can ensure a more enjoyable and memorable visit to Verona while making the most of your time and resources.
