A guide to some of the finest Italian street food

It's often said that the best way to discover a country's history and culture is through its cuisine, and there’s no better place to do that than in Italy.

The Italian street food market is alive with a variety of dishes, many of which have humble origins but feature flavors that will astonish you and please your taste buds.

Street vendors are eager to engage in conversation and take pride in sharing the stories behind their dishes, which have been passed down through generations.

Italian street cuisine

While many of these dishes are available throughout the country, most have distinct regional roots that are fiercely protected and proudly served. This list is not exhaustive, but we’ve highlighted some of the most renowned regions offering authentic and often unique dishes that are a must-try while exploring Italy. There’s no better way to savor a dish than in its birthplace.

Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is home to a variety of ethnic groups thanks to its history as a trading port. Once viewed as Italy’s poorest region, its rich heritage is now beautifully reflected in its cuisine, making it one of the top destinations for street food.

Arancini

A perfect example of this cultural blend is arancini. Meaning 'little oranges', these delightful crunchy treats resemble their namesake and are believed to have Arabian influences dating back to the 9th century.

Cooked rice is filled with cheese, peas, saffron, and minced meat, then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to achieve a crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy inside. It can be enjoyed on its own or dipped into arrabbiata sauce (a spicy tomato sauce) for an extra kick. Rome has its own variation of this dish.

Scaccia

Few things are more enticing than the combination of cheese and bread, and no dish showcases this pairing quite like Scaccia. Originating from Ragusa, Scaccia has established itself as a beloved staple in Sicilian kitchens and on street corners.

Thin layers of pizza dough are folded multiple times and filled with a variety of ingredients, such as ricotta and onion, cheese and tomato, or even tomato and eggplant, depending on the region and season, before being baked. It can be likened to a kind of lasagna bread.

Sfincione

Naturally, this list wouldn’t be complete without featuring pizza in some form, and what better representative than Sfincione, the crown jewel of Sicilian street food? According to tradition, it was created by nuns at a monastery in Palermo. This dish resembles focaccia—light and crisp—topped with tomatoes, anchovies, oregano, and authentic Sicilian sheep’s cheese. Even without the anchovies, it's a dish that vegetarians can enjoy.

Sgagliozze

For mingling with locals, there’s no better spot than St. Nicholas Cathedral in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Noto, Sicily. After mass, locals often treat themselves to Sgagliozze, a square or rectangular piece of fried polenta seasoned with rosemary. This crunchy bite is packed with flavor, offering a genuine experience.

Cannoli

For those with a sweet tooth, Cannoli is a true delight. This tube-shaped pastry, fried to golden perfection and filled with creamy ricotta cheese, offers a delectable snack that’s rich in flavor. It’s another dish with roots in Arabian cuisine.

Traditionally made for celebrations before Lent, this dish was believed to symbolize fertility. Various versions can be found across Italy; in Naples, it's topped with candied lemon, and there are also variations that include chocolate chips.

Gelato brioche

Italians have their own unique approach to breakfast, exemplified by gelato brioche, arguably the ultimate ice cream sandwich. We can’t discuss Italy without mentioning gelato, but this isn’t just any gelato. Who knew that moist bread could be so delightful? A sweet brioche bun is filled with one or two scoops of your favorite gelato, allowing the flavors to soak into the bread, creating the most delicious, gooey experience you’ll ever have.

While found nearly everywhere in Italy, this treat is believed to have originated in Sicily. It's guaranteed to kickstart your day on a positive note.

Rome

When exploring the Lazio region, the clear choice for street food is Rome, the city that embodies la dolce vita. Recently ranked among the Top 20 Street Food Cities globally, this is hardly surprising given its rich, millennia-old history. Let’s delve into some of the essential dishes of this lively city.

Arrosticini

If there’s a dish that epitomizes humble origins, it’s arrosticini. Hailing from the mountains of Abruzzo, where shepherds would grill sheep meat on skewers over charcoal while herding, this dish has gained popularity on the streets of Rome. Today, you’ll find skewers of sheep, lamb, or goat meat (think Roman-style shish kebab) grilled over charcoal and mixed with chunks of fat for added succulence. It’s simplicity at its finest.

Panino Con Porchetta

We’ve discussed the beauty of simple Italian cuisine, and this sandwich will take your breath away. Found in Tuscany, Lazio, and Abruzzo, Panino Con Porchetta is one of central Italy’s beloved street foods. Deboned pork is seasoned with salt and occasionally herbs, then slowly roasted over a wood fire, resulting in an incredibly tender and juicy meat. The pork is sliced thinly and can be enjoyed on its own or served on crusty bread, making for an unforgettable sandwich. You can thank us later.

Pizza al taglio

Naturally, in Rome, we must highlight the most iconic Italian street food: pizza. But not just any pizza—this is pizza al taglio, the ultimate pizza experience. Believed to have originated in the 1950s, it has spread across Italy, yet Rome remains its heart. This baked, thin-crust pizza is available in square or rectangular shapes and is sold by weight.

Suppli

Suppli can be considered a distant cousin of Sicily's arancini and is another beloved street food in Rome. Thought to have emerged in the 1800s, these deep-fried rice balls differ from arancini in one delicious aspect: they’re filled with the ever-tempting and gooey mozzarella cheese.

Naples

Another fascinating region to explore is Campania, which boasts 10 of Italy's 58 UNESCO sites, with a focus primarily on Naples. The history of Naples has been significantly shaped by Greek settlers dating back to 2000 BC. In local culture, the day begins with caffe e cornetto, Italy's delightful version of a croissant paired with coffee.

Cuoppo Napoletano

Cuoppo translates to 'cup,' and you won't find a more enticing cup than the Cuoppo Napoletano, brimming with delicious vegetarian treats. Served in a cone-shaped paper, it’s filled with fried delights like mozzarella, dough balls, and potato croquettes. For those who eat meat, options including fish and meat are also available, perfect for wandering the streets of Naples.

Zeppole

While Zeppole can be found on nearly every street corner in Italy, it is believed to have originated in Naples. At its simplest, this treat is a deep-fried ball of dough dusted with powdered sugar that melts into a glaze. Today, they are often filled with jelly, custard, cream, or even chocolate.

Sfogliatelle

We wrap up our culinary journey with Sfogliatelle. Believed to have originated from a nun in Salerno during the 17th century, this pastry was later refined by a Neapolitan chef who shaped it into its signature clam-like form. Watching the creation of this pastry is a spectacle, and the reward is a hot, flaky treat filled with the delightful flavors of ricotta, almond paste, and candied lemon.