While pizza may be one of the most recognizable Italian foods in the world, there’s a lot more to traditional Italian fare than just an ordinary slice. Ranging from fresh seafood to delectable pasta, Italian cuisine features an array of flavors and tastes. Brookside Inn Restaurant, a popular Italian restaurant in Oxford, CT, weighs in with their selection of the most popular Italian dishes.

5 Popular Italian Food Dishes

Spaghetti

As a pasta that’s stood the test of time, this versatile dish is a standard fixture on many Italian restaurant menus. Made of long, thin noodles, spaghetti is often paired with a variety of sauces and toppings. Try Spaghetti Carbonara for a more traditional sauce. Carbonara sauce, which is made with cured pork, egg yolks, grated cheese and zesty black pepper, will delight your taste buds.

Chicken Parmigiana

Known as a hearty and filling meal, this dish consists of a breaded chicken cutlet baked with a topping of flavorful tomato sauce and either fresh mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. 

Ravioli

If creamy cheese dishes whet your appetite, try Ravioli. These hand-made squares of pasta are stuffed with a host of cheeses, including ricotta, mozzarella, Pecorino and Parmigiano. Served with a topping of flavorful sauce, ravioli is a staple of classic Italian fare.

Fried Calamari

Seafood plays a large role in the cuisine of Italy, and fried calamari has long been a favorite menu item. Consisting of breaded and deep-fried squid, you’ll find this dish served with salt and lemon on the side or tossed with peppers and other toppings. When ordering fried calamari, pair it with a glass of dry white wine for a refreshing sip between bites.

Eggplant Rollatini

Study the menu at an Italian restaurant for long enough, and you’ll probably see several dishes featuring eggplants. A popular vegetable in the Mediterranean, eggplants are nutritious and pack a lot of flavor. Eggplant Rollatini features thin slices of eggplant coated in an egg batter before being filled with cheese, spinach and seasonings. The strips are then rolled up, covered in marinara sauce and baked to perfection.

For authentic Italian cuisine, and to enjoy one of these popular dishes, visit Brookside Inn Restaurant today. Founded in 1954, this family-run Italian restaurant proudly serves traditional Italian and classic American fare made with only the freshest ingredients. If you have questions about their menu and catering services, call (203) 888-2272, or visit them online.