Beyond its romantic atmosphere, historic landmarks and rich cultural heritage, Verona is also renowned for its traditional cuisine. Verona’s culinary traditions have been shaped by the surrounding landscapes, from the plains and the hills of Valpolicella to Lake Garda and the Lessinia mountains. Together, these areas provide the rice, cheeses, meats and wines that define the city’s most iconic dishes. Whether you’re exploring the city’s famous attractions or wandering through its charming streets, discovering the local food is an essential part of the experience. If you’re wondering what to eat in Verona, here are 10 traditional dishes you won’t want to miss.

Traditional Savoury Dishes in Verona

Verona’s savoury dishes showcase the region’s culinary traditions, with recipes inspired by local ingredients and seasonal produce.

Risotto with Tastasal

A true speciality of Verona and the Veneto region, risotto with tastasal is one of the most traditional dishes in Veronese cuisine. It’s prepared with tastasal – minced pork seasoned with salt and pepper. The name literally means “taste the salt” in the Venetian dialect, as the mixture was originally used to check the seasoning of the meat before making sausages and salami. Today, the dish remains a favourite in Veronese kitchens, with each family and restaurant adding its own touch to the recipe. For a complete local dining experience, pair it with a glass of wine from the Valpolicella region.

Boiled meat with pearà

One of the most traditional dishes in Veronese cuisine, boiled meat with pearà is especially popular during the colder months and is often enjoyed by local families at Christmas. The dish features tender boiled meat and vegetables served with pearà, a rich, peppery sauce made from breadcrumbs, beef broth and grated cheese.
While recipes may vary slightly from one household to another, the key ingredients remain the same, preserving a culinary tradition that has been passed down through generations. If you’re visiting Verona in winter, you’ll often find this comforting speciality on the menus of traditional trattorias, where it’s best enjoyed as part of a classic Veronese meal.

Pastissada de Caval

Also known as braised horse, this traditional Veronese dish has a fascinating history dating back to the 5th century. According to local legend, it originated after the battle between Theodoric, King of the Ostrogoths, and Odoacer, King of Italy. With many horses left on the battlefield, the local population preserved the meat by marinating it in red wine with vegetables and spices before slowly cooking it. Over the centuries, the recipe has been passed down from generation to generation and remains one of Verona’s most iconic traditional dishes.

Pasta e fasoi (beans)

One of the most comforting traditional dishes in Verona, pasta e fasoi is a hearty recipe made with pasta and beans that has been enjoyed for centuries. While its origins are debated, with some tracing it back to the Roman Empire and others to the Middle Ages, it became popular thanks to its simple ingredients, rich flavour and affordability.
In its more rustic version, the dish is often served with pork rinds, a traditional addition in rural Veneto. Throughout the region, pasta e fasoi is commonly prepared with local pasta varieties such as bigoli or tagliatelle, making it a staple of traditional home cooking. It pairs well with both red and white Venetian wines, depending on the recipe.

Risottos, Gnocchi and Polenta

Rice, gnocchi and polenta have long been at the heart of traditional food in Verona. Closely linked to local celebrations, farming traditions and regional ingredients, these dishes continue to be enjoyed throughout the year.

Amarone risotto

Another typical dish in Verona is Amarone risotto which showcases some of the region’s finest ingredients. Prepared with Vialone Nano rice, Amarone della Valpolicella wine and grated Monte Veronese cheese, it offers a rich, velvety flavour that has become a favourite among both locals and visitors.
As Amarone is both the key ingredient and the perfect accompaniment, this dish is best enjoyed with a glass of the same renowned red wine. Amarone risotto can often be found on the menus of many traditional restaurants across Verona, particularly during the autumn and winter months.

Potato Gnocchi

A much-loved part of traditional food in Verona, potato gnocchi are closely linked to the city’s famous Carnival celebrations. Soft and appetising, they’re typically served with tomato sauce, gorgonzola, or the classic combination of butter and sage.
According to local tradition, the dish dates back to a famine in Verona, when Tommaso da Vico donated bread, wine, flour, butter, eggs and cheese to the people of the San Zeno district on the last Friday before Lent. In his will, he requested that these provisions continue to be distributed every year, giving rise to the city’s famous Venerdì Gnocolar (Gnocchi Friday), a tradition that remains one of the highlights of Verona’s Carnival.
While exploring the historic San Zeno district, consider visiting San Zeno Market, where you can discover local produce, regional specialities and traditional Veronese atmosphere before enjoying a plate of freshly prepared potato gnocchi at one of the area’s nearby trattorias.