Can You Pass This Italian Food Quiz?

By: Olivia Cantor
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
Can You Pass This Italian Food Quiz?
Image: Todor Tsvetkov/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

When the food hits your gut and you like it a lot, that's amore! Or love for Italian food, that is! 

Who doesn't love this cuisine? With dishes and ingredients dating as far back as the Renaissance period or even earlier, you know that their servings have integrity backed up by history. And like any other foodie haven out there, each region has their own specialties to offer.

For instance, Central Italy cooks up their pasta dishes differently than other regions. Being the area with interior cities, the way they preserve their ingredients affects the way they prepare them. The central region of any place produces more fusion-type cuisines, too, since their influences come from the settlers arriving from various places. For Italy, that means there's a mix of coastal dishes with mountain-area influences, too.

When you travel to Northern Italy, a different fusion happens in their cuisine. Here, you'll taste a lot of Italian dishes mixed and influenced by other European countries. So if their food reminds you of French or Swiss fare, you know why!

As for Southern Italy, tomato lovers will love this region more since they use that ingredient a lot. So prepare to taste it in soup, bread, pasta, rice and meat dishes.

Want to know the sample dishes and recipes from these regions? Take this quiz now and see! We'll reveal popular samplings inside. So, bring your appetite with you. 

Andiamo mangiare! 

Gelato
Irina Marwan / Moment / Getty Images
Desserts come first! What's this frozen delight called?
Gelato
Sherbet
Popsicle
Sorbet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Contrary to popular belief, gelato is not synonymous with the concept of ice cream as we know it. Since it doesn't involve egg yolks and contains more milk than regular ice cream mixes, it appears denser and more compact to the taste.

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cappucino
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If you're having a cuppa, get this winner!
Matcha
Cappuccino
Kahlua
Boba
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sure, Starbucks founders got inspired to build the chain from Italian coffeehouse culture, but java has a different vibe out there. While cappuccino lovers can thank the global chain for letting us drink that foamy fave anytime, it's just not done in Italy. It's only ordered during breakfast time.

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Lasagna
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Flat sheet pasta it is! Do you know this yummy dish?
Campanelle
Farfalle
Macaroni
Lasagna
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are various types of pasta out there, but you can't really categorize lasagna as its own kind. While its layered pasta sheets look like its own category, it still belongs to the ribbon pasta category. The people of Naples thought this one up during the Middle Ages.

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osso bucco
Photography by Jeremy Villasis. Philippines./Moment/Getty Images
Want to shank it up? Order this one, subito!
Lengua di gato
Osso buco
Ceviche
Cacciatore
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're wondering about how bone marrow tastes like, order the dish called osso buco. They'll serve this huge shank of bone with the meat-and-sauce dish, and it's the centerpiece of the presentation. The jiggly soft substance inside the bone is the marrow; it's high in cholesterol so careful!

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Mascarpone
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Cheesy is as cheesy does! Know which one this is?
Stracciata
Gorgonzola
Mascarpone
Vezzena
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are Italian cheeses and there are Italian cheeses. But mascarpone is in a different category on its own since it's more like cream cheese than regular cheese. Since it's soft and easy to spread, it's a popular ingredient mixed in with many dishes and desserts, in particular cheesecakes.

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Tiramisu
Shutterstock
This one's really a piece of cake. Pick the name before you take!
Tiramisu
Panforte
Torrone
Amaretti
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Newbie foodies might mistake this one for Japanese food because of how the name sounds like, but tiramisu is 100% Italian cuisine. That mascarpone cream cheese thing gets mixed into this popular cake. If you're a fan of coffee-flavored desserts and cakes, this one's for you.

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Limoncello
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A kind of "digestivo" is this drink-o. Guess and give it a shot!
Cardinale
Aperol Spritz
Limoncello
Martini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Europeans distinctly mark when to take their alcoholic drinks for a good reason; either the alcohol mix enhances food before eating or it helps your stomach cope with what you ate after. Italians call their after-dinner drinks as "digestivo" or digestif in English and limoncello fits in that shelf.

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Pizza
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It's round and flat and shared all over. Slice the answer here!
Pane Casareccio
Filone
Rosette
Pizza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While some places in the world already encircled their territorial claim over specific types of pizza (hello New York pizza, we're looking at you), it's still an undeniable fact that this worldwide fave is Italian by nature. To really taste it the Italian way, order the Pizza Margherita type.

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foccacia
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Break bread with this big one. What's this chewy one called?
Focaccia
Cornetto
Taralli
Friselle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

So you're a fan of authentic Italian pizza and can't get enough of its dough? Then buy a basket of focaccia bread since its consistency is similar to what they use for pizza. Buy the one mixed with rosemary for a truly authentic Italian feel to the bite.

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Biscotti
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If biscuits are your thing, then better taste this and sing! Know what it is?
Sfogliatella
Formaggio
Biscotti
Frittelle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

People with sensitive teeth need to get some warning before they bite a biscotti. While this biscuit is enjoyable to eat, remember it's twice baked so it will last for a long, long time. They needed to make it that way because this originated during medieval times when people went on long journeys.

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balsalmic vinegar
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This vinegar is big in the region. Dip here for the answer!
Sherry
Apple cider
Champagne
Balsamic
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

They call this essential liquid "aceto balsamico" but we folks know it as balsamic vinegar. Unlike many vinegars we're more familiar with, Italians make this one out of grapes. It's best mixed with olive oil for salad dressings and bread dips.

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Ravioli
Manuel Alvarez / Moment / Getty Images
Dump this dumpling in your bocca and chew! What's this mouthwatering thing called?
Scialatelli
Ziti
Penne
Ravioli
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you think the Italians don't have their own version of the dumpling, think again! Theirs is what they termed ravioli but surprise surprise, it's encased in pasta dough. It also comes in canned varieties and that one was useful during World War I.

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Carbonara
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When it's creamy and white, you'll know this is the dish that delights! Name this pasta!
Ortolana
Carbonara
Arrabbiata
Amatriciana
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you see a pasta dish that's white and creamy, especially the ones that use the spaghetti type of pasta, then that might be of the carbonara type. This dish originated in Rome sometime during the 20th century and uses the hard kind of cheeses in the mix.

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gnocchi
Sergio Amiti/Moment/Getty Images
Enter with this entree and they'll love you for it! What is it?
Gnocchi
Tortellini
Salsiccia
Calamari
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fans of cookie dough toppings in ice cream or frozen yogurt desserts will get a kick out of tasting gnocchi, too. They're basically made of small dough bits similar to what they use in cookie dough desserts. Various Italian regions have their own versions of this dish.

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Pasta al Pomodoro
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Red pasta lovers, rave about this! Know this one?
Pomodoro
Acini di Pepe
Cavatelli
Spatzle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pomodoro is the Italian word for tomato so any dish with this word means it has tomatoes mixed in there. People might know that the most commonly ordered one is the "pasta al pomodoro." This dish uses fresh slices of tomatoes instead of tomato sauce — the reason you'll know it's authentic Italian.

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antipasto
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First things first, sample this sampler on the table. How do they call it?
Radicchio
Frico
Antipasto
Crostoli
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If the French have their hors d'oeuvres, the Italians have their antipasto which serves the same purpose: appetizers. "Antipasto" though is the singular word in Italian and the plural form is "antipasti." It's a mixture of different small stuff like cheeses, mushrooms, and various meats.

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Cannoli
Shutterstock
Pastry lovers, don't miss this one! Crunch out the answer, per favore!
Cannoli
Baba
Pandoro
Crostatine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Be careful in ordering this dessert pastry because cannoli also sounds like the name of a main dish. You'll know you ordered the right thing if they serve you this thin, crispy, deep-fried rolled dough filled with creamy stuff. It's also the size of fingers.

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Risotto
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Rise to the occasion with this northern dish. What is it?
Fontina
Pesto bianco
Risotto
Zucca tortelli
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you hear the root word "riso" included in an Italian dish, then get ready to eat rice; that's what this word means. But as a dish unto itself, risotto comes from Northern Italy where they cook it creamy and mixed with cheese, butter and spices. It can come mixed with other stuff, too.

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Calzone
LauriPatterson / E+ / Getty Images
They don't say "nay" in Naples for this piece. Do you know it?
Ribollita
Calzone
Arancini
Saltimbocca
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Naples played a huge part in concocting many Italian cuisine favorites that withstood the test of time. One of these is the folded pizza dish they call calzone. Authentic Italian preparations use ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses inside.

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Panna Cotta
Anton Petrus / Moment / Getty Images
When you want a sweet and jiggly creamy dessert, which of these should you pick first?
Torrone
Panna cotta
Mimosa
Ciambella romagnola
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

People from other regions familiar with eating caramel flans, custard or crème brûlée will also enjoy sampling panna cotta. These dessert items somehow share a similar consistency in their gelatinous make.

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Minestrone
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Fans of thick soup, which of these should you check out next?
Minestrone
Agliata
Garmugia
Zanzarelli
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're looking for vegetarian-friendly Italian food fare, then minestrone is a safe choice. This thick soup uses many veggies like carrots, celery, beans and of course tomatoes. For the carbs, some prepare it with small pasta shells or even rice.

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Bruschetta
Alexander Spatari / Moment / Getty Images
Small grilled bread can make your mornings. What do they call this crunchy one?
Pane laterza
Ciambella
Bruschetta
Bossola
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To start off a meal, the simplest bread type they can serve you in an Italian restaurant is the bruschetta. You can order the simplest one that's flavored with butter and garlic with some salt and olive oil. More complicated versions incude savory toppings featuring cheeses or veggies.

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Grappa
Wiki Commons by Carsten Tolkmit
When in Italy, you got to get a glass of this gorgeous grape drink. What is it?
Bellini
Americano
Cardinale
Grappa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's interesting to note how various regions don't waste items to produce specific food and drinks. When it comes to producing the drink called grappa, one requirement is to mix in the skin, seed and even stems of the grape in the distilling process. That's how you'll know it's authentic grappa.

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Linguine
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It's not exactly flat pasta but it's getting there. If you like it, name it!
Orecchiette
Bucatini
Orzo
Linguine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are various long and flat pastas in Italian cuisine so it's best to familiarize yourself with their differences to order the right one. When you order the fettuccine, that's the widest flat one. A little narrower is linguine while the tagliatelle is even narrower than that.

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Chicken Parmigiana
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Can you dish out the name of this filling baked dish?
Caponata
Panzanella
Parmigiana
Salame
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Outside of Italy, you can encounter the chicken parmigiana kind with slices of that fowl baked in with cheese layers and tomato sauces. But the authentic Italian version of parmigiana consists of sliced eggplant that's deep-friend first before layering in for baking.

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carpaccio
Burcu Atalay Tankut/Moment/Getty Images
Italians also love it raw, as this dish can attest. What's this appetizer called?
Crudo
Carpaccio
Bresaola
Bottarga
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

So it's not only the Japanese who enjoy eating raw slices of food like salmon or tuna. The Italians also eat raw stuff but their carpaccio contains slices of raw meat in there. Some variations include beef, venison or veal while others can also have horse meat in there, too.

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Spaghetti Bolognese
Burcu Atalay Tankut / Moment / Getty Images
Vegans, skip this one. What's this meaty pasta sauce called?
Agrodolce
Fonduta
Capra e fagioli
Bolognese
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you see a dish with the term "Bolognese" in it, that means they use meat-based sauce as a mix. The meat in question here is a minced or ground version of beef or pork often cooked with tomatoes plus herbs and spices, simmered together until it becomes saucy.

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polenta
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Porridge-like stuff is present in Italia, too. What's this popular kind called?
Polenta
Penne
Tiella di riso
Cappon magro
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fans of hummus might find the polenta familiar because they have similar consistency. But while hummus consists of ground chickpeas and spices, polenta is from ground corn we call cornmeal. In other parts of the U.S., cornmeal can also become bread; the same is true for the polenta.

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Prosciutto
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Ham it up with this serving. Do you know this one?
Prosciutto
Pancetta
Guanciale
Rosticciana
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're new to the dry-cured uncooked ham taste of Italy, the best recommendation is to try prosciutto di Parma. Italian restaurants often serve this on an appetizer platter combined with blue cheese slices and black olives. This goes well with soft bread dipped in a balsamic-olive oil mix.

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Cannelloni
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If rolled food rocks your world, then what dish should you order from this list?
Cannelloni
Burrito
Arrosticini
Roulade
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Make sure you're ordering the cannelloni if you want the rolled pasta dish because if you say cannoli, that's the rolled dough dessert! Since the paste they use here is the rolled-up version of what they use for lasagna, their preparations are somewhat similar.

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Ciabatta
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The Italians call this distant cousin of the French baguette as what?
Farinata
Fragunno
Ciabatta
Pandoro
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Unlike other breads in Italian cuisine, ciabatta is relatively newer in existence. It got invented only in the 1980s within the Veneto region of Italy. But it soon got picked up by other regions, too, which added in their own unique variations to differentiate their region's product from the others.

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frittata
Brian Macdonald/DigitalVision/Getty Images
Oh my, it's their omelet! How do the Italians call this one?
Frittata
Huevos rancheros
Shakshouka
Strata
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Different parts of the world invented their own versions of the omelet, and the frittata is Italy's contribution to this menu. Theirs somewhat look like quiche since it's pie-like in appearance and thicker than how the Spanish or Americans would make an omelet.

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pesto
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Basil is its base, boo! How does this sauce appear to you?
Fonduta
Pesto
Ragu
Maccu
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The pesto's origins goes back to the city of Genoa in the Liguria region where they mixed basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic and salt to produce the green pesto sauce. Its flexibility is evident in various pasta dishes and meat-based dishes as well.

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Negroni
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Have this aperitif after the meal. A toast if you can tell what it is!
Negroni
Rossini
Azzurro
Galliano
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cocktail lovers might like the taste of the gin-vermouth-Campari aperitif called the Negroni, but did you know that it's originally Italian in invention? Records show that a man named Negroni requested a bartender to jazz up the Americano drink he was having to make it stronger; this was the result.

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Puttanesca
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This spaghetti serving may have anchovies, so beware! They call this as what?
Ciceri e Tria
Alfredo
Puttanesca
Aglio e olio
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Now you have to be really careful when ordering the pasta dish with the term "puttanesca" because it might appear rude if you don't mention the whole word, because a shortened version is a slur in Italian, just like it is in Spanish.

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insalate salad
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Fans of leafy greens, dig in! How do you order this in Italy?
Pinzimonio
Caponata
Insalate
Panzanella
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you see the term "insalate" on the menu, that means it's the section for salads. The singular term is "insalata" so that's what you also read accompanying specific salad names such as the popular insalata caprese or the tomato-based salad mixed with mozzarella chunks and basil leaves.

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Panettone
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This sweet bread tastes like Christmas, indeed! What's the name?
Bombolone
Panettone
Zeppola
Pizzelle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Different countries have their own contribution of Christmas-specific food items like bread or pastries. Italian's contribution to this seasonal menu is the panettone, that sweet bread pastry which originated in Milan.

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Arancini
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These stuffed balls might bounce off your tummy since they're yummy. Do you know what this is?
Arancini
Polpette
Sfogliatella
Zeppole
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Italy also jazzes up rice in different ways; one of those ways is evident in arancini. They're deep-fried rice balls that's also mixed with other yummy stuff for more flavor. Thank Sicily for inventing this one and making it a popular street food fare all over the country.

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Piadina
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Perhaps this flatbread reminds you of quesadilla, too. What's it called in Italia?
Pane di Segale
Quiche
Piadina
Panelle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

People familiar with the pockets type of food item will enjoy tasting the piadina. The Italians use round flatbread for this one and fold it up with fillings inside. These fillings can be meal-like such as meats or veggies or dessert-like such as sweet spreads or jams.

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Bistecca alla Fiorentina
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No Italian food list is complete without this meaty entry. Can you slice up the answer?
Scaloppine
Mortadella
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Cotechino Modena
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If bistecca sounds like beefsteak to you, then you've hit the carnivore jackpot! Thank Tuscany for preparing meat this way we all get to enjoy. The term "Fiorentina" means Florence, the city capital of the Tuscany region.

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