Tastes of Italy—Delicious Foods Every Kid Will Love

The Pizza Capital of the World
When people think of Italian food, pizza is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Italy is where it all began—specifically in Naples around 1860. Traditional Italian pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven and has a thin, crispy crust. It’s often topped with fresh vegetables, artichokes, olives, or slices of ham and salami. There’s also calzone, a folded version of pizza, perfect for a handheld meal.

Pasta, Pasta, Pasta!
Italy is also known for its incredible variety of pasta. From spaghetti to farfalle (bowties), there are over 200 different shapes! One famous pasta dish is lasagna, made with layers of noodles, tomato sauce, cheese, and meat. Another favorite is pesto pasta, with its rich green sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and parmigiano cheese.

Sweet Treats That Everyone Loves
Italian desserts are just as famous as their savory meals. Kids especially love panettone (a sweet, fluffy cake often eaten at Christmas), amaretti (crunchy almond cookies), and panforte (a dense fruit cake from Siena). And of course, no trip to Italy—or Italian meal—is complete without gelato. This creamy, flavorful ice cream is made with more milk and less air, making it smoother than regular ice cream.

Seafood and Fresh Ingredients
Because Italy is surrounded by water, many traditional dishes also include seafood. From grilled fish to seafood pasta, Italian cuisine celebrates the ocean’s flavors. Vegetables, herbs, and olive oil are also used often, making meals both healthy and delicious.

Learn Italian Through Food and Fun

If your child is excited about pizza, pasta, and gelato, why not let them learn the language of the country that created it all? With Dinolingo, kids can explore Italian through songs, games, videos, and fun activities—all designed for ages 2 to 14. It’s a playful way to discover Italy’s rich culture while picking up real language skills. Buon appetito!