Verona, a wonderful city that seems to have stepped straight out of a fairytale, is steeped in history and charm. Visitors from all over the world are attracted by its special atmosphere and architectural beauty, but it would be a sin to miss out on its delicious cuisine.
With its charming squares, the magnificent Arena, the romantic spot of Juliet’s balcony and hidden corners full of character, Verona is an unmissable destination not only for lovers, drawn to the setting for the greatest love story ever told, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but for all lovers of culture, art and, of course, good food. After all, wherever you go in Italy your palate is always in for a treat, and Verona is no exception, with its delicious local cuisine.
So today we’ve come up with a special itinerary to take you on a tour not of Verona’s most characteristic corners, but of its culinary specialities. Five dishes for a truly memorable meal that will make you fall in love with this magical city even more.
What typical dishes is Verona known for?
As we said, this city in the north of Italy is not only famous for its monuments, but also for its rich gastronomic tradition, delighting visitors with its authentic and genuine flavours. Many are familiar with pandoro, which along with panettone is the cake to enjoy at Christmas, and it originates from this very city, but the dishes to be savoured here are numerous and to suit all tastes. Here are our recommendations.
The traditional dishes of Verona that you absolutely have to try
What to eat in Verona: Pastisada de caval
Or horse meat stew. This is Verona’s most popular traditional dish. Horse meat is left to macerate in a mixture of red wine, onions, carrots and various herbs. Its distinctive characteristic is that it’s cooked very slowly, sometimes for up to three days. It’s served with polenta, or as a sauce for another typical Veronese dish, potato gnocchi.
Where to try it: Al Calmiere
Piazza San Zeno 10, 37123 Verona
What to eat in Verona: Pearà
This is a cooked sauce with an untranslatable name, which in the local dialect refers to the large amount of pepper with which it’s seasoned. Every Veronese homemaker has their own recipe for a perfect “pearà”, which should be neither too thick nor too runny and should without fail be cooked in a terracotta pot. The essential ingredients: meat broth, beef marrow bones, breadcrumbs, Grana Padano cheese, butter and – as we said – lots of pepper. It’s ideal for serving with boiled meats.
Where to try it: Ristorante Arco dei Gavi
Corso Cavour 43, 37121 Verona
What to eat in Verona: Risotto all’Amarone
This dish comes from a fairly recent recipe, reflecting the boom in Amarone over the last few years, but it has become extremely popular. It’s a traditional risotto, but with a very generous helping of what is now the most prestigious wine produced in the Valpolicella region. There are various optional ingredients (e.g. radicchio), but the important thing is the quality of the Amarone and the rice. The rice should be of the “Vialone Nano” variety, which is harvested from the rice fields on the Verona plains.
Where to try it: Trattoria Pane e Vino
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 16/A, 37121 Verona
What to eat in Verona: Renga
Or herring. At one time, in the poor inland areas of the Veneto region, fish never reached here fresh, only dried or preserved in salt, and this was how a dried cod dish became part of the culinary tradition of the region. Traditionally, in the Veneto region, the dish known as baccalà (dried cod) is very often cooked in milk. In Verona, the most typical fish dish is made with herring, which is soaked in cold water to remove the salt, then cooked in boiling water or on the grill, then cut into small pieces and left to rest in a container with garlic, olive oil and parsley for at least 40 days. Ideal for serving with polenta. In Verona this is the dish for celebrating the end of Carnival, and to which a festival is dedicated in the village of Parona, on the banks of the Adige river.
Where to try it: Bottega della Renga
Piazzetta del Porto, 12, 37124 Verona
What to eat in Verona: Nadalin
This is a sweet which is mainly enjoyed at Christmastime but is great to eat at any time of year. It’s the predecessor to the more famous pandoro but is crunchier and denser. Made in the shape of a star, it’s flavoured with vanilla beans and lemon peel and coated with a sugar glaze, pine nuts and almonds.
Where to try it: Pasticceria Flego
Corso Porta Borsari, 9, 37121 Verona
Verona and its cuisine
Verona is much more than just a tourist city; it’s a place where art, culture and gastronomy work in harmony to offer an unforgettable experience. From traditional dishes such as risotto all’Amarone and pastisada de caval, to sweet delicacies such as pandoro, Verona is a delight to the senses for anyone venturing into its cobbled streets and its inviting restaurants. So, if you’re looking for a trip that’s a feast not only for the eyes but also for the palate, make sure you visit this wonderful Italian city. Have a great trip and buon appetito!
If you’d like some more suggestions on what to do and see in Verona, you can also read our articles on the thermal baths in Verona, Eataly Art House and what to do in the city at Christmas.
