Here’s a detailed guide on what to eat in L’Aquila, Italy, highlighting local specialties and traditional dishes:
1. Arrosticini
These are skewers of tender, grilled lamb meat, traditionally cooked over charcoal. Arrosticini are a staple of Abruzzo cuisine and perfect for a casual meal in local trattorias or street food stalls.
2. Sagne e Fagioli
A hearty pasta dish made with flat, ribbon-like pasta (sagne) and beans (fagioli), often flavored with garlic, tomato, and local olive oil. It’s a comforting and authentic taste of the region.
3. Maccheroni alla Chitarra
This homemade pasta, shaped using a special stringed tool called a “chitarra,” is usually served with rich meat or tomato-based sauces. It’s a true representation of traditional L’Aquila cooking.
4. Pecorino Cheese
Abruzzo is known for its high-quality sheep’s milk cheese. Pecorino from L’Aquila is flavorful, often aged, and can be enjoyed as part of an appetizer platter or grated over pasta.
5. Porchetta
A delicious roasted pork dish seasoned with herbs, garlic, and fennel. Porchetta is usually served in sandwiches or as a main dish in restaurants.
6. Confetti di Sulmona
These are sugar-coated almonds, a famous sweet specialty from the nearby town of Sulmona. They are often used in celebrations but also make a great souvenir.
7. Lamb and Game Dishes
Due to the mountainous region, local restaurants often serve lamb, goat, and other game meats, cooked with herbs and traditional recipes.
8. Local Wines
Pair your meals with regional wines from Abruzzo, such as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (red) or Trebbiano d’Abruzzo (white), which complement the local cuisine perfectly.
Why this matters:
Tasting L’Aquila’s traditional dishes allows travelers to experience the city’s culture through its cuisine. From savory lamb skewers to hearty pasta and local cheeses, the city offers flavors that are deeply tied to its history, geography, and culinary traditions.
