Italy: What Kids and Families Love to Eat in Italy: 5 Beloved Italian Dishes

Italian cuisine is famously beloved around the world—but in Italy itself, food is more than delicious. It’s family, it’s ritual, and it’s joy. Meals are a time for connection, not just consumption, and kids are very much part of the experience.

From bustling Sunday lunches to relaxed family trattoria dinners, Italian kids grow up on some of the tastiest and most comforting dishes in the world. And if you’re visiting Italy with your own family, you’ll find plenty of options that even the pickiest eater will love.

Here are the top 5 Italian dishes that kids and families adore—along with a look at how they’re enjoyed, served, and celebrated across the country.

1. Pizza Margherita 🍕

Why families love it: It’s simple, flavorful, and fun! Pizza in Italy isn’t overloaded—it’s all about balance: a thin, wood-fired crust, tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil.

How it's eaten:
In Naples, the birthplace of pizza, families might share a couple of pies, but everyone usually gets their own. Italians eat pizza with a knife and fork (especially in restaurants), though kids often abandon formality and pick it up with their hands—no one minds.

Fun fact: The Margherita was named after Queen Margherita in 1889, with its red, white, and green colors matching the Italian flag.

Family etiquette tip: Don't ask for extra toppings like pineapple—it might get you some surprised looks from the locals!

2. Pasta al Pomodoro 🍝

Why families love it: This is the ultimate comfort food. Pasta al pomodoro is just pasta with a fresh tomato sauce, olive oil, and sometimes a sprinkle of parmesan. It's mild, non-spicy, and nearly every Italian child grows up with it.

How it’s eaten:
Pasta is usually served as a primo (first course) and eaten slowly. Italians don’t cut pasta with a knife or break it before boiling. Instead, they twirl long pasta like spaghetti with a fork—no spoon needed.

Fun fact: In Italian homes, kids learn from a young age how to "twirl like a pro" without flinging sauce across the table.

Family etiquette tip: Never ask for ketchup on pasta—it’s a big no-no in Italy!

3. Lasagna 🧀

Why families love it: Layers of pasta, meat sauce, béchamel, and melted cheese—what's not to love? Lasagna is a favorite at Sunday lunches and special occasions.

How it’s eaten:
Lasagna is usually homemade and served in big baking dishes, with generous slices for everyone. Kids often help their nonna (grandmother) assemble the layers—it’s a bonding experience as much as a meal.

Fun fact: Every region has its version. In Emilia-Romagna, the classic is made with ragù and béchamel, but in Naples, you might find hard-boiled eggs and sausage in the mix.

Family etiquette tip: Don’t rush the meal. A big lunch with lasagna is often followed by a long break or walk (passeggiata), especially on Sundays.

4. Risotto alla Milanese 🍚

Why families love it: Creamy, golden, and mild in flavor, this saffron-infused rice dish from Milan is comforting and kid-approved.

How it’s eaten:
Served warm and silky, usually as a first course. Younger children often get smaller portions—but ask for more if they love it (and they usually do).

Fun fact: Saffron gives it that bright yellow color, and legend has it a stained-glass artist invented the dish when he dropped saffron into his rice by accident in the 16th century.

Family etiquette tip: Don’t expect risotto to be like fried rice or paella. It should be creamy, a bit loose, and eaten with a spoon.

5. Gelato 🍨

Why families love it: It's smoother, denser, and more flavorful than ice cream—and it’s a daily treat in summer for Italian families. No trip to Italy with kids is complete without daily gelato breaks!

How it’s eaten:
Served in cups (coppa) or cones (cono), and often enjoyed during the evening stroll known as the passeggiata. Kids love choosing two or three flavors—even the tiniest shops offer dozens of choices.

Fun fact: Italians don't pile on toppings—pure flavor is key. Popular choices for kids include fragola (strawberry), cioccolato (chocolate), and nocciola (hazelnut).

Family etiquette tip: Try to finish your gelato before it melts—especially in summer. Messy faces are forgiven, but sticky sidewalks are frowned upon!

Final Thoughts: Eating Together the Italian Way

In Italy, mealtimes are not rushed. They’re about family, food, and togetherness. Children are included in every aspect—whether it’s helping in the kitchen, passing the bread, or simply being at the table. Dining is a celebration of life’s small pleasures.

So whether you're slurping pasta in a family-run trattoria or enjoying gelato in a sun-drenched piazza, know that you're participating in a centuries-old tradition of food, love, and laughter.

Buon appetito!