Authentic flavors of simple cuisine that respects the territory
The great food and wine tradition of Orvieto and the traditional Orvieto cuisine, a thousand-year-old tradition still perceivable in the recipes and typical dishes of Orvieto, which have always been accompanied by appreciated and famous locally produced wines.
Orvieto cuisine is typical of the regions of central Italy and, although rich in its own traditions, is influenced by regional Umbrian, Lazio and Tuscan influences. A simple and tasty cuisine that will conquer every palate.
The Italian tradition of enjoying food and wine is significant to natives and thrives in Orvieto. Old traditions are still prevalent in modern Orvietan recipes (which are always enhanced popular local wines).
The meat has always been of considerable importance in the Orvieto kitchen. Pork is one of the most popular meats, and used it many recipes: prosciutto, sausages, mazzafegati for example.
Poultry, rabbit and game animals are also widely used. Pigeon and dove are among the most classic dishes that can be tasted in Orvieto. The “palomba alla leccarda” and the “pollo alla cacciatore” are two of the oldest and most typical dishes of the city.
Wild boar is a unique game animal that is very popular in Orvieto. It is prepared in a variety of ways from sausages, stews and sauces to simply being grilled.
Pasta is, of course, a staple in the Orvieto diet (umbrichelli in particular). Umbrichelli is a typical pasta made solely from water and flour that was invented in the Orvieto area.
Umbrichelli, like many other dishes, were invented in difficult times of war when there was a shortage of food and money. A few of the most typical pasta dishes of Orvieto are: “umbrichelli all’arrabbiata” or “umbricelli al tartufo” and “tagliatelle al ragù.” Some other traditional dishes of Orvieto are “spaghetti con il tonno” (tuna), “tagliolini con brodo di tinca” (tench fish), and “zuppe di ceci e castagne” (chickpea and chestnut soup).
If you are in the mood for a snack, try “Tortucce”, “Lumachella” or biscotti salati all’anice (anise cookies). You also can’t go wrong with any of the confectionery traditions common in Orvieto e.g. “tozzetti alle mandorle”, “ciambelle al vino” and “pizze di Pasqua” (a bread which can come sweet or salty).
Orvieto is also known for its rich and flavorful olive oil. The hilly countryside around Orvieto offer fertile grounds for the cultivation of olive trees. There are many stores and restaurants around town that sell and cook with local olive oils.
Antipasti (Appetizers)
- Bruschetta con olio extravergine di oliva
- Crostini di fegato (Liver Crostini)
- Affettati locali a base di prosciutto, salami e salsicce secche (local cold cuts)
- Lumachelle (special bakery product)
- Pork bacon with sage and vinegar
- “Porchetta” (roasted pork with fennels)
Primi piatti (First Course)
- Zuppa di ceci con gnocchetti di patate fatti in casa, aromatizzati al rosmarino (Chickpea soup with homemade potato dumplings, and rosemary)
- Umbrichelli all’arrabbiata
- Umbrichelli with black truffle
- Home made tagliatelle with wild boar sauce
Secondi piatti (Second course)
- Coniglio a porchetta con finocchio selvatico (roasted rabbit or pork with fennel)
- Cinghiale in umido (wild boar)
- Pollo alla Cacciatora (Chicken cooked in pan with rosemary, garlic and tomato)
- Baccalà all’orvietana (Dried cod with pine nuts and raisins)
- Piccione alla leccarda (Pigeon)
Contorni (Side dishes)
- Gobbi ripassati (Artichoke part boiled and cooked in pan)
- Patate cotte sotto la cenere (Potatoes cooked in ashes)
- Fagioli all’uccelletto (Beans)
Dolci (Dessert)
- Tozzetti con vinsanto
- Ciambelle al vino
- Zuppa inglese
- Frittelle di San Giuseppe (Special cake fried with rice and cinnamon)
Some typical dishes of the local Orvieto cuisine proposed by restaurants and trattorias: https://www.orvietoviva.com/en/orvieto-food-photogallery/
Search and find where to eat in Orvieto, restaurants, osterias, typical trattorias etc: https://www.orvietoviva.com/en/orvieto-restaurants-trattorias/
Orvieto is a city rich in food and wine tradition, a culture of good food and good drink that has come down to the present day. Today Orvieto is the international headquarters of Cittaslow, perfectly representing the spirit of a good, slow and human-friendly life both in the urban structure and in the quality of its table and products. Among the territorial excellences stand out the Wine, one of the first DOC of Umbria and the DOP Evo Oil of the Orvieto Hills. The presence of numerous typical trattorias and restaurants offers a wide choice of places where you can appreciate typical local cuisine and its products.
Truffle, a typical product of Orvieto. A delicious product to accompany different meals.
The Orvieto wine is a world famous product. A long tradition that begins since the Etruscan period…
Orvieto’s cured meats tradition
The extra virgin olive oil produced around Orvieto and in its large territory.
A special kind of bean produced in Orvieto, especially on the plan of Paglia river
Orvieto has a great tradition of wine production since the Etruscan period…Get more information about the local wine.
A typical bakery food of Orvieto, do not miss to taste the lumachella once you are in the city
Orvieto Wine and other typical beverages
Orvieto has a great tradition of wine production since the Etruscan period. The “Orvieto Classico” in fact, is a world-wide appreciated wine. Beside the famous wine, in Orvieto there are two other very typical alcoholic beverages are the “amaro” l’Orvietan and the “Svinnere” a liquor made with savage cherries.
Are you looking for typical food and wine shops in Orvieto?
Visit this page to get more information: https://www.orvietoviva.com/en/orvieto-typical-foods/
