A culinary masterpiece of layered pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, lasagna has captured the hearts and taste buds of many food enthusiasts worldwide. It is in Italy, however, that this delightful creation has its origins. All regions show their variation: some rich and full, like the Bolognese version of lasagna, others light with vegetables.
Join us on this culinary journey to discover the best places in Italy where this iconic dish is best indulged.
Bologna: The Lasagna Mecca
Well known as the homeland of lasagna, Bologna should be added to the bucket list of any pasta lover. Here, you will taste a symphony of lasagna Bolognese with a rich ragù alla Bolognese and creamy bechamel oozing over perfectly cooked sheets of pasta.
- Must-try: Classic Lasagna Bolognese
- Ingredients: ragù di carne, béchamel, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, fresh pasta sheets
- Where to go:
- Trattoria dal Dosso: a family business that proposes the traditional and true taste of lasagna.
- Osteria del Sole: warm atmosphere and yummy homemade pasta.
Naples: A Southern Delight
The lighter, fresher lasagna can be found in Naples, a city full of life in southern Italy. Neapolitan lasagna is characterized by ricotta cheese and mozzarella, with a less rich tomato sauce since the region tends to follow the freshness of ingredients.
- Must-try: Lasagna with ricotta and mozzarella
- Key ingredients: Ricotta cheese, mozzarella, tomato sauce, pasta sheets
- Where to go:
- Pizzeria Di Matteo: As expected from this very famous pizzeria, it seems they really know how to prepare the hidden treasure for the lasagna.
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Yet another great pizza institution done right, with a deliciously done lasagna to go along with their famous pies.
Toscana: Rustic Elegance
Tuscan lasagna is such that may be called a harmonious combination of tradition and innovation: the classic meat-based versions and vegetarian options, loaded with seasonal vegetables and creamy ricotta. Besides, top-notch ingredients paired with rustic cooking techniques make this dish truly special.
- Must-try: Lasagna with spinach and ricotta or a meaty ragu version
- Ingredients: Spinach, ricotta, optional ragù of meat, béchamel, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, pasta sheets
- Where to go:
- Osteria del Chianti: Is a nice restaurant where you can eat a great Tuscan dinner.
- Trattoria Mario: This is a classic and popular place for wholesome authentic Tuscan food.
Sicily: a Mediterranean Variance
This is what Lasagna Siciliana is, full-flavored—a real Med mash-up. Think about eggplant, pine nuts, and raisins, with just a hint of sweetness in the sauce. Add this all up, and you’ve got a complex yet satisfying dish, very representative of that immense wealth of culinary heritage on the island.
- Must-try: Lasagna with eggplant and ricotta salata
- Key ingredients: Eggplant, pine nuts, raisins, ricotta salata, tomato sauce, pasta sheets
- Where to go:
- Osteria dei Santi: The modern reinterpretation of the traditional Sicilian cuisine.
- Antica Focacceria San Francesco: The historical restaurant is well-known for street food. Now, here great lasagna is served.
Rome: A City of Surprises
While overshadowed by the pasta, a Roman lasagna is a tasty and hearty course. Simplicity defines it: fine ingredients and perfect execution. Pecorino Romano gives a salty, tangy flavor to this number.
- Must-try: Classic Roman lasagna with pecorino Romano
- Key ingredients: Pecorino Romano cheese, meat ragù (optional), béchamel, pasta sheets
- Where to go:
- Osteria della Pace: The small restaurant with a taste of the real Roma.
- Taverna Trilussa: You should definitely not pass by. It’s noise and great food with its star dish—lasagna.
Liguria: A Delicacy on the Seashore
Ligurian lasagna is lighter, with an influence from the sea. Fresh herbs, anchovies, and sometimes lemon zest add to the sauce. This combination gives a perfect balance of flavors from both land and sea.
- Must-try: Lasagna with pesto and seafood
- Key ingredients: Pesto, seafood—mussels, clams—béchamel, pasta sheets
- Where to go:
- Trattoria da Maria: This is a very small place, though full of authentic Ligurian cuisine.
- A Pesta Zun: Fresh seafood and excellent pasta dishes.
Piedmont: Rich and Hearty
Lasagna really represents a concentration of rich flavors, which, in the case of the Piedmontese, is made by using local cheese varieties like Fontina and Taleggio in company with a hearty meat ragu, altogether making this a totally indulgent dish. The addition of porcini mushrooms is commonly a pleasure added.
- Must-try: Lasagna with Fontina, Taleggio, and porcini mushrooms
- Ingredients: fontina cheese, taleggio, porcini mushrooms, ragù di carne, béchamel, fresh pasta sheets
- Where to go:
- Trattoria del Piemonte: a classic restaurant where to taste traditional Piedmontese food;
- Osteria dell’Arco: warm atmosphere and yummy homemade pasta.
Well, this is only a very, very small part of the wonderful variations of lasagna found throughout Italy. Every region has its own variation on this most loved dish by Italians, so be sure to search out and find your favorite variations.
