Ideal for foodies, Bolzano’s cuisine is as delicious as one would expect to find in Italy, but characterized with a multicultural flair that makes it unique and truly mouthwatering. Rooted in Italian country-style cooking, there are influences of Mediterranean, Austrian, German, and Swiss cuisine found throughout the city’s dishes.

Located in a unique region of Trentino-Alto Adige – where the locals are bilingual in Italian and German – Bolzano’s food fuses what is best about Italy with the richness of flavor found in Alpine areas.

From Italian pasta and wine to Austrian Knödel (dumplings) and würstel, time spent eating in Bolzano offers a variety of experiences that will delight any gourmet.

A completely unique dining experience to be had in Bolzano is at a medieval castle where travelers can enjoy a tremendous meal with a view of the city in a truly one-of-a-kind setting.

One of the area’s most unique food celebrations is Speckfest, an annual food festival that features famous chefs battling to see who can create the best dish featuring speck. Visitors to the festival can take master cooking classes, attend concerts, and play in a Watten card game tournament. In addition, Bolzano’s vintage wines are celebrated. It is a wonderful food lover’s event.

Another great food-filled event in Bolzano is the annual Christmas Market. Held throughout December and early January, the market is a wonderful opportunity to taste a variety of regional dishes offered by countless food vendors.

APPETIZERS

When it comes to appetizers in Bolzano, expect to find the region’s most popular and important cured meat – speck. Made of pork, speck is dried similarly to prosciutto, but it is also smoked. Speck is considered to be the pride of South Tyrol’s cuisine and is served daily in the area.

Also often included in the appetizer course in Bolzano are an array of Alpine pasture cheeses. The area of South Tyrol features a thriving dairy industry. The mountain air, fertile lands, and wild herbs of the region lend themselves to create amazing, high-quality milk and cheese. Cheese in Bolzano can range from mountain mozzarella, spreadable soft cheeses, and cow or sheep mountain cheeses.

FIRST COURSE

Traditionally the first course in Bolzano varies from other parts of the country.

One of the most popular first course dishes served in Bolzano are canederli – dumplings made from stale bread, eggs, milk, and mixed with cheese and/or speck. The dumplings are formed, boiled, and served with broth.

Schlutzkrapfen are another local favorite. This stuffed pasta has a half-moon shape and is usually filled with spinach and ricotta. The dish is served simply with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, chives, and melted butter.

Travelers to Bolzano should not miss the local spätzle. These small dumplings are popular throughout Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Once made by hand, today spätzle is usually formed with a metal instrument similar to a grater than cuts the dough and drops it directly into boiling water. This simple dough is made from water, flour, and eggs. The dish can be served with a variety of ingredients, though the most common accompaniments tend to be speck and cream or spinach, cream, and prosciutto.

Zuppa d’orzo is a hearty soup perfect for cold winter evenings in South Tyrol. Different variations exist throughout the area, though they all feature orzo. One common recipe includes orzo, onion, carrots, speck, beef broth, butter, thyme, and chives.

SECOND COURSE

The second-course dishes in Bolzano and throughout Alto Adige are ideal for cozying up during winter weather. Expect to find satisfying, hearty meat dishes full of flavor. Dishes such as gulasch – a thick beef stew made with vegetables, paprika, and spices – as well as game meat served with polenta are typical.

Locals also enjoy würstels, which derive from German and Austrian culinary traditions. These smoked sausages are usually grilled or boiled and served with french fries plus a condiment of one’s choosing, such as mustard, ketchup, or mayonnaise.

Gröstl is a popular dish that was born as a way of using up leftover meat. Today, the dish usually features pork, beef, or würstel that is sauteed in butter with onions and potatoes. In some cases, the dish may be topped with a fried egg or served with a salad made from cabbage.

SIDE DISHES

Fitting for the north’s colder weather, polenta is a filling dish made from cornmeal and water. Whether served alone, with meat such as beef goulash, or with vegetables and cheese, polenta is a filling, delicious food perfect for Bolzano’s Alpine surroundings.

Other common side dishes include savoy cabbage, sauerkraut, and potatoes served with the cured meat of choice – speck. Potatoes are also an ingredient in Röstkartoffeln, which consists of boiled potatoes that are sliced and then sauteed in butter with onions, herbs, and spices.

STREET FOOD

Bolzano is home to a variety of temporary and permanent food stands that serve delicious dishes right on the streets. In particular, baked goods are very popular. Bakeshops are located on nearly every corner, allowing travelers to taste German-influenced breads.

Baked pretzels are a must-try Bolzano. Topped with thick rock salt, pretzels are served alone, as the bread of a sandwich, or paired with German-style sausages.

Another yummy street food is cured salame. Dried pork or venison are smoked to create this protein snack. Travelers can find them at various street cafés or at the famous Bolzano Christmas market.

Würstels, mentioned in the second course section above, are another popular street food offered by Bolzano’s street vendors. They are typically served in bread with a sauce.

DESSERTS

Pastries and strudel are key desserts in Bolzano. Taking influence from nearby Austria, strudel is available in a variety of flavors, though the most popular features puff pastry with apples, pine nuts, raisins, and cinnamon. Pastries such as krapfen, a type of filled doughnut, are also commonly found.

Another unique and scrumptious regional dessert is Sachertorte. This chocolate cake is a favorite all throughout Italy, but particularly in the Bolzano area due to its proximity to Austria – where the dessert was invented. Sachertorte is made of two layers of dense chocolate cake, apricot jam, and dark chocolate ganache.

Zelten is a type of sweet bread that is filled with nuts and candied fruit. This delicious treat is a Christmastime staple in the area.

WINE

With miles of vineyards and stunning orchards, Bolzano is a prime destination for wine connoisseurs. The region’s geography lends itself to produce wines that range from floral and light to deep and full-bodied.

Some popular local wines include Moscato Giallo and Gewürztraminer – floral whites, Riesling and Silvaner – classic whites, Lagrein – a local red that is boldly flavored, and Traminer Aromatico – a variety rumored to be an aphrodisiac.

A must-visit wine area near Bolzano is Santa Maddalena – where a local variety of wine made from Schiava and Lagrein grapes is produced. Visiting Bolzano in the fall, or Harvest Season, is the perfect time to enjoy a car ride down vineyard roads.

Bolzano’s proximity to Austria also means the city has an array of delicious beers to try. Be sure to visit a local pub to enjoy a few pints as well as live music.

Bolzano’s cuisine, characterized by Italian, Austrian, German, and Swiss influences, is among the most unique in all of Italy. Travelers tend to fall in love with the city’s delectable dishes and local products, such as speck, canederli, würstel, and krapfen, as well as the local wines and beers.