Italian Appetizers: Classic Starters for a Perfect Meal

Italian appetizers bring rich textures and bold tastes to the table. Colourful antipasto misto, cheesy foccacia, and savoury arancini are just a few crowd-pleasers that make every bite unforgettable. But there’s more to explore!

Want to find out more starters for the perfect meal? This handpicked list of amazing Italian appetizers will make your choice easier. Read on to find your next favourite dish!

Garlic & Mozz Foccacia

This focaccia variant is soft inside with a crispy golden crust. A rich top layer of melted mozzarella blends perfectly with garlic-infused oil. Plus, fresh rosemary adds a touch of earthiness to the overall taste.

It is typically baked until golden and cut into strips for easy sharing. The crust has a light crunch, while the inside stays soft and airy.

It’s best served warm as a starter to pair with soups, salads, or pasta.

Antipasto Misto

Antipasto misto is a colourful platter of mixed Italian tapas commonly used for sharing. It typically includes cured meats, marinated olives, roasted peppers, artichokes, mozzarella, ricotta, focaccia, and grissini.

The mix of fresh, salty, and tangy flavours creates a well-balanced starter. Served at room temperature, it’s easy to enjoy with friends or family.

Fried Calamari

Fried calamari is a crispy, golden appetizer with a light, tender bite. The squid rings are coated in a delicate batter, fried until perfectly crisp, and served hot. It is usually served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of fresh rocket.

On top of that, a generous dollop of house aioli completes the dish, adding a rich, garlicky creaminess that pairs perfectly with the crunchy calamari.

Suppli Della Settimana

Supplì Della Settimana, or "Weekly Supli", refers to crispy deep-fried rice croquettes with a golden crust and a rich, cheesy centre. The creamy risotto inside blends parmesan with a touch of lemon zest. When you take a bite, melted mozzarella stretches with every bite.

Chefs fry these Roman street food until perfectly crisp, creating a crunchy shell with a soft, flavourful filling.

Double Crumbed Mozzarella

What's better than mozzarella sticks? Double-crumbed mozzarella sticks! This starter delivers a crispy, golden crunch from the double coating with a rich, gooey centre.

Served hot, they pair perfectly with a side of homemade paprika aioli. The creamy dip adds a smoky, mildly spiced kick that enhances the mozzarella’s richness. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a snack, these crunchy, cheesy bites are always satisfying. Perfect for sharing, they bring bold flavour and irresistible texture to every table.

Local Mussels

Local mussels are great options for bringing fresh, ocean-sweet flavour. They are cooked in a rich tomato sugo with garlic and fresh chilli blends for a perfect mix of warmth and spice. The mussels stay tender, soaking up the savoury sauce as they simmer.

This starter is typically served hot with homemade bread. Tear off a piece of the bread and dip it into the garlicky, chilli-infused sugo for extra flavour.

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Italian appetizers make the perfect start to any meal. Your options range from crispy fried calamari to colourful antipasto misto. Each dish is packed with authentic taste, creating a great dining experience.

Ready for more delicious Italian dishes? Visit our restaurant at Piccolino Pizza and Homemade Pasta to see the full menu and enjoy the best of Italian cuisine!

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