Don't Like Spaghetti? 4 Things You Will Love At An Italian Restaurant

If you don't particularly like spaghetti, you may have tried to stay away from Italian restaurants. While Italian cuisine does heavily feature pasta, there are a multitude of other dishes you might enjoy. It's worth giving Italian food another chance, especially if your only experience with it has been basic, homemade spaghetti with sauce from a jar. Here are some things to try ordering the next time you go out to an Italian restaurant:

1. Bruschetta

While the complimentary bread served at most Italian restaurants is delicious when dipped in olive oil, you might want to try treating yourself to a specialty appetizer instead. Bruschetta is a healthy, tasty appetizer made from bread. Crusty bread is sliced and toasted, then topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish is fresh and flavorful, without being so heavy that it spoils your appetite for dinner.

2. Minestrone Soup

If you avoid pasta because you prefer lighter, healthier meals, you might enjoy minestrone soup. Minestrone is a rich soup with a tomato base, filled with many different types of vegetables. It utilizes a lot of herbs for a complex depth of flavor. You can easily make a meal of minestrone soup by ordering some extra bread and a side salad. This is an excellent option for anyone who is watching their weight, or someone who simply prefers to eat nutritious foods.

3. Pizza

Pizza is an Italian favorite. Fresh, authentic pizza is a lot different than the greasy pizza you probably get from your local chain restaurant. Real Italian pizza features fresh pizza sauce made from uncooked tomatoes. It's melted with real mozzarella cheese and a plethora of delicious toppings. If you're trying to watch your carbohydrate intake, you can order a thin crust pizza instead.

4. Panna Cotta

You can't forget dessert. Lingering over a hot cup of espresso and a sweet treat is one of the best parts of going out to eat at a restaurant. There are many classic Italian desserts to enjoy, but panna cotta is a long-time favorite. Panna cotta is a vanilla-flavored dish that's very similar to pudding. It's made using heavy cream that's flavored and sweetened, then allowed to chill. Gelatin helps this dessert set, which gives it a light and airy texture. Even if you filled up on your meal, you can probably find room for this delectable sweet.

The next time you want to give Italian a try, visit restaurants like Z Prime Steakhouse.