Unique and Exquisite Cortina Cuisine

Italy never disappoints when it comes to cuisine and that remains true in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Italian cuisine is strongly inspired by its geographic location, especially the plentiful supply of fresh Mediterranean seafood. Up in the mountain valley of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the local cuisine has been inspired more by the unique natural surroundings and the proximity to Germanic culture of Tyrol to its neighbours in the Veneto region.

Here are some popular Italian dishes for your consideration while visiting Cortina:

Casunziei

Strictly unique to the region, these half-moon shaped green or red colored ravioli are served with parmesan cheese, melted butter, and poppy seeds. The red ones are filled with beetroots and have a gentle sweet flavor. The green ones, on the other hand, are filled with swiss chard and spinach and have a stronger taste.

Spätzle

Spätzle has its roots in Germany but is quite prevalent in the Tyrol area of Italy, where it has become part of the local cuisine for generations. This Italian food is composed by a very small spinach gnocchi served with speck (smoked ham) and cream.

Canderli

Another cuisine native of the Tyrol area, this dish is made up of bread-balls with speck and served with goulash or in broth or with cheese or spinach. It is also served with parmesan and melted butter.

Puccia

This is a special type of rye bread served with a range of local fennel seeds. You can order it in dry, soft, or crispy versions.

Strudel

It is not unusual to think strudel is not an Italian food. In fact, the name strudel is not even Italian, but German. Apple strudel is a dessert of apples, raisins, or currants and pine nuts rolled up in paper-thin pastry. It is served warm with cream or vanilla sauce.

Fartaies

These are typical fritters made of batter, fried and served warm with red bilberry jam.

Kaiserschmarrn

This light, caramelized pancake, is prepared from sweet batter using flour, milk, eggs, salt, and sugar. The pancake is served hot with plum or apple sauce, or fruit components like strawberry or lingonberry.

Visit Cristallo Resort to discover more local cuisine.