47 Delicious Foods to Eat in Trieste (Trieste Food Guide by locals)

Do you want to enjoy the foods to eat in Trieste, Italy, as locals do? In this case, you cannot miss trying the local food I grew up with. Discover the culinary delights of my hometown, Trieste, with my comprehensive Trieste Food guide. Indulge in the rich and flavorful pasta dishes the city is known for, or satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious pastries that make the perfect souvenir for your friends and family.

Your taste buds are in for a treat as you explore the gastronomic wonders of Trieste. Here are all the most delicious dishes in Trieste to enjoy at lunch and dinner while exploring my beautiful hometown. 

And don’t you like to have an aperitivo or a liquor after dinner? I’ve got you covered on that, too, like always. Discover the most loved after-dinner liquors in Trieste (these are also good souvenirs to take home for yourself or your friends).

Enjoy all the food in my hometown, know this city like a local, and know what to order in Trieste restaurants.

In Trieste, you will find typical Italian recipes and a mix of Eastern European ingredients that you won’t find in the rest of Italy, such as cabbage, goulash, “cren,” horseradish, and mustard. Because Trieste is a seaside city, you will also have an extensive variety of fresh fish like seabass, tuna, mussels, clams, and cuttlefish prepared in delicious ways.

My hometown has the perfect dish for every traveler, so prepare your notepad to write down a list you don’t want to forget to try while visiting.

Hi! I’m Valentina

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If you decide to visit Trieste before embarking on your cruise, don’t miss to read my Complete Trieste Cruise Port Guide, where I explain in detail how to reach the cruise terminal from every airport in the region.

Don’t miss my How to Spend One Day in Trieste, where I take you to the most famous landmarks and hidden gems (plus some stops to enjoy the most local delicacies).

MORE TRIESTE TRAVEL GUIDE TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

Trieste Food Guide: 47 Delicious Foods and Drinks to Try

Meat dishes in Trieste

a typical food is a plate of cured meat and local cheeses with local wine one of the best traditional food are the cold cuts

1. Salumi / Cured Meat and Cheeses:

Trieste is a haven for meat and cheese lovers, offering various Italian cured meats and local cheeses. From the classic favorites like mortadella, prosciutto, and culatello to the flavorful salame and salsicce, you can find it all in Trieste. 

Whether you’re looking for a delicious sandwich or a charcuterie board to enjoy while having an aperitivo in one of the many wine bars in Trieste, the city has something to satisfy every meat craving.

You can book an Italian Aperitivo Experience to enjoy Italy as we do and meet other travelers.

2. Jota: 

Jota is the most famous soup and probably the most loved food by my husband, Lajos. Everybody loves Jota, and if you ask a local what to eat in Trieste in winter, they will probably tell you to eat a good hot plate of Jota. This soup is typical of that area, but you may also find it in some Slovenian restaurants. It is made with sauerkraut, potatoes, and beans. 

It can be vegan or contain some meat, such as smoked pancetta, ham, or sausages. It is the perfect meal in Trieste’s cold winters, so even though I’m not a bit fan of it (I don’t like that much sauerkraut), I could not add it to my food guide!

enjoy local food with a good portion of goulash, one of the oldest dishes to eat
Goulash with polenta

4. Goulash:

Gnocchi di pane or Canederli are bread dumplings made with dry bread, pancetta/speck, eggs, cheese, flour, milk, and parsley. These are probably my favorite food to eat during winter (but I also make them very often on those cold rainy days in England).

eat trieste as a local and try the bread dumplings is one of the best food made with bread, speck and italian cheese

3. Gnocchi di pane o Canederli:

The Trieste Gulash is one of everyone’s favorite dishes to eat in winter. This is another pillar dish of my food guide. It’s a meat stew much thicker than the Hungarian Goulash soup. You can have it with polenta, potato, or bread dumplings.

Another version made with boiled potatoes that my grandmother used to make for me is Calandracca, but unfortunately, it is very difficult to find in local trattorias.

Canederli can be eaten with ragu alla bolognese or goulash. Some people like them with butter, so it is up to you. This dish reminds me of my grandmother; she prepared it for us very often and was the best in the world (like everything our grandmother prepares, am I right?).

Travel Tip: If you arrive in Trieste too early for your check-in or your departure time is too many hours after your check-out, and you need a place to store your luggage, check out Radical Storage in Trieste, a website that shows you all the safe places to keep your bags while still exploring Trieste.

one of the best street food is a traditional good italian pizza with mortadella, burrata cheese, rucola and fresh cherry tomatoes
Pizza with mortadella, burrata cheese, rucola and cherry tomatoes

5. Pizza:

You are in Italy, after all, so enjoy a typical Italian pizza. To make it local, try the pizza with truffle. Truffles come from Slovenia and Croatia, and thanks to their proximity, locals love to eat them when in season.

one of the best food is a platter of assorted meats and sausages with mustard, sauerkraut, and beer at Buffet da Pepi in Trieste, showcasing typical food.
Piatto misto di caldaia with pork meat, sauerkraut and breaded veggies

6. Piatto Misto di Caldaia: 

This mixed plate is made with different cuts of boiled pork. It is something very typical of Trieste and also one of my favorites. It goes with mustard and horseradish and is often served with sauerkraut or deep-fried breaded vegetables. I usually eat it at “Buffet da Pepi.”

Heads up! Craving more than just a taste of Trieste? Take your love affair with Trieste cuisine to the next level by learning to whip up its magic yourself with a hands-on cooking class or a Food Tour! ‍

in local food market eat mix fish starter with tuna carpaccio, crab salad, shellfish, cod and prawns
The famous Antipasto speciale misto at Angelina restaurant

7. Antipasto di Pesce misto: 

Antipasto misto di Pesce is another option if you want to try as much of the delicious cuisine Trieste offers as possible. This mixed plate can be a starter or, as my mom likes, the main course because it can be so significant to fill you up. 

Even if not mentioned on the menu, you can always ask if they can prepare a plate with different fish starters for you in every seafood restaurant.

Why not try them all when you can taste so many delicious dishes? This is also one of the reasons why you are visiting Trieste after all, aren’t you? To taste all the best foods to eat.

For the best Mixed Fish Starter, book a table at Angelina Restaurant, where you will enjoy a plate of 8 different fish starters. 

Travel Safety Tip: As soon as you book your next adventure, buy good travel insurance in case you need to “unfortunately” delay, extend, or cancel your trip. I usually find good deals on VISITORSCOVERAGE for up to 1 month of trip length and SAFETYWING for longer trips.  They are insurance companies that cover everything related to your travel.

 eat tripe in trieste made with tomato sauce and all the other local food to eat

8. Tripe:

When visiting Trieste, one must try the local specialty known as tripe stew. This delicious dish is made with cow stomach, tomato sauce, onion, and herbs and is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. Tripe stew is one of my father’s favorite foods to eat; my grandmother often makes it for him.

Welcome to my travel guide, my lovely anxious traveler! Want to know who is behind Valentina’s Travel Guide? Let me tell you more about myself.

Vegetarian dishes to taste in Trieste

9. Liptauer:

Liptauer cream is a spreadable cheese dip originally from Slovakia’s Liptov region. In Trieste, liptauer cream is known as “Liptauer Triestino” and is often made with a slightly different blend of spices.

It contains sheep ricotta, mascarpone, sweet gorgonzola cheese, spring onion, sweet or spicy paprika, and a pinch of salt.

You can find Liptauer cream in most supermarkets, “Gastronomie” and local “Osterie.”

trieste cheeses in a supermarket fridge
Triste local cheeses in a supermarket

10. Local cheeses:

A trip to Trieste isn’t complete without indulging in the local cheeses! The surrounding Friuli Venezia Giulia region produces a stunning variety, each cheese seemingly more delicious than the last.

While I have my favorites—Latteria for savory pies, Malga cheese, Montasio, and creamy goat ricotta—there’s a whole world of local cheeses waiting to be explored in Trieste.

If you are curious about Trieste and Friuli Venezia Giulia’s local cheese, I highly recommend you visit a local food shop or a supermarket. There, you will find a vast variety to taste and maybe take home as a souvenir. Your family and friends will surely appreciate it. Food is one of the best souvenirs from Trieste, in my opinion.

radicchio verde is one of the typical local food to be eaten with cherry tomatoes
Radicchio verde with cherry tomatoes

11. Radicchio verde:

The radicchio verde (green chicory), also called “zuccherina di Trieste,” is a typical green leaf you can order in many local restaurants as a side dish and find in any supermarket in the city. It has a bitter taste, which I adore.

My favorite way to eat it is with sweet cherry tomatoes, a pinch of salt, local extra virgin olive oil, and cream of balsamic vinegar from Modena.

Remember, you can only find radicchio verde during the winter season.

local food is wild asparagus. the best way to eat wild asparagus is in scrambled eggs or risotto

12. Wild asparagus:

Springtime in Trieste wouldn’t be complete without savoring wild asparagus. Unlike cultivated varieties, finding these on restaurant menus can be a challenge.

That’s where the thrill of the hunt comes in! Many locals, like my parents, head to the forests around Trieste to forage for these delicacies. My mom even freezes them to enjoy their unique flavor throughout the summer.

Regarding recipes, I can’t resist a creamy risotto with wild asparagus or a simple scramble of eggs and some local sausages, both bursting with the earthy goodness of wild asparagus. The photos above testify to my mom’s culinary skills—a delicious snapshot from my recent visit home to Trieste.

Wondering where to find all these delicacies?
Check out my article about the best restaurants in Trieste!

Fish courses in Trieste

Trieste fish marinated sardines with lemon juice and olive oil on a bed or rucola is part of the food guide
Marinated sardines

13. Sardoni marinati:

Marinated Sardines is one of the typical ways to eat sardines in Trieste. The sardines are marinated with lemon juice and spices, and it is an absolute dish to taste in Trieste. You can find it in most local seafood restaurants.

Pssst! Want to learn how to cook authentic Italian recipes? Check out this Private Cooking Class at Cesarina’s Home in Trieste to learn original local recipes to cook for your family and friends.

sardoni in savor is fried sarindes soaked in cooked re onion sauce with wine and vinegar is one of the street food trieste
Sardoni in savor with Tropea onions

14. Sardoni in Savor:

Another fish dish I could not miss to add to my complete food guide is the Sardoni in Savor, another way to eat sardines in Trieste.

They are deep-fried and then marinated in a sauce with a stew of onions, vinegar, and whine. Some people like to add pinenuts and sultanas.

breaded fried sardines is one of the local good food to try in summer
My mom’s breaded sardines

15. Sardoni Fritti / Sardoni Impanati:

Sardoni fritti is fried sardines and sardoni impanati (my favorite ones) are breded sardines. In the picture above, you can see some of my mom; She makes them very often. They are one of the most local foods to eat in my hometown. 

They are perfect for a summer lunch with a good glass of local wine. You can also have them in a local “Osteria” (local old-style wine bar where you can eat local dishes) as an aperitivo.

the best trieste italian food to eat is Baccalà mantecato with bread served at a restaurant, highlighting a traditional fish dish
Baccalà mantecato with toasted bread

16. Baccala mantecato:

This excellent recipe mixes salted cod, olive oil, and garlic; all whipped together until it becomes a spreadable cream. It is perfect with polenta or, as I like, on toasted bread. It goes spread on toast or a slice of polenta. It is my favorite, and I always eat it when I return home.

​You can also find Baccala mantecato in Venice. If you fancy a day trip from Trieste, check out my Venice Travel Guide.

good trieste food is granzievola or spider fish salad as starter is part of the cuisine of trieste
Granzeola

17. Granzeola o Granzievola:

Granzeola is perfect as a starter. It is spider fish meat. It is deliciously served in its shell, but it is sometimes used to make a delicious sauce with tomatoes to add to some fresh pasta. It is not always available and is pretty expensive, but if you find it on the menu, it is worth trying.​

This is another one of my favorite foods; I highly recommend you try it (but it’s not my favorite to prepare). Cleaning the spider fish is time-consuming and labor-intensive, so it is more expensive than other seafood.

Hey Traveler!

Wine in Trieste?

If the answer is Yes! See the Prosecco Origins Wine Tasting in Trieste!  

one of the trieste traditional dishes is an antipasto of raw fish of crayfish, tuna, salmon, sea cicales.

18. Antipasto di pesce crudo:

Antipasto di pesce crudo is a starter with mixed raw fish and seashells. One of my friends goes crazy about it and always orders it. I took that picture once I had dinner with him. It is trendy in Trieste because the fish is always fresh.

Heads up! Fancy a guided walking tour? Learn more about Trieste, meet other travelers, and discover secret gems. Check out these unmissable walking tours:

the most famous Trieste sauce with fish is busara with crayfish or with lobster with tomato and chilly

19. Pasta alla Busara:

Another one of my favorite foods to eat when I dine out in Trieste is pasta alla Busara. It is an unmissable dish on a food guide. It is a sauce made with crayfish or lobster, fresh tomatoes, and white wine. It is delicious, and you have to try it. It goes with spaghetti, fusi, or even better with bavette pasta (a different spaghetti shape).

Remember not to wear white if you plan on eating spaghetti alla Busara, or at least protect your clothes by placing the napkin on your chest.

one of the best trieste italy cuisine dishes is fuzi with crayfish and artichokes
Fusi with prawns and artichokes

20. Fusi:

Fuzi is a handmade pasta that goes perfectly with every sauce (picture above with Busara sauce). Two of my favorites are crayfish and wild asparagus or with truffle. If you love truffles, check out the Truffle Experience in Istria.  Also, hen sauce is a perfect match.

Pssst! Want to learn to make homemade pasta? Check out the Private Pasta-Making Class at a Cesarina’s Home in Trieste.

Visiting Trieste?

Check out “The Most Complete Guide of Trieste” for all the information you need to make your next trip successful. 

21. Baccala in bianco o in umido: 

Baccala in white or stew is another recipe that should be included in every food guide about Trieste. It is made with salted cod, but this time, it is a fish stew. It can be white like in the picture or red (with tomatoes), and it goes perfectly with polenta.

Looking for an unforgettable dinner in Trieste? Then you should check out the authentic dining experience in a local’s home in Trieste.

local food culture include spaghetti with clams best food to eat while in Trieste
Spaghetti with clams

22. Spaghetti with Clams:

Spaghetti con Vongole (clams) is one of my favorite pasta dishes to eat during the summer. Clams grow in the Trieste Gulf, so they are locally sourced and fresh to be served to you. If you like spicy food, ask your waiter to get it with a bit of chilly; it’s my favorite!

in the local food culture you will find squid stew in tomato sauce with polenta
Cuttlefish with polenta at Da Angelina restaurant in Trieste

23. Seppie in tecia or in umido: 

Seppia in tecia (cuttlefish in the pot) or in umido is another fish stew made with tiny cuttlefish and tomatoes. It is amazingly good with polenta and a must-try when visiting Trieste.

Wondering where to find all these delicacies?
Check out my article about the best restaurants in Trieste!

must try food is the mixed fish fried made with calamari, prawns, small fishes and squid
Mix fried fish made with gluten-free flour at Melograno restaurant

24. Fritto misto: 

This is one of my favorites when I want to eat something not precisely healthy ( deep-fried) but delicious. In Trieste, you will mostly find it with fresh fish (if you follow my local’s advice and dine only in the best restaurants in the city).

Sometimes, they will tell you which fish is available because it depends on what has been caught overnight. It usually includes prawns, squid, and other little local fish.

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Fancy a Food Tasting tour in Trieste?  See all the activities and tours available. You won’t regret it! 

one of the traditional dishes in trieste is mussels with garlic and white wine served with toasted bread to absorb the sauce
Cozze alla scottadito with toasted bread at Trattoria Alla Marina in Muggia, Trieste

25. Pedoci alla Scottadeo or Cozze alla Scottadito:

You will find “Pedoci alla Scottadeo” (mussels) in almost every fish restaurant in Trieste. The best months to eat them are May to August when they are tastier. “Pedoci alla Scottadeo” is made up of mussels with olive oil, garlic, white wine, and parsley (some add a few bread crumbs). 

There is also a second version made with tomato sauce. I think both versions are good. Another way to cook it is with mussels and other kinds of shellfish and crustaceans from the Adriatic Sea. 

In Trieste, you will find a lot of fresh fish, so many restaurants change their menu based on what the sea offers each season.

one of the trieste famous food is grilled fish fresh catch of the day, plate with crayfish, seabream, seabass, calamary and vegetables
Mix grilled fish with crayfish, seabream, and seabass

26. Grigliata mista di Pesce:

As you might have already understood, fish is one of the best foods to eat when you are in a seaside city. The mixed plate of grilled fish is one of the healthiest options in this food guide.

It’s perfect for those on a diet or in case you overindulged in the previous days and want to eat something healthy. Fresh fish from the sea, grilled with vegetables or polenta on the side—it’s delicious! 

in the trieste food culture there is a delicious fish soup made with seabass and mussels
Fish soup with mussels

27. Fish Soup:

Fish soup is one of the most loved soups in a seaside city like Trieste. You can find fish soup made with shellfish, crustaceous, or fish in almost every restaurant, so if you like fish, remember to try this delicacy made with freshly caught local fish.

Planning your trip to Trieste? Check out the best places to see in Trieste to explore the city like a local.

seafood risotto in trieste made with local herbs
Prawn risotto with local herbs

28. Fish Risotto:

Italy is the best country to eat risotto, so why not try the local fish risotto? It is one of the most local dishes, and it is made with crayfish, prawns, clams, mixed fish, and shellfish.

I’m already getting hungry just by looking at this picture I took on my last visit to Trieste. This risotto in the picture above was delicious and made with crayfish and local herbs!

Fish risotto is one of the most loved foods and one of the dishes I could not miss to include in my food guide.

Heads up! Short on time in Trieste? Conquer the Miramare Castle, admire the Roman Theater, and explore the heart of Trieste in just a day with the HopTour Bus. Ancient history, delicious eats, and iconic sights are all served expresso-fast!

one of the best food to eat is spaghetti with bottarga
Spaghetti with Bottarga

29. Spaghetti with Bottarga:

Bottarga is a widely used ingredient in Italian fish cuisine. It’s made from the dried and salted roe of fish, usually mullet or tuna. The end product is a firm, compact item that can be grated over pasta or used in various recipes.

Spaghetti with bottarga is a common dish in seafood restaurants, and it can also be purchased as a souvenir to enjoy at home.

You can purchase Cabras mullet bottarga (also called “Sardinian caviar”), which is considered the best bottarga in the world. It is produced according to tradition only with mullet eggs caught in the Cabras Lagoon or the tuna bottarga. You can find them in local food shops and the EATALY shop on the Trieste waterfront.

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octopus salad with boiled potatoes and fresh cherry tomatoes is one of the best food to eat as starter
Octopus salad with boiled potatoes and cherry tomatoes

30. Octopus salad:

Octopus salad is a seafood appetizer typical of Mediterranean cuisine and can be found in many fish restaurants in the city. It is a delicious dish with pieces of octopus boiled in flavored water and seasoned cold with extra virgin olive oil (used in all Italian recipes), parsley, and salt.

It can be mixed with boiled potatoes (my favorite) or grilled vegetables.

pasta with sea cicadas is one of the best food
Pasta with cicale made by my mom

31. Pasta with cicale di mare:

One of my favorite seafood first courses is pasta with sea cicadas. You can also find sea cicadas as a starter on a bed of salad. They are boiled and then seasoned with only a pinch of salt and excellent extra virgin olive oil.

You can find them at some seafood restaurants, but unfortunately, they are not very common. The picture shows one of my lunches with my parents. My mom found them at the fishmonger’s and made them with pasta the first time they met my now husband, Lajos.

grilled calamari with garlic oil, parsley and bakes potatoes are one of the best food if you want to eat local trieste fish
Grilled calamari with roasted potatoes

32. Grilled local calamari:

A healthy choice for a light dinner in Trieste is grilles local calamari, maybe with baked potatoes or grilled vegetables. My favorite way to enjoy grilled calamari is with an oil mixed with fresh parsley and garlic.

Most restaurants in Trieste serve calamari, which can be grilled or fried. Grilled is a healthier option, but I always forget about following a healthy diet when I travel. I love to indulge in the local delicacies after a whole day of walking and exploring the city I’m visiting.

Heads up! Plan your visit to Trieste in the best way! Check out my “How to Plan a Trip to Trieste” and all my articles to get the info to plan a successful adventure!

tartare tuna with pane curasau is a local food because the red tuna lives n the adriatic sea
Tina tartare with Pane Curasau from Sardinia at Osteria Istriano

33. Adriatic Sea red tuna:

The Adriatic Sea is a haven for delicious red tuna. So, treat yourself to some incredibly fresh tuna at a local restaurant while in Trieste. The photo above features a delectable tuna tartare I enjoyed at Osteria Istriano, which is a personal favorite.

If raw fish isn’t your thing, don’t worry – grilled tuna is another fantastic option in many restaurants.

Canestrelli gratin, a plate of baked shellfish with breadcrumbs, served at a seaside restaurant, an example of delicious food to eat while in Trieste.

34. Shellfish gratin:

These little shellfish in the picture above are called “Canestrelli.” I have no idea what they call them in English. I googled it, but I could not find an answer.

They are like miniature versions of scallops. They can be found gratin with bread crumbs, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and a splash of white wine or grilled. In Trieste, you will find many shellfish gratins, like scallops and razor clams.

Heads up! Embarking on a cruise that starts in Trieste? Check out these helpful articles I wrote for you:

musky octopus stew with tomatoes and polenta are one of the local food
Little octopus stew with polenta Da Angelina restaurant

35. Folpetti/Moscardini in umido con polenta:

Musky octopuses are little octopuses; in Trieste, they are made in “umido.” This delicious stew is made with tomatoes, white wine, basil, and extra virgin olive oil (we put it everywhere in Italy), and it is often served with polenta as a side dish.

Wondering where to find all these delicacies?
Check out my article about the best restaurants in Trieste!

Want to become a SUPER-ORGANIZED TRAVELER and fight TRAVEL ANXIETY? Check out my Travel Anxiety Tips Page, where you will find all the help, tips, tricks and guides to plan your next adventure in the most organized way!

What to Drink in Trieste

illy coffee is the best coffee to drink, illy coffee cup with muggia port view
Illy Coffee at Gelateria Jimmy in Muggia, Trieste

36. The famous Illy Coffee: 

It goes well for breakfast, a mid-morning break, after lunch, and to wake up a bit in the afternoon. Italians drink espresso every moment of the day; meanwhile, cappuccino, caffe-latte, etc., are only for breakfast.

If you are a coffee lover like me, having an Italian coffee maker at home is essential. Prepare your Italian-style coffee every morning to start your day in the best way!

Heads up! Do you like Italian Wine? If the answer is Yes! Check out the wine tasting in Trieste. 

A Caffè shakerato, espresso, and cappuccino served at the outdoor café caffe degli specchi in Trieste's Piazza Unità, perfect for enjoying a drink.
Caffe Shakerato at Caffe degli Specchi in Trieste

37. Caffe Shakerato:

Caffe Shakerato is my favorite Italian drink on those hot summer days when my blood pressure is under my shoes, and I need something fresh to wake up and avoid fainting (yes, my blood pressure can go so low on hot days that I risk fainting). Caffe shakerato is, in my opinion, much better than an iced coffee.

The ingredients of a caffe shakerato are the same as those of an iced coffee, so you have coffee, milk (at request, I prefer it without), sugar, and iced cubes. But instead of being mixed in a cup with a straw, a caffe shakerato is made by shaking all the ingredients together using a tumbler. It is then strained and served in a glass with or without ice.

This is not a typical Trieste drink; you can find it everywhere in Italy. I added it because if you visit Trieste in summer, it can be so hot that this drink can make the heat bearable.

best coffees to drink for breakfast are tommaseo coffees and peratoner coffees with whipped cream and chocolate cream

38. Caffe Peratoner:

The famous Caffe Peratoner is a delightful option for breakfast coffee. It is made with delicious hazelnut cream, an espresso shot, and whipped cream. You can find it at Caffe Tommaseo, at Caffe degli Specchi, and some other old-style cafes in the city center of Trieste.

39. Tommaseo Caffe:

The Tommaseo Caffe is a delicious drink for anyone who needs the kick of coffee with an added sweetness. It has dark rum, cherry liquor, hot, creamy chocolate, an espresso shot, cream, and vanilla syrup.

You can only drink this delicious coffee at the oldest cafe in Trieste, the Caffe Tommaseo.

aperol spritz is one of the best drinks served with local food with the sea view
Aperitivo with Aperol Spritz and Cicchetti

40. Aperol Spritz:

Do you like Aperol Spritz? What about an Aperol Spritz for only 4 euros? I don’t know how much they charge for it in your country, but in London, you must pay a minimum of £10,00 for a glass. 

It costs much less in Italy, so go for it and enjoy it as an aperitivo, maybe with local charcuteries. Remember that in some very touristy places, they might charge you more than expected. If you are on a budget, look for local bars where locals have aperitivo. You won’t get overcharged there.

Heads up! Craving more than just a taste of Trieste? Take your love affair with Trieste cuisine to the next level by learning to whip up its magic yourself with a hands-on cooking class or a Food Tour! ‍

41. Hugo Spritz:

The Hugo aperitif is a typical drink from Alto Adige that I like. It is light and sweet, given by adding elderberry syrup (my favorite), mint leaves, and a slice of lemon or lime.

It is not typical of Trieste but of northern Italy. I recommend you try it during your visit to Trieste. You can find it in most bars in the city center.

Want more about Trieste?

Check out the “Most Complete Guide of Trieste” and get all the information you need to make your next travel successful. 

aperitivo nonino is a very nice spritz to drink in trieste made with prosecco and nonino grappa liquor with a slice of orange and mint leaves
Aperitivo Nonino at SET Sapori Eccellenti in Trieste

42. Aperitivo Nonino:

Aperitivo Nonino is a spritz made with prosecco, a botanical drink made by Nonino Distillatori and topped up with a spray of Nonino ginger spirit. It is an absolute drink to try while in Trieste. I tried it for the first time a few months ago at SET Sapori Eccellenti, a cafe/food shop where you can have breakfast, a light lunch and dinner, and an aperitivo.

It is one of the best local food shops to visit to buy regional products made in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Trieste’s Italian region).

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43. Trieste Regional Wines:

When visiting Trieste, be sure to sample some of the local wines. One of the most renowned wines in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region is Ramandolo. Another popular choice is Ribolla Gialla, known for its unique flavor. 

With its rich and distinctive taste, Schioppettino is another local wine worth trying. Lastly, don’t miss out on Friulano wine, a favorite among locals and visitors.

In the image above, I was in an Osmizza in Trieste, where everything they sell is locally produced. You should check out some Osmizze, too. If you prefer to book a private tour with your travel mates, you can also have a food and wine-tasting experience in Trieste’s traditional Osmiza.

If you love wine and want to explore the city with a local guide, check out the Wine tasting in the Collio wine area with a guided tour of Trieste and Miramare castle.

Hey Traveler!

cittavecchia beer is made in trieste and it is a very popular beer in Trieste.
Cittavecchia Beer from Trieste

44. Trieste Cittavecchia Beers:

The Cittavecchia Brewery, founded in 1999, produces high- and low-fermentation beers. All Cittavecchia beers are artisanal and, therefore, unpasteurized. The line has been improved with new styles under the Antikorpo Brewing brand since 2020.

You can find Civitavecchia Beer in many local bars and shops. I took this picture at Tipicamente Triestino Souvenirs Shop in Trieste near Piazza Unità d’Italia.

Heads up! Plan your visit to Trieste in the best way! Check out my “How to Plan a Trip to Trieste” and all my articles to get the info to plan a successful adventure!

liquore al terrano bottles at tipicamente triestino shop. Terrano liquor is made with terrano wine and it is one of the best drinks in Trieste as after dinner
Terrano liquor from Trieste

45. Terrano Liquor:

Terrano liquor is unique in Trieste and the Slovenian Karst region. It is one of my favorite liquors worldwide. I always bring some back to London to share with my friends after dinner.

It was created to extend the shelf life of Terrano wine. The liquor combines Terrano wine with cane sugar, lemon, orange juice, alcohol, and Cinnamon. The result is a sweet and aromatic product with hints of red fruits while maintaining a moderate alcohol content of no more than 17°.

You can buy terrano liquors in many food shops in the city center and at the Souvenir shop “Tipicamente Triestino” via Luigi Einaudi behind Piazza Unita’ D’Italia.

Pssst! Fancy a guided walking tour in Trieste? Learn more about this incredible city, meet other travelers, and discover secret gems. Check out these unmissable walking tours:

amaro di erbe is an herbs very common in many households and restaurants. It is one od the best liquors to drink in Trieste

46. Amaro alle Erbe / Herbal Liquor:

Amaro alle erbe is a bitter herbal liqueur from my hometown known for its strong and bold flavor. 

It is made by carefully blending various ingredients, including hops, gentian, dandelion, eucalyptus, orange peel, absinthe, and cinnamon. Combining these herbs and spices creates this traditional Italian liqueur’s unique and distinctive taste.

You can find it at Piolo & Max Shop in Trieste as well as many restaurants and local food shops in the city center.

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bottles of grappa nonino is one of the best liquors in Trieste. An unmissable local food delicacies to drink in Trieste.
Grappa Nonino in Trieste

47. Grappa:

Grappa is a distinctive Italian spirit often enjoyed as a digestive. It is made by distilling the leftover pomace from the wine-making process, which includes grape seeds, stalks, and stems. 

With an alcohol content of 37.5 to 60 percent, grappa can also be used as an ingredient in cocktails for a unique twist (or added to cakes as my mom often does, like in the apple strudel, where she soaked the raisins in it for months, for example; the result is delicious).

Grappa is particularly popular during cold winter nights in Trieste. It provides a warm and satisfying end to a hearty meal. One of the most famous Grapa brands in most bars, restaurants, and food shops is the Nonino Grappe, made in Udine, only one hour by car from Trieste.

enjoying a view from audace pier toward piazza unità d'Italia on a sunny day in Trieste Italy is one of the best things to do before enjoying the Trieste local cuisine

Before you go…

And there you have it, my darling traveler! Your taste buds are undoubtedly tingling with anticipation for your upcoming Trieste adventure. Remember, indulging in local cuisine is essential to the cultural experience. So, from the rich, meaty Jota soup to a delicate starter of raw, freshly caught fish, embrace the culinary delights Trieste has to offer.

Indulge in Trieste’s unique flavors, and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations – the locals are passionate about their food! After all, a happy tummy makes for happy exploring, and with a belly full of these regional specialties, you’ll be unstoppable.

Now, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning your trip’s details, fear not! I’ve poured my travel-obsessed heart into creating a super-organized guide that takes the stress out of vacation planning. It’s jam-packed with tips and tricks to craft the perfect itinerary, freeing you to focus on the joy of exploration.

Just download my free guide to “Conquering Chaos: The Super-Organized Traveler’s Handbook,” and consider yourself one step closer to a flawlessly fabulous Trieste adventure!

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Xoxo Valentina

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