Many of my clients tell me that their biggest fear prior to arriving in Italy is finding food other than pizza for the fussy eater in their family. If you share those concerns and are wondering what to feed your kids in Italy beyond pizza, you’re in the right place! The good news is that Italian food is typically simple flavours with fresh ingredients, and based on my travels throughout the world, I have to argue that it is the most child-friendly cuisine in the world.

Pizza isn’t the only option in Italy for kids.. although they always love it, especially when they made it themselves in a cooking class!

Before diving into the options for your children, it is helpful to understand how Italian menus work.

How to read an Italian menu

There are usually four courses:

Antipasti (Starters)
Primi (First course: pasta, rice, polenta and legumes)
Secondi (Second course: this will be meat, fish and substantial vegetarian dishes - typically no sides are included)
Dolci (Dessert)

You may also find the following listed separately:

Contorni (Sides, can include salads/vegetables)
Insalata (Salads)
Zuppe (Soups)
Pizze (Pizzas)

Do you order both primi and secondi?

When it comes to ordering, you will typically choose either a primo or secondo plate unless you are really hungry. If you order secondo piatto, you will add your sides from the options listed under contorni unless you just want a piece of meat arriving. We typically order an antipasto (starter) or two to share, and then either a first or second plate each. Of course, we try to fit in a dessert too!

Are there kids' menus in Italy?

Most Italian restaurants don’t have a separate kid's menu however you will see them in high tourist areas. No matter where you are it’s always worth asking because sometimes they will bring a kid's menu on request or at least they tell you which options are the most child-friendly. You can also ask for the children’s food to be brought out first.

What is the difference Osteria, Trattoria and Ristorante?

You may be noticed that a lot of restaurants have the words either Osteria or Trattoria in their name. Both are terms that indicate they are a restaurant and in theory, both serve local, traditional food in a basic dining environment. In more recent times that has changed and you now find some fine dining restaurants called Osteria something. Often those are places that are creating a fusion between the traditional recipes and another cuisine, or putting a modern twist on the dishes.

Fun fact: Traditionally, an Osteria was a venue that served beverages to accompany a workers BYO food! There is still one in Bologna that has been operating that way since 1465! It’s called Osteria del Sole.

Ristorante is usually the most upscale with more space between the tables and a longer wine list- but really the three names are used interchangeably now so make your choice based on other factors.

There’s always pasta! Family cooking classes make for a fun photoshoot too!

Which foods will appeal to children in Italy other than pizza?

Of course, there is pasta! And did you know that different pasta sauces go with certain pasta shapes, and that each combination is regional? Even if your child only ever chooses pasta (and the occasional pizza!) they’ll be able to try a variety of flavours (and nutrients) by exploring the local options in each city you visit. Think fun, stamped coin shapes in Cinque Terre with pesto, broccoli sauce in Puglia, thick hand-rolled spaghetti-type pasta in Florence with simple sauces plus there is lasagna in Bologna! But if the regional specialty doesn’t appeal, you’ll usually find a simple tomato-based sauce everywhere you go! At home kids eat pasta in bianco which is a Parmesan cheese based white sauce and if you’re lucky a restaurant might make this for your kids too.

If you’re wondering how kids eat at home in Italy, check out this post!

It isn’t just pasta in Italy that differs depending on the city. Most dishes are quite regional so your options will vary as you travel from the mountains to the sea, or from cities to the countryside. This allows you to introduce your family to the history of each region through their food, with the reassurance that if it’s not a hit you always have a pasta backup!

Let’s have a look at some non-pasta dishes available in different regions.

Kid-friendly Italian foods that aren’t pizza or pasta

Families eat quite differently at home than what you see on the restaurant menus. For insights into home-style menus, you may like to stay at an agriturismo which are farmstays and often have a restaurant on site. most of the options listed below can be found in traditional Osterie and Tratterie in the appropriate regions.

Polenta e Salsiccia

Polenta is found throughout northern Italy, particularly in the mountains. It has a mild taste kids usually love, and it pairs wonderfully with savoury sausage (salsiccia). Alternatively, you can order it with butter or cheese. If you’re planning a hike in the Italian Alps, the Refugio (mountain hut) will likely serve what I call “a cuddle in a bowl”.

Polpette

Italian meatballs are often served without pasta in Italy, and they’re not always with meat! You’ll find different varieties in every corner of the country from the hearty meatballs in sauce to fried eggplant balls! No matter the ingredients, they’re always tasty and always a hit with kids!

Parmigiana di Melanzane

A baked eggplant casserole layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. The eggplant becomes quite sweet when it melts which is a hit with the kids! It’s also a great filling, vegetarian option.

Fagioli

A cozy dish made with white beans, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, sometimes with sausage. It’s mild and filling, making it popular with both kids and adults. This is a home-style meal although you might find beans on the menu in a traditional trattoria/osteria as a starter served with bread. Some regions also have a pasta dish with beans which is great in winter. Otherwise, try your agriturismo!

Carne alla Griglia

Grilled meat, either a single piece as stated, or a selection of meats and sausages (this is region-dependent) and served simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs. It’s tender, juicy, and a great option for kids to share who enjoy mild flavours. Plus you can pair it with a side of their choice.

Patate al Forno

Italian-style roasted potatoes are seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. They’re a delicious side dish and popular with kids.

Arancini & Suppli

If you’re looking for a quick snack on the go, these crispy rice balls are stuffed with cheese, peas, or meat and then fried. They’re fun to eat and can be handheld, making them very kid-friendly. You’ll find them as street food in Sicily called “arancini”. A similar version in Rome is called “Suppli” and filled with mozzarella and coated in breadcrumbs, then fried. Kids love the gooey cheese inside!

Tramezzini

Another option that is viewed as more of a snack in Italy than a meal are Tremezzini, although it could serve as a great familiar lunch option for your kids! These Italian tea sandwiches are made with soft white bread, often without crusts, and filled with kid-friendly ingredients like ham, cheese, or tuna with mayo. You won’t find these in a restaurant but usually at a service station (gas stop) or a bar (which is what we would call a cafe).

Porchetta

Typically found in vans on the side of the road throughout Tuscany and Umbria as a lunch stop, this is a flavorful, slow-roasted pork roast seasoned with herbs. Slices are often served in crunchy bread and it’s tender and savoury—great for meat-loving kids.

Scartosso

Another great street food that kids will love are the cones of deep-fried battered fish available in Venice! It’s not exactly healthy but as a once-off treat as you walk along the canals, I think it’s the perfect option if you’ve had a late buffet breakfast at the hotel and just need something to tie you all over until aperitivo!

As you can see, travelling through Italy with kids doesn’t mean you’re limited to pizza and pasta! Italy is like a giant culinary playground, with flavours that will surprise and delight even the pickiest eaters. From creamy, gooey arancini in the south to hearty, mountain-style polenta in the north, Italian cuisine has plenty of tasty twists and fun dishes to discover along the way.

With each region offering something unique, every meal is a new adventure. So, dive into those menus, ask the locals for their favourites, and let the kids explore Italian flavours beyond the classics. And if all else fails, there’s always a trusty plate of pasta waiting for backup!

Italy is ready to charm your family’s taste buds, so grab a fork, keep an open mind, and enjoy every delicious bite.

Looking for other food-based activities? How about a Truffle Hunt?

Hi, I’m Kirstie

Family Photographer, living her best foodie life

In 2020, I swapped Australia for Italy—drawn by a love for food and the chance to dive deeper into my husband's Italian heritage. From the moment I arrived, I was hooked. Every region, every village, has its own flavors and traditions, from the fresh pasta of Puglia to the rich risottos of the north.

As a photographer, I’ve always sought to capture the essence of life— and in Italy, that essence is in the food and the moments shared around it so when possible, I love incorporating food in my clients vacation photoshoots.

That might be some candid images as you enjoy a gelato between locations or a full food-focused photoshoot like a cooking class or truffle hunt (followed by some traditional portraits too).

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, let’s make sure you leave with more than just memories. Ready to explore? Get in touch!

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Kid-friendly food in Italy beyond pizza