Cosa mangiare in Calabria
Typical dishes to taste along the Costa degli Dei
Calabria is a region that knows how to surprise. It is made of sweet and spicy contrasts, just like its cuisine; a land of sea and mountains, of farming traditions and recipes born by the harbor. Here, between Tropea, Parghelia and Zambrone, every dish tells a story intertwined with the scents of the coast and the simplicity of Mediterranean life.
In this guide you will discover the most authentic flavors of the Costa degli Dei, told slowly, just like a local friend would do while sitting at the table with you.
What should you absolutely eat in Calabria?
Which foods should you not miss on the Costa degli Dei?
On the Costa degli Dei, the beauty of the landscape enchants you, but it is the aromas and flavors of the cuisine that truly capture the heart. Every dish of Calabrian cuisine has a bold and distinctive taste.
The Tropea Red Onion IGP, sweet, crunchy and never overpowering, is the undisputed queen of local tables. Used in summer salads, on bruschetta or slowly stewed in homemade recipes, Tropea onion is an ingredient that speaks of sunshine and fertile land.
Alongside it stands the famous ’nduja of Spilinga, which expresses the true character of Calabria: spicy, rich and creamy, perfect spread on warm bread or used as the star ingredient in simple yet intense sauces. It is a flavor rooted in ancient tradition and today loved by travelers from all over the world.
And then there is the sea. A sea that provides fresh fish every day: anchovies, red mullet, swordfish and shellfish. Coastal cuisine is based on what is caught at dawn and transformed into simple, fragrant dishes. A taste of lemon-marinated anchovies or a mixed fried seafood enjoyed while watching the waves becomes one of those flavors forever linked to the memory of a perfect holiday.
What are the most famous Calabrian dishes?
Among the dishes that best represent the region is undoubtedly fileja, a traditional handmade pasta rolled patiently by hand. It is a rustic, sturdy pasta designed to hold rich sauces and sweet tomato flavors. It tastes of home, of family Sundays, of traditions that never change.
The Costa degli Dei also preserves everyday recipes that tell the story of daily life, such as red onion omelette, simple and aromatic, combining eggs and Tropea onion in perfect balance. It is the kind of dish you take to the beach, share with your family, and enjoy even cold after a long day by the sea.
Another recipe loved for generations is Calabrian stuffed eggplants, soft and flavorful, prepared with stale bread, cheese, eggs, basil and a light touch of tomato. These dishes were born from the need to waste nothing and to enhance what the land provides, and today they represent one of the most sincere expressions of regional cuisine.
Then there is a dish with an intense and comforting flavor: braciola in tomato sauce, known locally as vrasciola. This is not a grilled chop, but a rolled slice of meat—often veal—stuffed with cheese, parsley and breadcrumbs, tied with string and slowly cooked in tomato sauce until extremely tender. The result is a rich, aromatic dish traditionally prepared for special occasions and still one of the most beloved family recipes. The thick, flavorful sauce is often used to dress pasta, a Sunday ritual found in almost every Calabrian household.
In Calabrian homes you will also always find “pipi e patati”, a simple yet tasty dish made with peppers, potatoes, sometimes red onion, and extra virgin olive oil. It smells of summer and pairs perfectly with both fish and meat dishes, becoming a symbol of genuine home cooking.
What to eat in Tropea and the surrounding area?
In Tropea, food is an experience that speaks directly to the heart. Among the most popular dishes are those coming from the sea: grilled swordfish, alici arraganate (baked anchovies), and fish soups prepared with the daily catch. These recipes are deeply Mediterranean and pair perfectly with a glass of fresh, aromatic Calabrian white wine.
Those who want to taste the whole region in one dish can order a local cheese and cured meat platter, featuring Monte Poro pecorino, Caciocavallo Silano DOP, smoked ricotta and typical cured meats. Each product tells the story of a different area of Calabria and a different way of working with milk, land and time.
And then there is the most famous dessert of the Costa degli Dei: the Tartufo di Pizzo. A warm heart of chocolate wrapped in ice cream and cocoa powder. One bite alone is worth the walk to Pizzo.
What are the typical Calabrian products?
When talking about typical Calabrian products, it is impossible not to think of the intense and authentic flavors that define this region in every detail. Beyond the best-known dishes, Calabria offers a variety of ingredients that truly deserve to be discovered during a journey along the Costa degli Dei.
Among the undisputed stars are Calabrian cured meats, a gastronomic heritage deeply rooted in rural tradition. Calabrian sausage, for example, wins you over at the first bite. It is made with selected pork meat, sweet or spicy chili pepper, and wild fennel seeds, which give it a distinctive aroma. Its firm texture and bright red color tell the story of its close connection to the land. It is perfect on a rustic platter, paired with local cheeses or simply enjoyed with warm bread.
Alongside sausage stands another pillar of tradition: Calabrian soppressata. Considered one of the oldest and most prized cured meats in the region, it is the result of careful processing and slow aging, which give it a deep, rich and balanced flavor. Its slightly flattened shape and vivid color make it an iconic product, present in every household and on special occasions. A slice of soppressata is often enjoyed with a glass of local red wine, creating one of the most authentic pairings in Calabrian cuisine.
Another essential ingredient on the table is Calabrian chili pepper, perhaps the element that best represents our identity. In Calabria, it is used almost everywhere: to add character to sauces and meats, to flavor vegetables, to enrich omelets, or simply to accompany bread and cheese. It can be found fresh, dried, powdered, in spicy oil or preserved. It is a true signature of our cuisine, adding warmth and intensity to every dish.
Completing this rich variety are local cheeses, whether soft, aged or smoked, all telling the story of the pastoral traditions that still define the inland areas today.
Calabrian extra virgin olive oil, deep green and aromatic, is the common thread of Mediterranean cuisine, while regional wines—from Gaglioppo to Magliocco and Pecorello—surprise with their freshness and strong personality.
All these products can be found in local markets, small shops in seaside villages and on the tables of traditional restaurants along the Costa degli Dei. Tasting them means immersing yourself in the history of the land, discovering its traditions and taking home a piece of the authentic soul of Calabria.
Where can you taste traditional dishes near Tropea?
The Costa degli Dei is full of small restaurants, seaside trattorias and welcoming places where cooking is still an act of love.
If you would like to taste authentic local flavors in a relaxed setting, the restaurant of Villaggio Formicoli offers traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients and served just a few steps from the beach.
A sunset dinner, with a glass of Calabrian wine and the scent of the sea, is the best way to experience the true cuisine of Calabria.
Discover our resort and let yourself be guided on an unforgettable gastronomic journey.