The Top Mezes to Try from Italy’s Islands

When it comes to Italian cuisine, the diversity of flavors and textures varies significantly across its regions. Among the most delightful offerings are the mezes or small plates found on Italy’s beautiful islands, each with its distinct culinary traditions. Here’s a guide to the top mezes you should try from Italy’s islands.

1. Arancini (Sicily)
These delicious rice balls are a beloved specialty in Sicily. Typically stuffed with ragu, peas, and mozzarella cheese, arancini are rolled in breadcrumbs and fried to a golden perfection. They make for a perfect appetizer or snack, bursting with flavor in every bite.

2. Panelle (Sicily)
Panelle are savory chickpea fritters that originated in Palermo. These deep-fried delights are crispy on the outside and soft inside, often served in a sandwich or on their own, accompanied by a squeeze of lemon. They are a must-try for anyone visiting Sicily.

3. Caponata (Sicily)
This iconic Sicilian eggplant dish is a sweet and sour vegetable relish. With a mix of eggplants, tomatoes, celery, olives, and capers, caponata is best served at room temperature. It’s a versatile meze that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or can be enjoyed on its own.

4. Sarde a Beccafico (Sicily)
This traditional Sicilian dish features sardines stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and herbs. The dish is then rolled up and baked, providing a delightful combination of flavors. It’s not only tasty but also evokes the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

5. Fritole (Venice)
This Venetian treat consists of sweet doughnuts made with flour, sugar, and raisins, often flavored with orange or lemon zest. Fritole are typically served during Carnival but can be found in bakeries year-round. Their light, fluffy texture makes them a perfect sweet meze.

6. Cicchetti (Venice)
Cicchetti refers to a variety of small snacks or tapas from Venice, ranging from marinated seafood to polenta bites topped with various delicious ingredients. These savory bites are ideal for sharing, making them a fantastic option for a relaxed meal with friends.

7. Sfincione (Sicily)
This Sicilian-style pizza is thick and fluffy, typically topped with a blend of tomatoes, onions, and breadcrumbs. Each family has its own recipe, making sfincione a comforting dish that captures the essence of Sicilian home cooking. It's a fantastic meze option, especially when served hot.

8. Involtini di Melanzane (Sicily)
These eggplant rolls are stuffed with a mixture of cheeses, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. Involtini di melanzane are a hearty and flavorful way to enjoy vegetables, making them a popular addition to any meze platter.

9. Pesto alla Genovese (Liguria)
This world-famous basil pesto from the Italian region of Liguria is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It can be served with pasta or as a dipping sauce for bread, making it a versatile and refreshing meze.

10. Bomboloni (Tuscany)
These Italian doughnuts are light and airy, often filled with custard, jam, or chocolate. They are the perfect sweet ending to any meze experience and are commonly enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

In summary, Italy's islands boast a rich tapestry of flavors that shouldn't be missed. From savory to sweet, these mezes offer a delightful culinary journey that captures the heart of Italian gastronomy. Whether you find yourself in Sicily or Venice, be sure to indulge in these small plates that celebrate the diverse heritage of Italy's islands.