From piadina to pizza, and even international favourites like the much-loved smash burger, the dishes Italians most enjoy ordering at home reveal a lot about the country’s tastes and habits. Deliveroo has published its 2025 ranking of preferences among those using its home delivery service, confirming the strong connection between Italians and tradition. What makes certain recipes indispensable on Italian tables and in Italian hearts?
The most popular dishes among Italians, according to Deliveroo
New eating habits, influenced by fast-paced lifestyles and the widespread use of food delivery apps, have reshaped the list of most-ordered dishes. According to a study by Deliveroo, one of the most popular platforms for home delivery, Italian specialities that combine flavour and convenience dominate. Among the top three (Italian) dishes ordered, there is a clear preference for classic flavours:
Romagnola piadina: appreciated for its versatility and the ability to personalise both the filling and the dough itself. Increasingly, wholemeal or kamut doughs are being offered.Pizza provola: a symbol of simplicity and tradition, beloved by all. This pizza is the most ordered thanks to its basic ingredients: smoked provola cheese, tomato, basil, pepper, and olive oil.Mini pizzas (pizzette): the same dish, in a smaller size. Tomato pizzette are eaten in a single bite, perfect for a quick office lunch or an aperitif.
These dishes remain staples for Italians, especially when a practical, speedy solution is needed without sacrificing the taste of home.
Other popular dishes around the world
Deliveroo’s ranking of most-ordered dishes also offers surprises alongside confirmations. Alongside Italian classics, international specialities feature prominently. In second place globally is the smash burger with potato buns from American recipes, along with beef or bao dumplings and Cantonese-style rice.
Looking at the global ranking, English bagels remain popular, as do the timeless cheeseburger and the increasingly popular poke bowls. Demand is also growing for lobster rolls and stuffed sandwiches.
Why the piadina is so popular
Among the most sought-after dishes in Italy when it comes to takeaway and delivery, piadina holds a prominent place. Its popularity has many reasons: it is a historic Italian dish, easy to fill, and adaptable to a wide range of tastes and needs.
The simplicity of the ingredients – flour, water, lard or oil – creates a neutral base that enhances every combination. Especially celebrated in Emilia-Romagna but enjoyed throughout Italy, piadina is tied not only to regional tradition but also to an informal conviviality that appeals across generations.
The Italian dishes foreigners love most
Italian cuisine is also a reference point beyond Italy’s borders. Tourists and foreign residents in Italy show a strong preference for certain recipes that have become true ambassadors of Made in Italy. Lasagna stands out for its richness and layers of flavour, alongside pizza, now an international staple with a tricolour heart.
Dishes such as parmigiana and risotto alla Milanese also rise in popularity among visitors. In particular, desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta are among the most requested. The popularity of these dishes abroad is linked to recognisable flavours and a tradition that, while evolving, remains solid and distinctive.
Dining and Cooking