Have you ever wondered what makes Italian food special? Every bite of pizza or pasta is taken to Italy, even if you are sitting half the world away. It is not just a taste – it is a tradition, passion, and fresh material that goes into each dish. Italian dishes are an experience, a story passed down through generations, where every food is made with care, quality, and love.
At Little Sicily in Beckley, West Virginia, we bring this experience to life with every dish that we serve. Whether you are craving a simple pizza or a dreadful plate of pasta, our menu is a celebration of Italy’s rich Pak heritage. Get ready to explore the top 10. Try Italian cuisine that embodies the heart of Italy, which is all in Little Sicily.
Why Does Little Sicily Stand Out?
| Authentic Italian Taste | Fresh, Locally Sourced Ingredients | A comfortable, family-friendly environment |
|---|---|---|
| Every dish in Little Sicily is prepared with love and expertise. Our chefs, with two decades of experience, ensure that each food is a celebration of authentic Italian flavors, whether it is a completely crispy crust of our pizza or the rich, charming sauce of our pasta dishes. | We only believe in using the best ingredients, which is why we source locally, ensuring the highest quality and fresh taste in every bite. We have become a local favorite due to our unwavering commitment to fresh, delicious food that is made with passion | More than just one place to eat, Little Sicily introduces a warm, inviting environment perfect for family ceremonies, date nights, or a contingent of friends. Our friendly employees and comfortable settings make every meal special. |
Top 10 Italian Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss
Every dish at Little Sicily is crafted with passion, determination, and the finest components, bringing the heart of Italy right to Beckley, WV. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Italian cuisine or new to the sector of pasta, pizza, and more, these top 10 dishes are not to be neglected. Each one tells a tale of Italy’s culinary records and guarantees a delicious revel. Let’s explore those fan favorites—each one is packed with flavor, culture, and soul.
1. Pizza Margherita: The Heart of Italy in a Slice
Why It’s the Best: Pizza Margherita isn’t only a dish; it’s a party of simplicity. With just three key ingredients—tomato, mozzarella, and basil—it encapsulates everything that makes Italian meals so liked: freshness, stability, and best. It’s an appropriate dish for everybody who desires to revel in the soul of Italian pizza.
What Makes It Special: The crust is thin yet flawlessly crispy, the mozzarella is sparkling and creamy, and the basil leaves upload a burst of herbal freshness. The tangy tomato sauce ties the whole thing together, growing the suitable stability of flavors. It’s now not just a pizza—it’s a testimony to Italy’s emphasis on clean, exquisite components.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
- Tomatoes: We only use the best San Marzano tomatoes.
- Mozzarella: Fresh Mozzarella de Bufala.
- Dough: A blend of flour, water, yeast, and olive oil for the perfect light and crispy base.
- Cooking: Cooking in a few minutes for an unforgettable result, ripe at high temperatures in an oven made of wood
If you are emotional about pizza, you may also want to consider a professional pizza-making course in Italy, like the one offered by Accademia Italiana Chef in Florence. They offer a master of pizza and breadmaking course, diving deeply into traditional pizza-making techniques, allowing you to learn the true mysteries of Italian pizza from the masters themselves.
Pairing Recommendations: To enhance the taste of fresh ingredients, it pairs with a glass or light Pinot Grigio of Italian Chianti.
2. Spaghetti Alla Carbonara: Comfort Food at Its Best
Why It’s the Best: Carbonara is one of the dishes that are both luxurious and comfortable at the same time. It is rich and creamy, yet a week’s night is quite simple to be preferred. Its combination of pancetta, cheese, eggs, and pasta makes deep, satisfactory dishes that are dear to the world.
What Makes It Special: Unlike other creamy pasta dishes, traditional carbonara creams are not used. Instead, cream egg yolk, pecorino romano cheese, and crispy pancetta combine fat. The smokey pancetta adds depth, while the rich, egg-based sauce completely coats every strand of pasta.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
- Pancetta: High-quality pancetta for the depth of the correct smoke color.
- Cheese: Pacorino Romano, tightened for the ideal balance of salt.
- Eggs: Creamy sauce is made with egg yolk, without using cream.
- Pasta: Perfectly al dente pasta to hold the sauce just right.
- Cooking: Toss the cooked pasta with the egg mixture off the heat to ensure a silky texture without scrambling the eggs.
Pairing Recommendations: A rich Italian white, like Frascati or a crisp prosecco, completely balances the cream of the dish.
3. Lasagna Alla Bolognese: Layers of Flavorful Heaven
Why It’s the Best: Lasagna Alla Bolognese is the ultimate rest. It is packed with hearty, filling, and rich, charming tastes that heat your soul. Layers of fresh pasta, Bolognese sauce, and béchamel sauce make it a multi-billion, indulgent dish that is sure to satisfy any longing
What Makes It Special: The bolognese sauce is cooked at a slower pace for hours to develop a rich depth of taste, and the creamy béchamel adds a velvet texture that is beautifully opposite with the meaty sauce. Each layer of pasta absorbs tastes, which improves every bite.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
- Bolognese Sauce: A rich mixture of ground beef, pork, carrots, onions, wine, tomatoes, and herbs, simmered to perfection.
- Béchamel Sauce: A smooth blend of butter, milk, and flour, adding luxurious creaminess to each layer.
- Pasta: Fresh pasta sheets that soak up the flavors and provide a perfect bite.
- Assembly: Alternating layers of pasta, Bolognese, and béchamel, baked until golden and bubbling.
Pairing Recommendations: A glass of red wine like Sangiovese or Barolo beautifully complements the prosperity of Lasagna.
4. Fettuccine Alfredo: A Creamy Dream Come True
Why It’s the Best: Fettuccine Alfredo is a consolation meal at its finest. It’s creamy, tacky, and flawlessly pleasurable, making it a fan-favored across generations. Its velvety texture and rich taste profile make it the perfect dish for those who crave indulgence without the heavy complexity.
What Makes It Special: The sauce is crafted from just butter, cream, and Parmesan, however, the magic is in how those substances come collectively. The sauce clings to each strand of fettuccine, developing a highly-priced feel in the mouth that’s tough to withstand.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
- Pasta: Fresh fettuccine, cooked al dente for the perfect bite.
- Butter: Melted gently to create the foundation of the sauce.
- Cream: Heated with butter for a rich, velvety texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated and added to thicken the sauce naturally.
- Cooking: Toss the hot pasta with the sauce until it is evenly coated and silky smooth.
Pairing Recommendations: A fresh glass of Chardonnay or a light pink like Pinot Noir allows reduction through the richness of the creamy Alfredo.
5. Osso Buco: A Slow-Braised Delight
Why It’s the Best: Osso Buco is a dish for the true gourmet. It’s slow-cooked for hours, and the result is melt-in-your-mouth veal shanks that absorb all the savory flavors of the broth and seasonings. Paired with a creamy risotto, it’s an unforgettable meal.
What Makes It Special: The gradual-braising technique guarantees that the meat is tender, juicy, and complete of flavor. The gremolata (a combination of lemon, parsley, and garlic) provides a clean zest that cuts through the richness, making each bite a balanced, flavorful revel in.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
- Veal Shanks: Slowly braised to achieve a fall-apart texture.
- Aromatics: Garlic, onions, rosemary, and tomatoes infuse deep flavor into the broth.
- White Wine: Enhances the richness while adding acidity for balance.
- Slow Cooking: The long, gentle braise allows the meat to absorb all the savory juices.
- Gremolata: A fresh topping of lemon zest, parsley, and garlic for a bright finish.
Pairing Recommendations: Osso Buco pairs splendidly with a tumbler of Barbaresco or any medium-bodied purple wine with earthy undertones.
6. Risotto alla Milanese: Creamy, Comforting Perfection
Why It’s the Best: Risotto alla Milanese strikes the perfect balance between creamy texture and aromatic flavor. The saffron not only gives it a beautiful golden hue but also infuses it with a distinct, earthy taste that complements the rich creaminess of the rice.
What Makes It Special: The way risotto is prepared—slowly cooking the rice in stock while stirring constantly—results in a creamy texture without making it mushy. The saffron adds a luxurious aroma that sets this dish apart, making it truly special.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
- Arborio Rice: High-starch rice that creates the perfect creamy texture.
- Saffron: Infused into the broth for a rich color and distinctive flavor.
- Stock-Based Cooking: Slowly cooked by adding warm broth in increments.
- Constant Stirring: Releases starches naturally, giving risotto its signature silkiness.
- Butter & Parmesan: Stirred in at the end for extra richness and depth.
Pairing Recommendations: Pair with a mild Pinot Grigio or a fruity Sauvignon Blanc to supplement the sensitive saffron flavor.
7. Eggplant Parmesan: Crispy, Cheesy, and Divine
Why this is the best: Eggplant Permesan provides a perfect combination of texture: Sharp, tender inside and smooth with melted cheese. It is a vegetarian’s dream that saves taste and satisfaction.
What makes it special: The Breading of Eggplant creates a sharp exterior that catches beautifully against the rich marinara sauce and melts mozzarella. This is the right balance between cordial and fresh, each bite gives you a satisfactory mix of taste and texture.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
- Eggplant: Sliced, breaded, and fried to achieve a crispy golden crust.
- Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato sauce that adds depth and acidity.
- Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan for a perfect melty, savory finish.
- Baking: Layered and baked until bubbly and golden brown.
Pairing Recommendations: Eggplant Parmesan pairs perfectly with a glass of Chianti or a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel.
8. Bruschetta al Pomodoro: Fresh and Flavorful Appetizer
Why This Is the Best
Bruschetta al Pomodoro is the epitome of simple elegance. The combination of ripe, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and pungent garlic atop a crispy, toasted baguette creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with Mediterranean goodness.
What Makes It Special
The magic of bruschetta lies in its balance. The toasted bread provides the perfect crunch, while the fresh tomatoes burst with juiciness. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the richness, and a hint of garlic adds an aromatic depth. Every bite offers a satisfying blend of crispness, acidity, and herbaceous freshness.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
- Tomatoes: Diced ripe tomatoes for a juicy, flavorful topping.
- Garlic: Minced garlic for a fragrant, slightly spicy kick.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a sweet and peppery contrast.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ties everything together.
- Baguette: Sliced and toasted until golden and crisp.
Pairing Recommendations
Bruschetta pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio.
9. Sicilian Cannoli: A Sweet Italian Tradition
Why This Is the Best
Sicilian cannoli are the ultimate indulgence, featuring a perfectly crispy shell filled with a luscious, sweet ricotta mixture. With a delicate crunch on the outside and a creamy, slightly tangy filling, every bite is a masterpiece of contrasting textures and rich flavors.
What Makes It Special
The light, crispy shell is fried to perfection, offering just the right amount of crunch. The filling, made with sweetened ricotta and hints of vanilla or citrus zest, provides a creamy and slightly tangy balance. Chocolate chips or candied fruit add a delightful surprise in every bite.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
- Pastry Shells: Crispy, fried dough tubes that provide a satisfying crunch.
- Ricotta Cheese: Sweetened and whipped for a creamy, smooth filling.
- Chocolate Chips: A touch of chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting for an elegant, sweet finish.
Pairing Recommendations
Enjoy cannoli with a glass of sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo or a rich espresso.
10. Tiramisu: A Light, Coffee-Infused Dessert
Why This Is the Best
Tiramisu is the ultimate Italian dessert, offering a delicate balance of creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s light yet indulgent, with layers of flavor that melt in your mouth.
What Makes It Special
The espresso-soaked ladyfingers provide a rich coffee flavor without overpowering sweetness. Mascarpone cheese adds a velvety, luscious texture, while a dusting of cocoa powder gives the perfect bittersweet contrast. It’s a dessert that gets better with every bite.
Ingredients & Cooking Method
- Mascarpone Cheese: Smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy.
- Ladyfingers: Soaked in espresso for a deep coffee flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: A final dusting for a rich, chocolatey finish.
Pairing Recommendations
Tiramisu pairs perfectly with a glass of Marsala wine or a classic Italian espresso.
A Taste of Italy in Beckley: Why Every Dish Matters
At Little Sicily, every dish is more than just food—it’s an invitation to experience the authentic flavors of Italy, proper, right here in Beckley. Our menu isn’t only a series of food; it’s a cautiously curated choice of dishes that constitute the very best of Italian cooking. Whether you’re playing a classic pizza or an indulgent pasta, each dish is made with ardor and crafted to offer a memorable revel.
From the simplicity of Pizza Margherita to the comforting layers of Lasagna alla Bolognese, we aim to convey Italy’s culinary background to lifestyles in every bite. The attention to detail, the use of sparkling, exquisite substances, and the time-examined recipes are just a few of the things that make our food extremely good. So whether you’re trying to find Italian meals near you or seeking to enjoy real flavors, Little Sicily is where culture meets flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Popular Italian Dish?
Besides pasta, pizza is perhaps the most popular and recognized Italian food. Pizza is considered a national symbol representing Italy to the rest of the world, so much so that UNESCO has acknowledged pizza as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
What Is Italy’s National Dish?
Ragu alla Bolognese, commonly known around the world as spaghetti bolognese, in its authentic form, ‘Ragu alla Bolognese’ is recognised as the national dish of Italy. Its origin can be traced back to Imola, a town near the city of Bologna, where a recipe was first recorded in the 18th century
What Is Real Authentic Italian Food?
Authentic Italian food uses fresh, seasonal produce in its dishes. This keeps things natural, and only quality ingredients make it into your meal. Plump tomatoes, crunchy asparagus, and aromatic basil help create those flavors for which Italian food is famous. Tender zucchini deserves its place on your plate too.
What Is The Traditional Dish For Italy?
One of the oldest and most traditional Italian dishes is saffron risotto. Also known as Risotto alla Milanese.
What Type Of Cuisine Does Little Sicily Offer?
Little Sicily offers authentic Italian cuisine, with a menu full of traditional favorites like pizza, pasta, and delicious desserts.
Do You Offer Vegetarian Or Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, we offer several vegetarian and gluten-free options, including dishes like Eggplant Parmesan and gluten-free pasta.
Final Thoughts
Italian delicacies are more than just a meal—they’re a mix of records, lifestyles, and passion. From the simplicity of a wonderfully baked Margherita pizza to the wealthy, gradual-cooked flavors of Osso Buco, each dish tells a tale of craftsmanship and lifestyle. The use of clean, exquisite elements mixed with time-venerated strategies is what makes Italian meals so cherished globally.
Whether you’re seeking out exceptional Italian restaurants near you or yearning for something genuine, come to us these days and discover the true flavors of Italy proper right here in Beckley.
